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Peg Gets Crackin'
Time to get crackin'! Peg is perfectly content within the safe, contained shell of her egg. While her siblings hatch around her, she imagines all the scary things waiting in the outside world--things that make her happy to stay an egg. But even Peg must hatch. She grows, and grows, and one day . . . CRACK! Peg takes her first hesitant steps into the big, frightening world and discovers . . . the world isn't so bad after all. In fact, it's actually pretty wonderful! Bursting with spirit and humor, Peg Gets Crackin' is packed with entertaining illustrations and perfect for read-aloud storytime. Young readers will giggle at Peg's antics and resonate with her journey to conquer her fears. You never know what exciting adventures are waiting just outside of your shell!
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 6, 2024
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 14, 2023
A brilliant little book! This is a great read for child and adult. The funny illustrations had me chuckling away while reading this too. Colours are fabulous and the comical little faces on each character are really something special to behold. A pleasure to read.
Many thanks to the Author, Beaming Books and Edelweiss+ for a free ARC.
Publication Date 2/4/24
Review written 14/8/23
Many thanks to the Author, Beaming Books and Edelweiss+ for a free ARC.
Publication Date 2/4/24
Review written 14/8/23
February 7, 2024
Peg doesn't want to leave the comfort of her own egg. But growing chicks often don't have a choice. Cue the hilarity and the discovery that life in the outside world might be fun and a whole lot brighter that life inside the chicken coop. Peg is an endearing character, with facial expressions that let the reader know exactly how she's feeling. Mama chicken is encouraging, but lets Peg find out on her own. Funny with a helpful, but not didactic, lesson built in. Great book!
April 3, 2025
Cute, funny and wholesome 🥰🥰🥰
July 18, 2025
solid, if not ground-breaking. cute illustrations and a nice storytime story.
January 30, 2024
The egg is warm. The egg is safe. The egg isn’t all that exciting, but it’s all that Peg’s ever known. But then…CRACK! And a whole new world opens up. Peg Gets Crackin’ is a cute story about stepping outside our comfort zones and finding new adventures. Jo Renfro’s colorful illustrations and engaging story will keep your little ones interested and thinking about their own “eggs.”
I especially liked how Peg Get’s Crackin’ incorporated art into the text. Usually, when authors/illustrators/publishers try to get fancy and artistic with the text, it can affect readability for little ones who are just learning to read. Jo Renfro appears to have taken that into consideration, utilizing illustrated text at appropriate times and in ways that enhance readability rather than take away from it. When the text says “Crackety Crack,” she draws it as if the words are shaking. “Jumping” gives the illusion of going up and down. You get the idea. It provides novelty that will challenge new readers but with context clues to help them recognize words/letter outside of traditional lettering.
This would be the perfect book for dealing with new experiences—first day in a new school, first day in a new city, first time visiting a new church. Peg Get’s Crackin’ validates the safety of the egg while gently pushing Peg toward their new experience. It doesn’t demand, cajole, force, beg, or bribe. It simply presents Peg with the new experience and gives her time to come to terms with it. And that’s what I appreciate most about this book. Children get drug around to new things a lot without much care or thought for their feelings. We, as adults, know things are okay and often can’t see with the perspective of a child how scary unfamiliar and new things are. Peg Gets Crackin’ validates that perspective while also exhorting readers and listeners to step into new experiences.
Overall, Peg Gets Crackin’ is a fun book that my kids have loved. And it has a good message. You can’t beat that!
I especially liked how Peg Get’s Crackin’ incorporated art into the text. Usually, when authors/illustrators/publishers try to get fancy and artistic with the text, it can affect readability for little ones who are just learning to read. Jo Renfro appears to have taken that into consideration, utilizing illustrated text at appropriate times and in ways that enhance readability rather than take away from it. When the text says “Crackety Crack,” she draws it as if the words are shaking. “Jumping” gives the illusion of going up and down. You get the idea. It provides novelty that will challenge new readers but with context clues to help them recognize words/letter outside of traditional lettering.
This would be the perfect book for dealing with new experiences—first day in a new school, first day in a new city, first time visiting a new church. Peg Get’s Crackin’ validates the safety of the egg while gently pushing Peg toward their new experience. It doesn’t demand, cajole, force, beg, or bribe. It simply presents Peg with the new experience and gives her time to come to terms with it. And that’s what I appreciate most about this book. Children get drug around to new things a lot without much care or thought for their feelings. We, as adults, know things are okay and often can’t see with the perspective of a child how scary unfamiliar and new things are. Peg Gets Crackin’ validates that perspective while also exhorting readers and listeners to step into new experiences.
