Review — Hidden Feast

By Kim Peek
Young Adult Books Central — May 23, 2006

The barnyard animals are invited to a neighboring farm for a party. After fun and games, they sit down to dinner and are disappointed to see big bowls of cornbread. Most of the animals are polite, but Rooster leaves without a thank you or a goodbye. The animals are in for a big surprise — and when Rooster hears about it, we discover why chickens scratch the dirt as they eat.

The Hidden Feast, with a surprise ending, is stuffed with Southern hospitality and idioms. Parents, educators and young readers will appreciate this story's African-American roots.

I am a big fan of illustrator Don Tate. I always appreciate Mr. Tate's use of perspective (see Summer Sun Risin' and Black All Around). In The Hidden Feast, he does not disappoint. Whether we're looking Rooster in the eye or viewing the cornbread like a dog beneath the table begging for scraps, the illustrations bring this story to life.

Title Details: The Hidden Feast
Author: Martha Hamilton
Author: Mitch Weiss
Illustrator: Don Tate
Interest Level: GR K-3

#   #   #

About August House

Recently recognized as one of "America's 101 Top Independent Publishers," August House is a highly-acclaimed and award-winning multimedia publisher of children's stories and folktale anthologies. August House's is based in Atlanta, GA.

August House Media Contact

Rob Cleveland
404-442-4422