But one morning Rooster oversleeps, and the unthinkable happens. The sun rises without him! How can this be? What is his Gift, if it's not to make the sun rise? With the help of Smallest Hen, proud Rooster learns just what it is that makes him special.

Veteran author Pam Conrad's delightfully funny and heartwarming tale of self-affirmation is gloriously brought to life with Eric Beddows' rich illustrations.Rooster has a special Gift. He believes that when he calls ‘ Cot Cot Cot Ca-toodle tooooo’ he makes the sun come up. All the chickens, especially Smallest Hen, are in awe. And Rooster is pretty proud of his Gift as well . . . too proud. Until one morning he oversleeps, and the sun rises without him! Pam Conrad is in top form with this heartwarming story of self-affirmation and unconditional love that’ s as funny and endearing as Ferdinand the Bull. The artwork by Eric Beddows is as glorious and inspiring as a sunrise.

1996 Children’ s Books (NY Public Library)
1996 Choices: The Year’ s Best Books (Publishers Weekly)
Notable Children’ s Books of 1997 (Booklist)Rooster has a special Gift. He believes that when he calls ‘ Cot Cot Cot Ca-toodle toooo