Chicken Man

by Michelle Edwards

Each time Chicken Man is moved into a new job on the kibbutz, someone else wants to take that job instead, and the chickens suffer as a consequence

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Israel, Judaica

31 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1991

Reviews

[Mir]

Cute book about a man whose hard work and positive attitude keep causing those around him to covet his jobs. Parents should familiarize themselves with the kibbutz system before introducing it to children, as they will probably have some questions.

[Marty]

The illustrations are so cute!

[FM Family]

A strange one, kind of a classic folktale style, but my 3.5 year old really enjoyed it - especially the map on the inside cover that shows all the buildings of the kibbutz. Basically one of those stories where everyone is jealous of whatever job Rody has, because no matter what he does he makes it look fun and effortless. A cool story to introduce the idea of a kibbutz, as well as the different kinds of jobs needed to make a community run. But also shows that sometimes people can have a special calling and that's ok too. A fun read.

[Melissa Namba]

Loved it! It's a story about how one man can have a positive attitude making any job look fun. But also how he nurtures a strong relationship with others, including animals. I like that the chickens showed him loyalty, although I guess you could argue that if he did that well, they wouldn't produce more just for him, but equally be positive for others. I have a chicken whisperer niece, so I might be biased towards this book.

[Jillian]

Really good book! There are multiple lessons to be learned here - both for "workers," who might learn that your attitude towards chores can have a huge influence - and for the "assigners," who should keep people's strengths in mind, and not shake things up just for the sake of change.
I'm glad he got his birds back!

[Nohra Bernal]

Perfect. It has chickens, a charming young man, and a fascinating environment. Great illustrations for a memorable story!

[Megan]

This is a great kid's story with many lessons, but also entertaining.

I'm going to note the societal/economic lessons.

To keep everyone equal, jobs on the kibbutz rotate. Sounds great, right? So equitable?

. . . Except well, we all have things we're good at and things we're not.

[Ruth]

Haven't read this yet, but it sounds great:

Product Description
Winner of the National Jewish Book Award from the Jewish Book Council

Rody loved chickens. When he worked in the kibbutz chicken house, he sang so loudly that everyone began to think the chicken house must be the place to work. So Rody was moved to the laundry and Bracha took over the poultry. Can the chickens find a way to bring Rody back to them? Full-color illustrations.

From Publishers Weekly
In her first children's book, Edwards draws on her experience living on a kibbutz to create this portrait of a kind, goodnatured man. Known as Chicken Man, kibbutznik Rody is in charge of the chicken coops. His presence makes all the hens and roosters so happy that they are more productive than ever before, and eggs are always plentiful. Chicken Man is quite distressed when the new work list is posted and he is assigned to a different job. But whatever task Rody performs--ironing clothes, tending to the gardens or caring for a houseful of wild children--he does it cheerfully and competently. The chickens in the coop are less adaptable: they miss Chicken Man so much that they stop laying eggs. But all ends happily when the bighearted fellow returns--for good--to his brood. Along with her lighthearted story, Edwards offers an informative look at kibbutz life. Her stylized paintings are dotted with diverting details. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.


From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4-- Flat cartoon drawings are exactly right to add dimension and humor to this tale based on the author's experiences on an Israeli kibbutz. The summer Rody works in the chicken coop at Kibbutz Hanan, the hens lay more eggs than ever; he is so happy with his job that the other kibbutzniks call him Chicken Man and believe his to be the best job around. But while Rody is cheerful regardless of his assignments in the customary job rotation, the chickens miss him so much they stop laying eggs. All is well after he convinces the work committee to assign him permanently to the coop. Edwards presents a glimpse of life unknown to many American children; an author's note gives additional facts about life on a kibbutz. --Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NB
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

[Sandy]

A great book about a man named Rody that lives on a kibbutz in Israel and is in charge of the chickens. Rody loves working with the chickens so much he sings to them and they produce a lot of eggs. However on the kibbutz you have to change jobs so other people have a turn as well. As times and jobs go by Rody begins to miss the chickens and they miss Rody as well.

[Susan]

Chicken man, a man on a kibbutz who raises chickens (duh, you say), is also a story about a good attitude towards whatever job you happen to take on - a good message for everyone, not just the kidlets.

[Hester Rathbone]

I liked this - it really does give a good idea of what life as a kibbutznik is like. I'm also a huge fan of anything that teaches children that a job is not so much about the job as it is about your ATTITUDE while DOING IT that makes it fun!

[BookOfLife]

Hear an interview with author Michelle Edwards on The Book of Life podcast's October 2007 episode at www.bookoflifepodcast.com!

[Miranda]

A beautiful story with a great Jewish theme.

[Yapha]

A nostalgic look at life on Kibbutz with an important message about making the best of whatever situation you are in. Recommended for Kindergarten & up.