by Kate DiCamillo
pictures by Harry Bliss
narration by Barbara Rosenblat
Harper Collins, 2008. 56 pgs.
Reading Level: ages 4-8
Hardcover: $17.99 / Audio: $50.00
Annotation: Louise is no ordinary chicken and her many adventures involve pirates, the circus and even a tall, dark stranger.
Summary: Louise longs for adventure and so without further ado she leaves the henhouse and sets out for the high seas. But sailing is no picnic and soon the sailors spy pirates in the distance. Being captured by pirates is certainly an adventure, espcially when the pirates begin arguing about how best to cook her. Luckily though, before matters can progress much further, a storm brews and the ship capsizes. Fortunately, Louise manages to cling to a piece of timber and after seven days at sea, finds herself on land again and walks all the way back to the henhouse. Louise is content for awhile, until the urge to adventure seizes her again and she follows the bright lights to the circus. Louise is content to be a tightrope walker, but after awhile it loses it's thrill and it's only when a lion escapes that she finds true adventure. She narrowly escapes the lion's jaws and decides to head home, before the ringmaster can use her in his unique and death defying act. Her next adventure involves a strange, foreign land where she is imprisoned by a tall, dark stranger in a room full of other chickens. Picking the lock is no problem for Louise and she helps free the rest of the birds. Finding her way home again, Louise is met by the rest of the chickens who beg her to tell them of her adventures and Louise happily obliges.
Evaluation: Talking animals are always charming and Louise is no exception. But, it's Barbara Rosenblat's vivid narration which makes this book an Odyssey award favorite. With page turn signals and Rosenblat's upper-crust accent, Louise the french chicken comes to life. Appropriate music plays in the background for each adventure and the sounds of the sea, the circus and the market fill the air and make the adventures authentic. I was very impressed with Rosenblatt's pirate voices and thought there must be multiple narrators for sure. But no, it's simply Rosenblatt's broad range and exceptional skill that make this story a wonderful pick for young readers. Additionally, because the CD comes packaged with the book, it's a fun way to teach reading and should be a sure hit for girls and boys.
Significance: Having adventures is great and we all crave some excitement once in a while, but it's always nice to come home again to your family, your friends and your very own bed / henhouse.
Personal Choice: Louise is my middle name. I never liked it growing up, but came to appreciate it later on when I learned it was French, just like Louise.
Awards: Odyssey Honor Award, 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment