Mediopollito/Half-Chicken

Mediopollito/Half-Chicken. Alma Flor Ada. Illus. by Kim Howard. New York: Delacorte Press, 1995. 37 pages. $15.95 (Hardback). ISBN 0-385-32044-2. Grades K- 3. Bilingual.

Do you know why there are roosters on weather vanes? You will after reading this traditional Mexican folktale retold by Alma Flor Ada. Mediopollito, or Half-Chicken, was born with only one leg, one wing, one eye, and half of the feathers as other chicks. Rather than shun this unique animal, everyone was in awe of him. Mediopollito liked this and went to show himself to the Mexican viceroy. On the way he helped water, fire, and wind; and these new friendships were responsible for saving his life and for the rooster on the weather vane. This traditional, yet silly tale is enriched by the bright, two-dimensional illustrations of Kim Howard. The pictures give the farm animals, town’s people, and elements new life and will draw readers in. This bilingual story also encourages the sharing of the tale in two languages, making it a great addition to a bilingual collection. Recommended.