by Angela McAllister, ill. by Sally Anne Lambert

Barkus and Sly, two thieving foxy cousins, sneak into the hen house and steal three chickens for their supper. But the clever hens hatch a plan to escape the cooking pot by convincing the greedy pair that they can lay a golden egg. After they turn the thieves against each other, they escape in the confusion - but not before they find a way to return all the stolen loot to its rightful owners. This satisfying tale demonstrates how the weak can outwit the strong and how good can triumph over evil. First published in England under the title, The Baddies’ Goodies.