Wake Up, Henry Rooster! Margriet Ruurs. Illustrated by Sean Cassidy. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2006. 32 pp., cloth, $19.95. ISBN 1-55041-952-8. Subject Heading: Roosters-Juvenile fiction. Preschool-grade 2 / Ages 4-7. Review by Reesa Cohen. Reviewed from f&g's. **** /4

excerpt:

When he was a baby rooster, Henry loved to sleep in. During the night he screamed and hollered like a skinny pig. But in the morning, when all the farm awoke, Baby Henry slept as quiet as a lamb.

As Henry grows up, little changes about his sleep habits. Henry is just not a morning Rooster! He is a night animal that just wants to have fun. Everyone in the family, from his dad and mom to his aunties and older sisters, is concerned, and they nag him. When Henry's dad has to leave for a Rooster's convention, the responsibility for waking the farm at the crack of dawn is given to Henry. But rising early to perform this important duty is a mostly nasty business, especially when Henry is up late playing cards with the goats, popping corn with the pigs or dancing with the cows. His aggravated mom has to drag him our of bed each morning to do the Rooster's special job. Chaos ensures, and everyone blames Henry. What is a "night person" to do? A wise old goat helps Henry by providing a brilliant solution.

     This title, as in previous Ruurs' stories of Emma, showcases her humour and storytelling abilities which result in the creation of quirky animal characters. Once again, she imbues the animal world with distinct human failings that speak clearly to the younger set. The wildly depicted and colourful animals match the amusing storyline. Using acrylic paints, Sean Cassidy creates double page spreads which bring to life this delightful and, at times, hilarious text. In the skillful hands of Cassidy, recipient of the Mr. Christie's' Book Award and the Ruth Schwartz Award, the sleep deprived Henry, the partying animals and the wise old goat will have all readers chuckling.

Highly Recommended.

Reesa Cohen is an Instructor of Children's Literature and Information Literacy at the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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