Our household has been battling some winter sinus-yuckiness as of late; and while I was hugging a box of tissues this weekend, this book kept coming to mind. I have a handful of what I consider excellent sick-day books. When you feel yucky, some giggle-inducing entertainment is wonderful medicine. This book delivers every time. Here is Rooster Can’t Cock-a-Doodle-Doo by Karen Rostoker-Gruber, illustrated by Paul Rátz de Tagyos, 2004.
The story begins when Rooster awakens with a terrible cold and he can barely make a sound with such an aching throat. Now, if you are a rooster on a farm, this is dreadful news! The animals and Farmer Ted are depending on the poor little guy to begin their day.
Starting with the hens, Rooster awakens the animals group by group and they put their heads together to come up with a way to alert Farmer Ted to the situation.
Successful at last, Farmer Ted gets up much later than normal, so the animals must band together once again to help him finish all the chores on time.
But not Rooster, of course. In my favorite image of the book, the sore-throated fowl gets some much needed rest, and tea!
This book is downright hilarious. Karen Rostoker-Gruber’s text sets the stage and Paul Rátz de Tagyos illustrations really knock it out of the park. The text is filled with word puns that make it great fun to read aloud. Things like the sheep baaing “Probaaably not.” My favorite parts however, are the incredibly expressive animals. Using just pencil, ink, and marker; Rátz de Tagyos has created an amusing troop of barnyard friends. There is no end to the expressions, stances, comical props, and hidden gestures to be found in all the scenes. I shouldn’t really expect less though considering how cleverly humorous Paul Rátz de Tagyos’ website is, where he has fabulously titled himself as “The Most Complicated Name in Children’s Books.”
Also, be sure to check out his site for the behind the scenes making of pictures from this book. They are great for an extra laugh!
I sincerely hope the winter crud stays far from your home; but if it does find you, be sure to cuddle up with good old Rooster and the barnyard troop for some giggles. And don’t forget the tea with honey!
Three Books a Night 
Looks like you pegged another winner.
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Dear Caryn,
Thank you sooooo much for the great review! I don’t know if you know this, but I didn’t get to talk, e-mail, text, or write to Paul until the book was done. I had no idea what he was capable of. Everytime I look at my own book, I find new things that I never noticed before.
Did you know that there is poop in my book. When I saw that I freaked out. I called Paul and he said, “Well, it happens.” Hah!
Also, it cracks me up that the pig are reading “Stench” magazine, “Pink” magazine, and “Filthy Living.”
He is hysterical. He is also a Howard Stern impersonator and looks just like him.
K
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Oh, it is lovely to hear from you! What fun background information on the process. Whoever set the two of you up for this book made an excellent choice! I find new things every time I look at it too. Thanks for such a fun and enjoyable story!
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