The Red Hen

Similar to their take on Chicken Little (VL-5/11), author Rebecca Emberley and her father illustrator Ed Emberley are back in this animated adaptation of their 2010 picture book based on the traditional folktale about effort and reward. Presented in a bold shade of red, the titular capon asks cat, rat, and frog bystanders for their assistance in making a cake, but finds they have no intention of helping to gather ingredients, mix, bake, or ice the “golden and sweet” dessert (“Not me…” is their piddling mantra). By the time the exasperated chick begins work on decorating the cake, “she pretty much knew what was coming” as far as the lazy lollygaggers were concerned…who unsurprisingly perk up when it's time to eat. Narrated by Walter Mayes, with a jaunty guitar soundtrack from Caleb Miles, this lesson on cooperation includes a read-along option and a recipe segment for “Simply Splendid Cake.” Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)