Overall, Peg Gets Crackin’ is a fun book that my kids have loved. And it has a good message. You can’t beat that!
January 28, 2025
This is such a cute book. Kids will identify with how the little egg (Peg) feels safe in her warm, cozy shell and wants to stay safe inside. Until the day Mama Squawked, “Time to GET CRACKIN’, my little chickadees!” Peg thought, Cracking? No way, no how! She had never been outside her shell and decided to stay put, but nature had other plans. Peg heard the crickety crack of the other eggs and nothing, just silence. Peg was alone. She was getting bored, and soon she felt SQUISHED! She was growing, but her shell wasn’t.
Peg was getting bigger, and suddenly, her feet were forced out of her shell, and she was Peg the egg with legs! Then her wings popped out. . . , but she couldn't see. She bumped into things. She jumped. She flipped. She danced. She twirled and yelled, "MAMA!" trying to get off the rest of the shell. This was hilarious. Finally, the shell broke away, and she peered out the barnyard door and felt the warm sunshine on her for the first time. It was fantastic.
She was no longer Peg the egg. She was Peg, the clucking, strutting, splashing, sunbathing, fun-loving . . . CHICKEN! Kids will clap when Peg finds her Mama and her baby chicken siblings. The illustrations Jo created are so cute. Children will love all the animal characters. Each illustrated page adds so much to the fun of this heartwarming book.
Young readers will think about the times they were afraid, like leaving home on the first day of school, moving somewhere new, or meeting Santa Claus. I am sure they will remember Peg the Egg the next time they are worried about doing something new. This is a book children and parents will keep on their bookshelf to share with the next generation.
Peg was getting bigger, and suddenly, her feet were forced out of her shell, and she was Peg the egg with legs! Then her wings popped out. . . , but she couldn't see. She bumped into things. She jumped. She flipped. She danced. She twirled and yelled, "MAMA!" trying to get off the rest of the shell. This was hilarious. Finally, the shell broke away, and she peered out the barnyard door and felt the warm sunshine on her for the first time. It was fantastic.
She was no longer Peg the egg. She was Peg, the clucking, strutting, splashing, sunbathing, fun-loving . . . CHICKEN! Kids will clap when Peg finds her Mama and her baby chicken siblings. The illustrations Jo created are so cute. Children will love all the animal characters. Each illustrated page adds so much to the fun of this heartwarming book.
Young readers will think about the times they were afraid, like leaving home on the first day of school, moving somewhere new, or meeting Santa Claus. I am sure they will remember Peg the Egg the next time they are worried about doing something new. This is a book children and parents will keep on their bookshelf to share with the next generation.
November 3, 2024
Peg Gets Crackin'
by Jo Renfro
Illustrations by the author
Beaming Books
2024
32 pages
ISBN: 9781506492070
Peg is an egg, and is quite happy to be an egg. It's safe inside her shell surrounded by all the other eggs, but one morning Mama says it's time to wake up and get out in the world. Peg is afraid. There might be danger lurking out there in the world.
She hears cracking all around her as the other chicks bust free. Then it's scary quiet. She wonders what to do next. She stays in the egg, safe. Soon Peg begins to outgrow her shell. Suddenly it's not comfortable, she's squished. She has no choice but to break free.
The world is bright, the sun is shining, Peg has LEGS! She's excited to see what the world is all about. She searches for her mama and the other chicks while enjoying freedom and the outside. Peg is no longer afraid to be outside her shell.
Colorful and joyful illustrations bring Peg's personality to life. Readers will love Peg and empathize with her struggle to be safe or to take a risk. Savvy children may realize that Mama chicken would not put her babies in danger, and even savvier children will point out that Peg becomes brave when left alone. The mama chicken doesn't coddle Peg nor baby her. Parents may learn a lesson from Peg Gets Crackin'.
The fun story told with heart and gorgeous illustrations are stand-outs.
Highly, highly recommended ages 4 and up.
by Jo Renfro
Illustrations by the author
Beaming Books
2024
32 pages
ISBN: 9781506492070
Peg is an egg, and is quite happy to be an egg. It's safe inside her shell surrounded by all the other eggs, but one morning Mama says it's time to wake up and get out in the world. Peg is afraid. There might be danger lurking out there in the world.
