Mama and Papa have always warned their chicks never to have anything to do with strangers. But the sly fox disguises himself as a little lamb, and uses different tactics to try to trick the chicks into going with him. The cunning fox finally succeeds luring some of the chicks by promising delicious corn to them. Clucky, being the one who always listened to Papa and Mama, doesnt go along. After a horrifying experience, Cluckys sister escapes and realizes the importance of listening to parents and never talking to strangers. This cautionary tale stresses the importance of obeying parents and stranger danger. Virtues: Trust / Safety / Obedience to Parents The Sly Fox and the Chicks is such a different type of book. Sure, it impresses upon the heart of a child the great importance of obedience to parents; it gently reminds a youngster of the seriousness of safety and of not talking to strangers. Many books do that. This one, which is about a fox who tricks chicks into coming with him to find delicious corn for themselves, even after the chicks' parents have warned them not to talk to ANYONE they did not know, allows the full consequential outcome of one character's actions to be witnessed in plain view: the bad little chick got 'ate up'. How often do you see THAT in a book? I had to laugh because it is just so refreshing to see an author, Carl Sommer, be so true to real life; finally, some real representation of what really happens out there! No babying here! Now, fear not, because that is as 'gruesome' as things get and of course you see no violence/blood or the like. However, it leaves you somewhat startled to experience the finality of the life of the now-extinguished character. Just like the real world. At any rate, the book had a strong message, which left my children remembering what the point was: Trust Dad and Mom. Obey your parents because they have your best interest at heart. --Comments from Publisher, Gena Suarez ""The Old Schoolhouse magazine The book, ""The Sly Fox and the Chicks,"" by Carl Sommer, is about a family of chicks who are told ""Never talk to strangers, even if they are friendly."" Unfortunately, a couple of the chicks do not heed this warning, and end up being eaten by a sly fox in a lamb's disguise. This story uses a simple concept to teach children about ""stranger danger."" The story is easy to understand, but parents should be aware that there is more to discussing child safety with their children than ""never talk to strangers."" Children should understand what makes someone a stranger. Parents should also practice ""what if"" situations with their children. Give them the answers on what to do if they ever encounter dangerous situations. Child safety learning should become an integrated part of your child's everyday life. --My ParenTime Carl Sommer is a devoted educator and a successful businessman with a passion for communicating values and practical learning skills to children. As a successful businessman and educator, Sommer is eminently qualified to impart to students the principles necessary for success in an increasingly complex world. Following his passion, Sommer has authored books in many categories. His works include: the award-winning Another Sommer-Time Story series of childrens books and read-alongs that impart values and principles for success for children. The Another Sommer-Time Story Series of 20 character-building story books and read-alongs have won these awards: Teachers ChoiceTM Award, Moms Choice Award, ForeWord magazine Book of the Year Award, Benjamin Franklin Award, The Communicator Award, Family Review Center Gold Award, iParenting Media Award, and Family Choice Award. Many of these books have been translated into foreign languages. The Another Sommer-Time StoryTM series now has 24 books, and Advance Publishing is printing a bilingual version in English and Spanish. Sommer is also the founder and president of Digital Cornerstone, a recording and video studio. They have produced 24 Another Sommer-Time Adventure DVDs where Sommer reads the books and teaches character-building lessons. These videos are currently being shown around the world either on cable or streaming video by www.smileofachildtv.org, the largest childrens 24 hour TV program. Advance is also producing Quest for Success series, currently 12 character-building graphic novels for upper elementary students and reluctant readers in junior and senior high school. Born in 1930, Sommer is happily married since 1955 and has five children and 19 grandchildren (See the Sommer Family at 50th wedding anniversary).Sommer is an avid reader, and his hobbies are swimming and fishing. He exercises five times a week at home. He attends church faithfully, and thanks the Lord for his excellent health. Sommer has no plans to retire. He is in excellent health and continues to write and develop educational materials in Houston, Texas. Advance Publishings mission statement reveals Sommers passion and purpose: Pro