THE ROOSTER WHO WENT TO HIS UNCLE'S WEDDING

A cumulative tale that echoes ``The Old Woman and Her Pig.'' Since the debonair rooster is so busy preening his feathers and polishing his beak that he skips breakfast, the kernel of corn he finds on his way to the wedding is tempting, though it's in a puddle. Seizing it, he muddies his shiny beak, and the trouble begins. The grass refuses to clean the beak; the dog won't bite the lamb that won't eat the grass—and so on, until the sun, grateful for the rooster's daily song, starts to dry out the water, which starts to put out the fire.... This Latin American variant is gentler than the familiar tale, but just as lively. Kuchera's decorative illustrations, with whimsical personifications (especially of the grass, fire, and water) and the elegantly stylized rooster in lemon, emerald, and flame against a brilliant blue sky, are splendid. An unusually appealing readaloud. (Folklore/Picture book. 3-8)