She hears cracking all around her as the other chicks bust free. Then it's scary quiet. She wonders what to do next. She stays in the egg, safe. Soon Peg begins to outgrow her shell. Suddenly it's not comfortable, she's squished. She has no choice but to break free.
The world is bright, the sun is shining, Peg has LEGS! She's excited to see what the world is all about. She searches for her mama and the other chicks while enjoying freedom and the outside. Peg is no longer afraid to be outside her shell.
Colorful and joyful illustrations bring Peg's personality to life. Readers will love Peg and empathize with her struggle to be safe or to take a risk. Savvy children may realize that Mama chicken would not put her babies in danger, and even savvier children will point out that Peg becomes brave when left alone. The mama chicken doesn't coddle Peg nor baby her. Parents may learn a lesson from Peg Gets Crackin'.
The fun story told with heart and gorgeous illustrations are stand-outs.
Highly, highly recommended ages 4 and up.
September 14, 2023
What this very much is not is a first picture book that feels like one. The art looks wonderfully accomplished, with a liveliness and cutesy character to it that young readers will love. The story is not exactly one of surprise, but it deals with its lesson very nicely, and so makes a great book. Here Peg just refuses to hatch, until losing all say in the matter – forcing the issue of how to deal with the big, bad, dark and dangerous world. It's clearly a lesson in just taking the bull by the horns and going for life, especially if you have the chance to do so while still a spring chicken. Here's to more of this quality from this creator, then, for this is practically four and a half stars.
October 15, 2023
"Peg Gets Crackin'" is an absolute gem for our elementary library. This heartwarming story about Peg the egg's journey from the safety of her shell into the big, wide world is both entertaining and relatable for young readers. Peg's adventures and humorous antics make it a perfect choice for read-aloud storytime, and the vibrant illustrations add to the fun. This book beautifully conveys the message that sometimes, the world outside your comfort zone can be a wonderful place. Highly recommended for its spirit and humor!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Beaming Books for the DRC!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Beaming Books for the DRC!
January 13, 2024
I love this adorable book about a chick who doesn’t want to hatch. The world after-all is a scary place. But after a few egg-cited antics, Peg finds herself thrust un-eggs-pectedly into the wide world of the farm. It doesn’t take Peg long to find her Mama and enjoy the fun-loving life of a Chicken. Children who need a little encouragement to crack out of their shells will relate well to Peg’s struggles and ultimately her courage to embrace new experiences. Renfro’s clear, bright illustrations humorously endear the reader to the googly-eyed, awkward Peg. Highly recommended!
February 7, 2024
Looking for a funny picture book with fantastic illustrations? Then, you'll love PEG GETS CRACKIN'!!! I was rooting for Peg all the way and you will, too! The story snd illustrations are so endearing...I couldn’t stop smiling as Peg comes out of her shell. I especially loved Peg’s hysterical expressions. Read to find out if Peg is able to get cracking! Perfect gift for those Easter baskets or anytime, especially ages 3-7! A great read aloud! This is the first book I have read by Jo Renfro and I look forward to reading her other book, THAT ONE FRIEND, and more of her work in the future!
February 7, 2024
Peg Gets Crackin is fun, upbeat, vibrant, and honest. It doesn’t shy away from the scary stuff but lets us follow along as Peg finds her bravery and explores outside her shell and ever farther outside the barn. And what a wonderful world she discovers!
The language is bouncy, bright, and oh so kid-like. This is one great read aloud story that will delight audiences of all ages! Don’t skip this one!
The language is bouncy, bright, and oh so kid-like. This is one great read aloud story that will delight audiences of all ages! Don’t skip this one!
February 7, 2024
I was fortunate enough to hear a reading of Peg Gets Crackin' by the author/illustrator Jo Renfro, and the story had me laughing. In addition, her illustrations added depth to the story of a small chick who was reluctant to leave her shell because the outside world seemed scary. When she grew to the point that she cracked out of her shell, the world outside her barn seemed scary. But Peg put on her brave and opened the door, only to find the world wasn't so scary after all.
March 14, 2024
Peg is an egg, and she likes it that way. When Mama says get crackin', Peg refuses. She can hear the others hatching but would much rather stay safe in her shell, away from the terrible things she imagines about the world outside. Unfortunately, Peg has grown too big for her shell and is forced to face the outside world. As it turns out, it's not as scary as she had thought. Jo Renfro's simple text and adorable illustrations make for a hilarious read for both adults and children.
