The Hidden Feast

by Martha Hamilton Beauty & the Beast, Mitch Weiss, Don Tate (Illustrator)

Barnyard animals learn a lesson about manners and passing judgments in this moral tale drawn from Joel Chandler Harris' Uncle Remus stories. -Booklist Review When the barnyard animals are invited to a party by their neighbors, they dress in their Sunday best and set off for a day of merriment. But when dinnertime arrives, the famished animals are perplexed to find a simple meal of cornbread. Most of them are polite but Rooster turns his beak up in disgust and rudely leaves the party, missing the treasures hidden for the guests. The surprising twist at the end of the story explains why, ever since, Rooster scratches in the dirt. Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss capture the rhythms and idioms of this rural Southern tale, and Don Tate's whimsical acrylics serve up a regular hoedown of fun. This barnyard story teaches readers about sharing, caring and fairness.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2006

Reviews

[Shikara Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was another one I pulled off the library shelf just because it had barnyard animals on it. My four year old is not hard to please =) This tale is of a group of barnyard animals that get invited to a party by their friends at a neighboring farm. The animals are excited and have a great time at the fiesta dancing, playing games, and enjoying one another's company-that is until dinner and they are served a big ole plain bowl of cornbread. Not all the animals respond well to such a lackluster meal and end up missing out on a hidden treat. Text-To-Teaching Connection: This story is a wonderful example of what being patient and kind can get you. I would break the class up in small groups with instructions to make a small play about what COULD have been done differently in that situation. This makes room for conversation about feelings and dealing with negative emotions and conflict when they arise.

[Jesa Burgoyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

May’s Wheel of TBR
Listen to a audiobook.

[Darlena Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will definitely share this story with the kindergartners at my school. They will really like all the animal behavior. The drawings are GREAT!