[.ca] If a Chicken Stayed for Supper (ISBN 0823420671)

MATERNAL INSTINCT COMES TO THE FORE:
A maternal instinct is both wonderful and mysterious. If that feeling is strong enough it not only applies to one's own offspring but also to other youngsters, especially those in need. Such is the case in Carrie Weston's warm and witty story. It was a clear night but very dark when Mother Fox kissed each of her five children goodbye saying, "We will have chicken for supper tonight!" She also warned them not to set any paws outside of their den and they promised. Well, you can imagine what happened when those five little rascals were left alone. They couldn't resist doing some exploring and pretty soon they were out playing in the woods. However, it was so dark that they soon feared one of them was lost. Unfortunately they couldn't count so weren't able to determine for sure whether they were four or five. Of course, they wept and did not know what to do. When Mother Hen heard their wailing she approached them, and took care of the matter by counting for them. Sure enough, all five were there. She led all of them back to their den. They begged her to come in with them, and she said, "Well, just for a minute or two." Oh-oh - a chicken in a fox's den? There's a lesson to be learned in this brightly illustrated book. - Gail Cooke