The author of such delights as The Christmas Ark and The Enchanted Tapestry joins forces with illustrator Pinkney to resurrect a colorful folktale that captures the unique flavor of the American South. A 1989 Caldecott Honor Book.Two sisters lived down Louisiana way long ago: Rose, who was unpleasant, mean, and the older of the two; and her younger sister, Blanche, who was “sweet and kind and sharp as forty crickets.” Guess who has to do all the work for Rose and their mother? Blanche’s kind and obedient nature finally pays off when she helps an old woman who has magical powers–and a chicken house full of talking eggs containing treasures for those who do as they’re told: gold and silver, jewels, silk dresses, satin shoes, “even a handsome carriage that grew in a wink from the size of a matchbox….” Robert D. San Souci’s lively, humorous retelling of this Creole folktale abounds with colorful expressions, and Jerry Pinkney’s full-page illustrations make us believe in the marvels that Blanche finds, even the two-headed cow, square-dancing rabbits, and rainbow-colored chickens! This inspired collaboration, a 1989 Caldecott Honor Book, will delight young readers who like a captivating story with a strong heroine and a dash of mystery. (Ages 5 to 10) –Marcie Bovetz

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