Chicken Little: A Hilarious Classic Picture Book about a Chain Reaction of Panic for Children

by Steven Kellogg

"The sky is failing! The sky is failing!" Chicken Little and her feathered friends are all aflutter when she gets a mysterious bump on the head. Steven Kellogg's hilarious retelling and irresistible illustrations bring fresh delight to this timeless classic of chain reaction panic.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Classics, Humor, Folklore

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Steven Kellogg is an author and illustrator who has contributed over 90 books for children. He is best known for writing books about animals, for which he credits his grandmother .

Reviews

[Farideh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read different versions of this old European folk tale and read one of them on thefablecottage.com, which I liked the most.
The ending on this website is very sad and completely different from what I've read in other books, but it is more informative.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another retelling of Chicken Little, and how she starts a panic among the fowl within her community with her stating that the sky is falling. Foxy Loxy is nearby, and uses this opportunity of fear and panic to devise a plan to fill his larder. His plan comes to an end when Foxy Loxy is recognized under his disguise for what and who he is, and doesn't get to use his collection of recipes.

[Isabella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Its a good book for little kids like 3 to 7 mabye.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great alternate story of Chicken Little. Kellogg's wonderful illustrations and his typical humor and interesting way of interpreting folk tales.

[Taiba Hussain]

This story is very old and well known. I used it during literacy t get the children to read along with me. This is the story of a little chicken that thought the sky was falling down after an acorn fell on his head. He convinced many other animals including a duck and a fox that the sky was falling down.
The reason I used this story was because it had a simple pattern that the children could easily follow. This helped the less confident students become more comfortable in reading to me. Children found it easy to get into and once they understood the pattern they seemed to read this story more easily than others. The illustrations are extremely pleasing to the eye and help in keeping the story interesting. A nice quick read for all foundation stage children!

[Shaunda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was really little, this was probably my favorite book. My mom always tells me that I would get her to read it to me (over and over and over...), but if she missed even a word, I would make her start again, because I knew the whole book by heart and wanted it read to me exactly as it was written! lol... That is so me!

[Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the author cheated the fox out of a good meal. It was unrealistic.

[Allison Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRADITIONAL LITERATURE
Title: Chicken Little Author: Steven Kellog.

How would you describe the plot? A little chicken learns the importance of telling the truth.

How would you describe the characters? Farm animals personified so they're easier to relate to.

What is the main conflict? No one will listen to the little chicken.

What is the main theme? Remaining calm and not causing panic.

How would you describe the author’s style? This story is a classic and has been revisited many times over the years. This is just one of the versions that exist.

What point of view does the author use? Third person.

Share your thoughts on the design and layout of the book. I really enjoy the classics. This one was really nostalgic for me.

What lessons could you teach with this text? This would be a good book to practice identifying conflict and other parts of the story with.

Please provide at least two of the Arkansas State Standards you would use in a lesson.
RL.K.4 Craft and Structure. Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.

L.K.5 Vocabulary Acquisition and Use. With guidance and support from adults, explore word relationships and nuances in word meanings. L.K.5.A Sort common objects into categories (e.g., shapes, foods) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.

What is your overall assessment of the book?
It's a classic that has survived throughout the years. I recommend it.

[Rylee Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

The layout of ​pages 8 and 9 search deeper into Chicken Little's relationship with her friends as they try to make sense of her panic statement about the sky falling. Through buddy reading, readers can search the motion between Chicken Little and her friends, gaining the understanding of their character and the progress of the plot. The historical fiction elements in these pages may offer a quick look into the characters' backgrounds or the general standards of the village, improving the general reading experience. Additionally, the fantasy elements might become more noticeable, inspiring and the curiosity in young readers as they navigate the quirky and playful views of the story. The village setting is likely further described in these pages, providing a realistic background for the stretched out events and strengthening the readers' involvement in the story. By making use of these specific pages, educators and students can take out important topics and experiences from the text while enjoying many different parts of the reading involvement.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: In this version of Chicken Little, Foxy Loxy lures every type of poultry into his “poulice car” after an accident has happened. Once they understand what is happening, the different poultry calls on a helping character to get them out of their situation and Foxy is sent to prison.
Evaluation: The illustrations were very well drawn for this book. They were a bit graphic, however they lined up perfectly with the text on each page. It was a funny twist on the story of Chicken Little and was fun to read.
Teaching Idea: Using this story in your classroom, students can compare and contrast two different versions of the story to show how a story can be changed slightly but also have similar characteristics. This teaches students different ways to compare and contrast two things and that skill can be applied to any subject.

[Josh Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, because many reasons, the biggest being the cultural lure of the book, as it is so popular. I've seen the movie as a kid and it surprised me that it was an actual folktale. While I hold the movie dearly to my heart, it is hard to not find the book just as satisfying. The illustrations are very complimentary to the hilarious text Kellogg provides. Kellogg retells this classic tale by creating more depth to the characters (through writing and illustrations) which leads to a mor impactful experience in the narrative. I really enjoyed the expressions used visually, and vocally. In the classroom I could see myself having a lot of fun reading this text, and getting my students engaged.

