The Millionth Egg

This offbeat picture book features a flock of zany hens busily preparing for a great occasion--the laying of their millionth egg. As the moment approaches, a hysterical hen, Rhoda, announces that the farmer is planning to tear down their beloved barn and build a restaurant. The frazzled fowl nearly dissolve in self-pity until (the now energized) Rhoda proposes a puzzling solution: ``I'll write a play.'' When the farmer views their hastily mounted production--which concerns a group of hens displaced when their ``home'' is sold--he is overcome with emotion and tearfully promises never to part with the barn. The chickens cheer, and soon cheer again as Celia hen lays the millionth egg. All live happily ever after, working together at the farmer's new ``EGGS-press CAFE.'' Humorous asides add to the fun, and cartoony line drawings highlighted with splashes of watercolors aptly portray the goofy chickens. Ages 5-8. (Mar.)