Chauntecleer the Rooster Series by Walter Wangerin Jr.

Walter Wangerin's profound fantasy concerns a time when the sun turned around the earth and the animals could speak, when Chauntecleer the Rooster ruled over a more or less peaceful kingdom. What the animals did not know was that they were the Keepers of Wyrm, monster of evil long imprisoned beneath the earth ... and Wyrm, sub terra, was breaking free.

This sequel to the award-winning The Book of the Dun Cow stands on its own as a powerful work of literature. In this absorbing, highly original fantasy, Chauntecleer, Pertelote, and the other familiar characters of the Coop struggle to piece together their shattered lives in the aftermath of the terrible conflict with the dreaded Wyrm. But their respite is short-lived: Into this struggling community, Wyrm again insinuates himself, with dire consequences for all... moreThis sequel to the award-winning The Book of the Dun Cow stands on its own as a powerful work of literature. In this absorbing, highly original fantasy, Chauntecleer, Pertelote, and the other familiar characters of the Coop struggle to piece together their shattered lives in the aftermath of the terrible conflict with the dreaded Wyrm. But their respite is short-lived: Into this struggling community, Wyrm again insinuates himself, with dire consequences for all. The reappearance of the dog Mundo Coni unveils a darker mystery yet -- and the threat of a final horror when evil yields up its most devastating secrets. Told by a master storyteller, The Book of Sorrows is a taught and spellbinding tale that immerses readers in a variety of adventures -- heroic, humorous, and touching -- moving inexorably toward the final confrontation that decides the fate of the characters and their world. No one who reads it will remain unmoved. It explores the value and goodness of existence, the darker side of reality, and qualities of love, kindness, courage, and hope that can transform even "this troublous existence." Here is fast-paced fantasy filled with richly drawn characters and gripping excitement, set against a colorful, fully realized world, and with depth of meaning that will draw readers back again and again to ponder the images long after the final battle is waged between the forces of life and death. less

The long awaited conclusion to the National Book Award-winning "The Book of The Dun Cow" Trilogy, from Walter Wangerin, Jr.Praise for The Book of The Dun Cow"Belongs on the shelf with Animal Farm, Watership Down and The Lord of the Rings. It is, like them, an absorbing, fanciful parade of the war between good and evil." -Los Angeles TimesPraise for "The Second Book of The Dun Cow: Lamentations""[A] profoundly imagined and beautifully stylized fable of the immemorial war between good and evil... moreThe long awaited conclusion to the National Book Award-winning "The Book of The Dun Cow" Trilogy, from Walter Wangerin, Jr.Praise for The Book of The Dun Cow"Belongs on the shelf with Animal Farm, Watership Down and The Lord of the Rings. It is, like them, an absorbing, fanciful parade of the war between good and evil." -Los Angeles TimesPraise for "The Second Book of The Dun Cow: Lamentations""[A] profoundly imagined and beautifully stylized fable of the immemorial war between good and evil." -The New York TimesPertelote, widow of Chauntecleer the Golden Rooster, takes up his mantle as leader of the Animals as they seek safety from the great evil of the Wyrm and his children. Two other groups of Creatures are making their own journeys through the perilous land: Eurus the merciless yellow-eyed Wolf and his pack, and the sociable pair, Wachanga the Cream-Colored Wolf and her friend Kangi Sapa, the Raven. When Pertelote meets Wachanga and Kangi, she finds much-needed allies in her travels. Allies that become all the more valuable after cruel Eurus begins following the weary Animals with a murderous intent.When the Creatures converge on a hidden crater high in the mountains, they make a monumental discovery that may finally mean an end to their tribulations.The epic journey begun in "The Book of the Dun Cow" reaches its powerful conclusion in "The Third Book of the Dun Cow: Peace at the Last," proving the sacrifices of Chauntecleer and the Animals were not in vain. less