Chanticleer And Fox

adaptation and illustrations by Barbara Cooney

My oldest Kid Buckaroo owns chickens and a few roosters so I bring home every book on the subject I happen to see. Some are hits and some are misses.  Chanticleer And Fox, an adaptation of the Nun's Priest's Tale from Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" by Barbara Cooney, was a hit.

Chanticleer has a good life. He is the king of the barnyard, full of self-import and easily flattered.  A sly fox, full of tricks and flattery, convinces Chanticleer to close his eyes and only by quick-wit does the rooster avoid being supper. Much like the Aoesop fable 'The Fox and the Crow,' the  'Chanticleer And Fox' teaches us not to be lead by flattery.

Published in 1958 by Crowell.

Caldecott Medal  for illustration in 1959.  Notable Children's Books of 1940–1970.  Kerlan Award in 1992.

Chanticleer & the Fox King of the barnyard, Chanticleer struts about all day...