Chanticleer and the Fox: A Caldecott Award Winner

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Chanticleer and the Fox, an adaptation of the Nun's Priest's Tale, is a simple and delightful tale with a moral (or three) at the end. Chanticleer and the other characters learn about the dangers of failing to be watchful, talking when one should be silent, and trusting in flattery. Barbara Cooney's illustrations are simple and warm, yet she gives a glimpse of what life might have looked like for a family in the Middle Ages. The book is suitable for an early reader or for reading aloud to younger children, although older children and adults would enjoy it as well. If you want more Chaucer for older children, without the rhyme or Middle English, you might want to try The Canterbury Tales, Retold by Geraldine McCaughrean, Illustrated by Victor G. Ambrus. Some material in that book, however, might need some parental guidance for younger readers. Chanticleer and the Fox is appropriate for children of all ages.

We really enjoyed this book. It is easy to read and the illustrations are delightful. It is an abridgement of an important piece of history/literature or rather literature in history, it has some good discussion opportunities for talking about pride, "sneaky bad guys" and how to respond. It is fun teaching in a safe environment. I know some parents make their kids watch cop tv shows to "make them aware". Not my thing, but either way, if you want a book with teaching opportunities we are very pleased with this one.

This is a wonderful illustrated version of Chaucer's The Monk's Priest's Tale. The illustrations are wonderful and I think, that for kids, they really bring the story to life.The story has been tamed and contained in the pages of this book. It is not as outrageous as the one in the Canterbury Tales, and also not as comical, which, for me, was a loss. Nonetheless, my students enjoyed it very much, meaning that for kids it's perfect.

A classic book. I love the artwork and my kids love the story.

this is an excellent book for children that love creative stories.

Lovely illustrations for a story I remember reading as a kid. Slim hardcover book; I bought a used copy which is almost like new. The story is very simple, with the moral of not succumbing to flattery.

Excellent classic book about pride and rescue, stupidity and cleverness. We used it as a teaching tool in homeschooling our three girls, not only for writing short stories but as an example of good stylistic technique.

I wanted a child friendly version of a Canterbury Tale - this does that well. Illustrations are a little dated but it is fine. Arrived very promptly and in good condition too.

It’s not Chaucer, it’s “adapted from Geoffrey Chaucer”Otherwise, a very nice book.