Janet Morgan Stoeke
Contact author
Janet Morgan Stoeke at:
stoekej@verizon.net
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Loopy Coop News








Here is a spread from the newest Loopy Coop story.

"Letting Go" will be the third story in the series.
 **TWO STARS!
    Both School Library Journal and Publisher's Weekly
    LOVE the trio of goofy hens.

    School Library Journal The clueless chickens from
    The Loopy Coop Hens (Dial, 2011) return. Spying the
    farm truck, Pip decides she wants to go for a ride and
    see the wide world; Midge and Dot aren’t so sure. Pip
    climbs into the bed of the truck, but she doesn’t reckon
    on the loud noise, shaking, and general scariness that
    occur when the truck’s engine starts. She covers her
    eyes and endures, thinking she’s moving, only to be
    assured by her friends when she climbs out that the
    truck hasn’t budged at all–the farmer was only
    repairing the engine. She and her fellow hens sit in the
    stationary wheelbarrow instead, because, she
    explains, “everything I want to see is right here.” With
    thick black lines and bright colors, Stoeke’s whimsical
    illustrations bring the charming characters to life. The
    economy and humor of the text combined with a lovely
    message make this book a winner.–Kathleen Kelly
    MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

    Publishers Weekly loves it, too . . .

The Loopy Coop Hens are back and curious about the “wide
world” beyond the farm; the farmer’s red truck, though it’s
loud and scary, is just the ticket. But Pip ends up alone in the
truck—and it starts rumbling. Stoeke’s chapter-style
headings and simple sentences give early readers sure
footing while conveying the hens’ personalities and
emotions, as Pip’s bravado turns to fear, pride,
disappointment, and eventually contentment. As lovably
oblivious—but also supportive of each other—as ever,
Stoeke’s hens remain a winning trio. Ages 3–5.

    This is what Kirkus has to say:

Three hens look at a pick-up truck and dream of flight.

This title marks the return of Pip, Midge and Dot, three hens
in Stoeke’s long-running battery of chicken tales. They are an
endearing triumvirate, if massively untutored in the ways of
the world. Here, Pip gazes upon the farmer’s truck and
visions of going “out into the wide world” dance in her wee
brain. The others are game but a bit queasy…and, frankly,
that truck is awful loud. Comes the moment of truth, with Pip
bounding off Midge’s head into the truck bed, when Midge
and Dot balk, leaving Pip alone in the truck. The truck roars
to life, and Pip throws a blanket over her head and behaves
like a chicken until the motor stills. She peeks out and,
relieved, sees Midge and Dot. Pip struts a bit—“I was so
brave”—until she is told the truck went nowhere; it was just
turned on and off. Before embarrassment sneaks in, they
clap Pip on the back and exclaim at her bravery anyway: She
got in the truck! It was loud! Such good comrades, such
unconditional love. Stoeke’s sweeps of sherbet colors
create a beckoning world, one broken into short chapters
and simple text, which make this a bright challenge for early
readers.

The lack of perfection is rarely so comically gladdening.
(Picture book. 3-5)
She's Ba-a-a-ack!

The original tale of our silly chicken has been
reissued with a new cover design in both hard
cover and paperback editions. This is in
response to librarian and indy booksellers'
input! Thank you for speaking up!