"There were lots of them,
they were hairy,
they were wet,
they were too big.
NO!
There was no room for them.
But the capybaras couldn’t go home
because hunting season had begun."
Love the reds! The endpapers are red; the roof on the chicken house is red; the combs on the chickens' heads are red; the hunters' ball caps are red. The attention of young readers is captured immediately.
Quite a lot is happening. Inside that hen house, the eggs are laid in clean, hay-lined nests ... except for one. The chickens leave their nests to peck about in the chicken yard. They are well-fed, content and comfortable with the lives they lead. Occasionally a chicken is removed from their flock, along with all the eggs the farmer collects. It is their way of life until the capybaras arrive.
Discussion follows with the rooster and hens, and decisions are made. The chickens have never seen them before, and they don't like them. They make the determination that whatever they are, they are not welcome. The capybaras may have no choice but to stay, but the chickens will make the rules.
1. Don't make any noise.
2. Don't come out of the water.
3. Don't come near the food.
4. Don't question the rules.
2. Don't come out of the water.
3. Don't come near the food.
4. Don't question the rules.
Pretty cut and dried, until two of the little ones break the rules by becoming friends. They spend happy time together until they are discovered, and a mother hen quickly puts a quick stop to any fraternization. When the farmer's snarling dog threatens the chick, its friend comes to the rescue and a new understanding between the two species ensues.
When hunting season ends with hunters returning home empty-handed, the farmer discovers that his chickens have disappeared. Only readers will know what has happened ... and what happens next!
Absolutely wonderful!
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