Petook: An Easter Story

Petook: An Easter Story

Petook and Martha, proud parents of twelve chickens, are visited by a stranger, and years later, they learn the meaning of Easter when they witness that stranger lifted onto a cross, as another batch of Martha's eggs hatchFrom Publishers WeeklyPetook the rooster is very happyhe and Martha the hen have just become the proud parents of 12 of the yellowest, fluffiest, brightest-eyed chicks ever born. When he learns that a boy is walking through the garden toward Martha and the chicks, Petook frantically runs to protect his family. He need not have worried; the boy is kind and entranced by the chicks. Many years later, Petook spends a restless night and wakes at dawn to see three crosses high on the distant hill of Calvary. He doesn't know, of course, that one of the men being crucified is the same boy who visited Petook's family so long ago. On Easter morning, three days later, a new brood of chicks hatches, and once again Petook crows for joy. This tale is one of the most evocative Easter stories ever written; it conveys not only the joy of new life but also the simplicity and gentleness of a boy who grew up to be a great leader. As in his earlier illustrations for religious stories, dePaola proves himself to be a master at blending religious reverence with familiar details. The sun-drenched colors, accented with vibrant reds and yellows, reflect the serenity of the story and subtly draw the reader's attention to the beauty and inner message of Easter. Ages 5-8.Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.From School Library JournalPreSchool-Grade 3 Petook is a snowy white rooster immensely proud of his wife's new brood of chicks and quick to protect them from an intruding young boy. But as soon as he sees the child kneeling in wonder by the hen with her chicks gathered under her wings, Petook is soothed and crows happily. Years afterward, Petook, whose home is in sight of Calvary's hill, is awaiting another hatching and becomes strangely agitated when he sees men being lifted onto the crosses there. But three days later on Easter morning, as the first chick bursts forth from its shell, Petook is inspired to rejoice with a veritable symphony of crows, celebrating the mystery of new life. Beautifully written in poetic, pictorial language and illustrated with dePaola's usual mastery, this oblique view of the Easter miracle touches upon Christian themesthe gentleness of the boy Jesus, the symbolism of the hen and chickens, the mystical joy of resurrection and renewalwith delicate sensitivity. The pictures, with their elegantly simplified forms and clear, soft colors, are arranged with dynamic symmetry in an arresting layout and have a timeless, meditative quality perfect for their theme. Patricia Pearl, First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, Va.Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.