FICTION

Hatch, Little Egg

tr. from French by Karen Li. illus. by Édouard Manceau. 32p. Owlkids. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781771470773. LC 2014932280.
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PreS-Gr 3—Animals arrive by car, by bus, and by motorcycle, with cameras in hand, to see a little bird hatch. They gather around eagerly, and then—a pig pops out of the egg. Rather than being impressed by this unexpected turn of events, the audience walks away in disappointment. The pig removes its costume to reveal a little bird who just wanted to hatch in peace. The collage artwork is engaging, depicting a variety of expressive animals and vehicles in bright colors. Young children may not understand or appreciate the humor of a hatchling thwarting the paparazzi, though parents will. A supplemental purchase for smaller collections, but a good addition for larger libraries where Manceau's previous work is popular.—Martha Link Yesowitch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, NC
A number of animals eagerly travel to see an egg hatch, but "What on earth...?"--a pig pops out instead. (A satisfying twist reveals that it's a chick in a pig costume.) Sharp cut-paper illustrations picture the animals dressed like tourists with sporty clothes and cameras in tow. The spare text adds humor that subtly spoofs mass-media attention.

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