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Barbara Cooney

book cover for Ox-Cart Man

illustrated by Ms. Cooney
written by Donald Hall

Caldecott Award Winner for 1980
The settlers and pioneers of this country had a relatively different life from ours. This book portrays the simplicity and hard work of that life and the rewards the life could provide and is a wonderful example of independence and industry.
The Ox-Cart Man loads up his cart with the many items his family have made during the past year. Wool from sheep, candles, linen, shingles, brooms, food, maple sugar, clothes, etc., all produced by his family from the animals or grown and harvested. He drives the cart to town and sells everything, including the ox and cart. He buys things his family cannot make and returns home. They spend the rest of the year growing, making and harvesting and preparing for the next time the Ox-Cart man goes to market. These hardy settlers are portrayed in rich warm water colors reminiscent of illustrations made in the very world depicted.

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CHANTICLEER AND THE FOX
Now has a review
adapted from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales
Caldecott Award Winner for 1959
This retelling of the Canterbury Tale of Chanticleer and Fox is a delightfully illustrated version with the moral intact. The illustrations include characters dressed in the clothing appropriate for the era in which the Canterbury Tales originated. There are fewer colors in this book than many produced today, yet this does not detract from the illustrations. The colors are used to draw the eye to what is important in each picture instead of filling the page with elaborate distractions and also allows the reader to appreciate the beauty of pen and ink drawing.
On the advice of his favorite hen, Chanticleer ignores his own instincts and open an opportunity for a fox to catch him using flattery. He gets away by using his wits. He learned his lesson. The fox tries to flatter him again, but Chanticleer wouldn't be lured from his safe perch. The moral of the story is two-fold encouraging reliance on the preservation instinct and to not be fooled by flattery. The tale has weathered well and is still thoroughly enjoyable.

May I Suggest ... ? Favorite Books and Authors

May I Suggest ... ?
Favorite Books and Authors