Title: Cranky Chicken
Author/Illustrator: Katherine Battersby
Publisher, Copyright/Release Date: Simon & Schuster, 2021
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1534469884
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Summary and Thoughts: Cranky Chicken is… cranky. Chicken has no friends. Chicken has no family. Chicken is alone. It all starts with the kick of a leaf in her way and suddenly Chicken has a new worm friend named Speedy. They become fast, best feather friends and the rest is this book is a tale of their little friendship.
This cute little tale of friendship has many similar feelings found in the Owly books (this was the first thing to pop into my mind when I read this one but maybe it’s the worm). There is getting to know each other and tales of teamwork. Unlike Owly, this book has words and it’s more about two lonely creatures figuring out this thing called friendship. Speedy is determined to help Cranky Chicken just be Chicken and content. Chicken is willing to explore what it means to be happy. Little readers will instantly relate to the feelings of making friends and it has some great examples of how to talk to friends to get to know them better. (If only making friends were that simple for us adults.)
Peppered throughout the book are small nods to popular culture, but nothing that will date this book. It will remain a timeless book about making friends and getting to know your new friends.
Fans of Elephant & Piggie, Narwhal & Jelly, and Owly will find a lot to love in this book. If you’re looking for early reader graphic novels or graphic novels for preschoolers, this is a good fit.
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Recommended Audience: Publisher says 6-9 years. I’d recommend this to 3-5 years as well (read aloud or independent reading).
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Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
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Source: Library copy
Library Elf Reads 