PreSchool-K-In her trademark, deceptively simple style, Hutchins has created yet another winning tale full of child appeal. Hen, Duck, and Goose decide to take advantage of the lovely weather and go for a picnic. Lurking at the edge of the field through which the trio sets out is a gray mouse. When Hen sets the basket down in the spot she favors, the mouse hops in. Duck objects to Hen's selection of a site and the group moves forward with the hungry mouse as hidden cargo in the basket. When Duck picks the next picnic area, out hops the mouse, but in hops a rascally squirrel. This scenario is repeated again with the squirrel being replaced by a rapacious rabbit. The trio's circular route brings them home again and they're mystified by their empty basket. After replenishing their supplies, the clueless threesome sallies forth once more with the wily rodents in tow and their second picnic in peril. The genius of the story is that the visual narrative depicts the thieving rodents' antics while the actual text gives not a clue as to what is happening to the contents of the basket. Children will giggle and enjoy a sense of superiority by knowing what the bumbling fowls do not. Bold, simply rendered illustrations colored by straightforward primary shades tell the story with wonderful clarity. A first-rate purchase.
Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA.