title: The Bowlegged Rooster: And Other Tales That Signify
author:  Joyce Carol Thomas 
description: Kindergarten-Grade 5-These five short stories set in Possum Neck, MS, center around proud Papa Rooster and his chick. In "The Bald-Headed Buzzard," the animals all learn a lesson about appearances, and in "Christmas in the Barnyard," father and son get a special surprise from their friends. Although the plots are not always terrifically involving, the animals' personalities and the bustling atmosphere of the barnyard make these tales appealing. Thomas's lively language features colorful phrasing and the characters express themselves with joy and verve, often breaking out in little songs and chants. Baby Rooster's birth in the first chapter comes to life with his father's bragging, Lizard's fiddle playing, and a chorus of bullfrogs that celebrate the event. The creatures that interact in these yarns are often foolish, but also endearing, and convey a strong sense of community. Full-page pencil illustrations add to the fun. Though a good choice for independent readers, this collection really sparkles when read aloud. Papa Rooster and his neighbors have much in common with the avian characters from Virginia Hamilton's When Birds Could Talk and Bats Could Sing (Scholastic, 1996), though the stories here are simpler.<br /><i>Steven Engelfried, Deschutes County Library, Bend, OR </i><br />Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
zlib_text: **Alvin Maker 1 - Seventh Son**
  
  >  **Alvin Maker 1 - Seventh Son**
  
  > SEVENTHSON
  
  > SEVENTH SON
  
  > The Tales of Alvin Maker, Volume 1
  
  > by Orson Scott Card
  
    
  
  > © 1987 by Orson Scott Card
  
  >  **Alvin Maker 1 - Seventh Son**
  
  > **Chapter One—Bloody Mary**
  
  > Little Peggy was very careful with the eggs. She rooted her hand through the
  > straw till her fingers bumped something hard and heavy. She gave no never
  > mind to the chicken drips. After all, when folk with babies stayed at the
  > roadhouse, Mama never even crinkled her face at their most spetackler
  > diapers. Even when the chicken drips were wet and stringy and made her
  > fingers stick together, little Peggy gave no never mind. She just pushed the
  > straw apart, wrapped her hand around the egg, and lifted it out of the brood
  > box. All this while standing tiptoe on a wobbly stool, reaching high above
  > her head. Mama said she was too young for egging, but little Peggy showed
  > her. Every day she felt in every brood box and brou