February 7, 2024
PEG GETS CRACKIN’ features an endearing chick character who must find the courage to overcome her fears. The story is humorous and has lots of energy, and Renfro’s engaging illustrations bring the character’s emotions to life. PEG GETS CRACKIN’ also emphasizes a loving parent-child relationship. I highly recommend this sweet read – kids will enjoy following Peg’s journey of discovery!
February 7, 2024
This book is a delight! It's easy to relate to Peg the egg-- scared of the unknown and safe inside her own comfort zone . . . until she has to get crackin'-- ready or not! I enjoy the fun language, charming illustrations, snappy pacing, and positive message of this book. This is a story young readers will want to read again and again.
February 7, 2024
Peg Gets Crackin’ is written and illustrated by Jo Renfro and is filled with playful page-turning illustrations and delightful text. This story makes a great read aloud and readers will “crack up” at the cute faces Peg makes throughout. An important message is woven in with skill, while the story is fun and energetic. I highly recommend this adorable picture book!
March 19, 2024
A book about Peg who wants to stay an egg and is frightened of the big world out there. What happens when her egg cracks? You'll have to read it and see. Delightful illustrations and just the perfect amount of text make this a winner for littles in storytimes!
Themes: chicks, eggs, spring
Ages: toddler-1st grade
Pub year: 2024
Themes: chicks, eggs, spring
Ages: toddler-1st grade
Pub year: 2024
January 23, 2024
What an adorable book. The text is fun to read out loud, and laugh-out-loud funny. The illustrations are colorful and lively. And it has a sweet SEL message embedded within. I would definitely recommend.
February 6, 2024
A beautiful story about a little chick who doesn't want to hatch, but once she reluctantly does, she is pleasantly surprised. It is perfect my daughter who is afraid of change. A heart warming story paired with pictures that will have you laughing out loud.
February 6, 2024
Such a cute and fun story! My 4 year old was *cracking up* from looking at the illustrations alone, and then really enjoyed it as a read aloud. This is a sweet story with the gentle message of being brave and getting out of comfort zones, but it's also a little silly with a lot of fun wordplay.
February 7, 2024
What an adorable story! The chick's expressions are priceless. And I love the theme/analogy of getting out of your shell and experiencing the world. Lots of funny moments, too. Very enjoyable story that I think kids will love.
February 7, 2024
Adorable illustrations! Peg has so much personality!
I was able to attend a read-aloud by the author, which was so fun! My kids laughed as Peg's legs ran out of space and burst out of the egg.
A great reminder the unknown is probably not as scary as you think it is!
I was able to attend a read-aloud by the author, which was so fun! My kids laughed as Peg's legs ran out of space and burst out of the egg.
A great reminder the unknown is probably not as scary as you think it is!
February 9, 2024
I quite enjoyed this picture book! It was funny and easy to read. It wasn't trying to take itself so seriously like a lot of modern kids books. It is just fun and happy. Easy for the kids to enjoy.
February 29, 2024
A chick living in a fantasy barnyard is reluctant to leave the security of her egg. Eventually, she learns that things are a lot more fun when she gets crackin' and joins her family in the big wide world.
March 20, 2024
Such a great message for kids (and adults) to try something new, even if it's scary. The illustrations are so well done with beautiful colors and darling Peg! This one is really for all ages of toddlers and young kids. Highly recommend for a gift or for your own kid book collection!
March 21, 2024
Fun story about a chicken inside an egg, a chicken who is slow to crack out of its shell and join the family. About feeling safe and not wanting to come out into the world. Peg was safe and warm inside the shell but missed her mother.
March 27, 2024
Sooooo cute! Readers get a front row seat as Peg the Egg hatches and experiences the big (dark) world around her for the first time. The illustrations are fantastic -- especially the pages where Peg is only partially hatched and becomes Peg the Egg with Legs! So fun.
April 24, 2024
Cute story about a little chick who isn't thrilled with the idea of leaving her egg. The text is simple and fun to read and the illustrations are sure to make kids laugh. I can imagine many ways to use this book to spark conversations with children about change, risk-taking, and new experiences.
November 14, 2025
This book was super cute! It would be perfect to use in class when discussing the life cycle of a chicken. It shows children that it is okay to be scared of something, and sometimes you just have to face it. In the end it all turned out okay and Peg was a happy chicken.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews