SUPER ROOSTER SAVES THE DAY

Ralph the rooster longs to be a superhero.

As evidenced by the many comic books scattered about his roost (along with Captain Eggplant and Shark Man posters), Ralph is thrilled by daring rescues and super strengths. He likes to believe he has some superpowers of his own. Unfortunately, they lack a bit of greatness. “He could crow and make the sun rise…but only when it wasn’t raining.” He is able to fly…but not very far. The other animals on the farm are not amused. In language littered with puns, they bemoan Ralph’s active imagination. “He’s udderly ridiculous,” says Caroline the cow. “You’re not pulling the wool over my eyes,” says Sheila the sheep. But one animal is Ralph’s best friend: Rosie the pig. Rosie is the most encouraging sidekick ever. When Ralph hears “The Chicken Dance” on the radio for the first time, Rosie hollers: “That dance is your super-duper rooster booster!” Super strength charges through Ralph as soon as he does all the moves! Unfortunately, he still has trouble judging what is a true disaster and what is not. Regardless, Ralph is ready. The amusing and bouncy refrain is a read-aloud treat: “Cheep-cheep-cheep! / Flap-flap-flap! / Wiggle-wiggle-wiggle, / and a clap-clap-clap!” McClurkan’s uncomplicated farm scenes emphasize the animals’ expressive faces (especially George the goat’s). (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 47% of actual size.)

Everyone has some secret powers hidden inside.