[Emily Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a acron lands on Chicken Littles head he thought he sky was falling. But from a distance we see a sneaky fox name Foxy Loxy is making plans for his next meal. The story follows Foxy Loxy and his plot to feast on those who have helped Chicken Little when they the sky was falling.

I thought this was a cute story. I love the illustrations and attention to details. The story always makes me crack up because Foxy Loxy thinks his is getting away with it.

I think having this in the classroom would be a great additional to the classroom library. This would great for a day when the children need a laugh! A good activity to use while reading the story is having the children shout "the sky is falling" whenever it is said in the story.

[Terri Zumbahlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a variation from the original. Instead of the fox eating the birds it is arrested. Chicken Little plants the acorn which turns into a big oak tree where she sits telling her grandchildren about her adventure. Personally I think this ending is more appropriate for children and has a better message as evil doing is punished. The illustrations enhance the story nicely and assist with engagement.

[Delaney Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: traditional fantasy
Grade range: K-2
I have to be honest, I didn’t know that this was originally a book... I saw the movie when I was younger, but I had never read or even heard of the book. This story was retold by Steven Kellogg, so the story has been around for a long time. Not only did Steven retell Chicken Little in a simple and easy to follow story, the animals were also so cute in these illustrations.

[Jerimy Stoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember my mother reading a story with the same title to me when I was very young. I don't remember much more than the title. I am a new grandparent and thought I would give this one a try (it is a classic story after all), and I was amused by it. This is a quick read that keeps the attention of a 6-month old baby boy (mostly). I recommend this book for new parents/grandparents/pre-school operators, and anyone who loves books with colorful images in them.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember this book from my childhood. It's a humorous retelling of Chicken Little and the detailed illustrations are part of what makes the story. Reading it as an adult however, it seems quite violent and many comparisons could be drawn to kidnapping and even serial killers. To a child, I think it's just shockingly funny.

[Nicholas Mennel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern Fantasy
2nd
This story is timeless. It combines elements of fantasy with things that children and adults alike are all familiar with, such as frustration or loneliness. This also contains the uplifting element of overcoming these obstacles. This book is a fun read for anyone who enjoys animal fantasy and the personification of animals.

[Emma Martz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3-5
animal fantasy
This classic that was also made into a movie is very enjoyable. During early elementary the kids would really enjoy this being read to them but once they get a little older and more skilled I thin this would also make a great independent read for students with the animals and the plot line.

[Tessa Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a retelling of the classic Chicken Little story. When Chicken Little feels something bump her head, she automatically goes into a panic that the world is falling. Eventually the entire town believes that the world is falling and it leads into a community panic.

[Taylor Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Traditional Literature
Grade: k-3

Such a fun book! I remember when I was little I would carry this duck I went everywhere and I loved the story because my stuffed duck reminded me of the chickens. One of my childhood favorites! I would recommend this book for your classroom bookshelf.

[Stephanie Littig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute and fun to read. Chicken thought the sky was falling and fox was always trying to find ways to catch the chickens and ways to cook them. The ending was basically the beginning all over again.

[Shelby Heffington]

This book is fun and silly and one I know would be cute to keep in the classroom and to read aloud to younger kids because of their reactions of the fox taking the animals and the fox being taken down and thrown into jail and all of that anticipation in the kids eyes would be so cute and fun to do.

[Mady Beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traditional Literature
K-3
This is such a funny story (and now movie) about one accidental event turning into mass chaos across a city. This is just a great way to show to always believe in yourself and never let anyone belittle you. Great book for a fun read for kids!!

[June Brault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
Genre: Traditional Fantasy

I originally saw the movie when I was younger. I never even knew that there was a book, until now. I feel like the book followed the movie very well. The illustrations are adorable.

[Jordyn Kilmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: traditional literature grade: 1-3
This is a sweet story that I was familiar with from the movie. I had no clue that this story came from a classic folktale. I thought it was a cute story and the illustrations were really interesting.

[Emily Knickerbocker]

It is a story about a chicken thinking the sky is falling and gets a bunch of different animals to believe him. The fox pretends to be a police officer and steals the animals, but the actual officers save them. I would have the students describe the characters in the book.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome and hilarious retelling of this story! The sky is falling according to Chicken Little, and Foxy Loxy seeks to take advantage of the scarred birds. But a hippo in a helicopter intervenes 🤣. I laughed out loud, this is a must-read to kids.

[Chloe Wassom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an old classic that children can really have fun reading.

[Makkena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a folk tale that even I remember hearing as a child and watching the movie this goes along too.

[Alyssa Ricard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The famous, "the sky is falling." I love Steven Kellogg's illustrations in this, his style shows so much expression in the characters faces. The story line of this book is hilarious for children.