How to Hatch a Writer

by Kari Ann Gonzalez, Rachel Suzanne (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Kari Ann Gonzalez is an award-winning writer of children's fiction and informational fiction with a heaping helping of humor and STEAM concepts. When she is not regaling her family with tall tales or creating colorful characters for her stories, you will find her reading voraciously. Two cats and six chickens are kind enough to share their home with Kari and her family in California. To learn more about Kari visit https://www.karianngonzalez.com.

Reviews

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorful, fun illustrations show us how to make a chicken, er, child a writer. Seriously, the use of chickens as the wannabe writers is cute and adds to the whimsy of a book that actually packs a lot of information. The drawings are quite basic but manage to convey the action, which is both goofy and informative. It's the follow-up to How to Hatch a Reader which, unfortunately, I haven't read yet. The character of Goldi-fox is frequently the source of much humor and teaches us several words like wet, muddy, and fluffy. And, oh, hungry. The enthusiasm of the chicken characters is endearing as they tackle each new skill taught.

I liked that the skills are taught step-by-step, one building upon the ones before it. It even shows how to make corrections, a skill perhaps not showcased often enough given that we all tend to goof up at times. This one would work best with an adult reading and guiding the child along. Much time would surely be devoted to putting the book aside to try and practice the various skills. While it starts off very basically, with the use of capital letters, it would also be an excellent tool for refreshing skills in children a bit older. Examples of the skill are given, initially with mistakes deliberately shown. Then the child is taught how to not just correct mistakes but build on the thought to create a more interesting phrase/story. Even Goldi-fox seems to catch on and, quite frankly, I'm not sure Goldi-fox wasn't so focused on her hunger that she was focused as she might have been. Grin.

Bottom line, goofy and fun but quite useful/informative. This would make a great gift for not just a child but your local school/library. There are some excellent hints at the end as well as suggestions for interactive activities such as creating a Word Sort Game of sorts, such as creating and classifying words as nouns, verbs, etc. Definitely fun. Thanks #GnomeRoadPublishing for the early look at this fun tool to help children develop their writing (and thinking) skills. I loved the "peck" sound used for a period, so PECK.

[Joey Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Gnome Road Publishing and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Sequel story to How to Hatch a Reader, this book takes you back with the characters we met before, this time teaching her hens and the fox named Goldilocks how to write a sentence. From the very start of how to structure the sentence to how to write full sentences.

I liked that it was taught in stages, it helps get a child familiarised with the basic structure of a sentence, it then builds up and up, even show corrections to previously written sentences. I really think that aspect of it will be really beneficial to helping educate a child starting to write.

I thought it was really cute and children will certainly find the fox funny as they read the story. It was written well and shared enough about writing, with added information at the end. It has cute illustrations of all our characters we meet, a very good continuation from the previous book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book that teaches what to do with words so that we can put them together on paper. Learning is fun and the yard full of chickens are giggleworthy, too!
The illustrations by Rachel Suzanne are colorful, simple, and fun.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof galley from Gnome Road Publishing via NetGalley. Pub Date: Sep 09, 2025
#HowtoHatchaWriter by @kari_gonzalez_writes and @rachelsuzanneillustration #NetGalley @gnomeroadpublishing ***** #review #goodreads #storygraph #librarything #bookbub
#childrensbookillustration #family @childrensbookcouncil #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk @indigo #kidlit #picturebooks #teachers #librarians #homeschoolers #howtohatchareader #chickenpicturebooks #words #sentences #howtoreadbooks #picturebooks #puttingwordstogether

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute and amusing picture book! I would highly recommend it for the story, as well as the illustrations. The story itself has a good lesson, teaching the reader how to write proper sentences. i could see this book being a huge hit for elementary classrooms.

When asking for an advanced reader copy, I had not realized it was part of a series. Now I am eager to read the first!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For more reviews and discussions, listen to my podcast The Honest Book Reviewers with Nate and Emma.

https://open.spotify.com/show/3H3ugH4...

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 103 of 350 ~ 2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I loved this title, and its earlier one: How to hatch a reader.

It's witty.
It's clever.
It's corny.

Hey, that's right up my alley. Must read for smallies learning how to read and, in this case, write.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#book103of350 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2025 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds

[Victoria M (BRB — life’s busy!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun and clever book for little learners! How to Hatch a Writer is aimed at kids ages 3 to 5 and introduces basic grammar concepts like letters, sentence structure, nouns, verbs, and adjectives—all through the hilarious idea of teaching chickens how to read and write.

The playful, catchy text is super engaging, and the chicken antics add a lot of charm. It’s a great way to help young children start thinking about how language works, all while having fun. A creative and educational read—perfect for storytime!

Thank you to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adorable picture book teaches basic components of writing, helping kids understand how to make a sentence. The illustrations are cute, and the story is clever and engaging, with lots of humor as the girl, chickens, and fox interact. The building tension related to the fox will hold kids' attention, and I like that this a fun storybook, not just a teaching tool. This is really effective, and this book is great for home and classroom contexts.

I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Lydia Lukidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever, lively picture book that teaches burgeoning writers the building blocks of writing—letters, words, sentences—using a barnyard of hilarious chickens and the mischievous Goldi-fox. The humor keeps things light, the illustrations are bright and engaging, and the teaching moments are woven in naturally rather than feeling like a lesson. Great for young writers (ages ~4-8), classrooms or home settings, especially when read alongside an adult who can help unpack the grammar and sentence ideas. A fun, useful tool that makes learning to write feel like play.

[Kimberly Horch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chickens and a fox learning to write is a funny concept, and as they interact (and the fox muses on her love of chicken and tries to sneak a snack) their sentences are hilarious.

I was surprised at what a thorough job this story does of reinforcing early writing skills. It covers skills from remembering your two-worm spaces and pecking perfect punctuation, to adjectives including "hungry" and run-on sentences about chicken soup.

This would be great for early writers at home, and I can see it becoming a favorite read in every kindergarten.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series written by the talented team of Kari Ann Gonzalez and Rachel Suzanne and was excited to read an advance copy provided by NetGalley. The familiar characters had me giggling once again while they tackled the new task of learning how to write. With clever and witty text combined with the bright and fun illustrations, I have no doubt that HOW TO HATCH A WRITER will inspire readers (and budding writers) everywhere!

[Jyoti Gopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows the delightful How To Hatch a Reader by the same duo. The chickens are back and this time they’re learning how to put sentences together – noticing punctuation, capital letters, basically a veritable checklist of how to write better. Clever and corny, this sequel is sure to inspire budding writers! The illustrations add another layer of humor as we watch Goldifox and the three chickens engage in all sorts of shenanigans.

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute and fun picture book for kids who are learning to write (though even younger kids will love it too). The illustrations are bright and cheerful, and it's so clever the way writing skills are broken down naturally from letters, to word, to punctuation, to sentences, etc. I love that it sneaks in things like fixing mistakes and building better sentences (but never feels like a grammar lesson) and all while telling a fun and funny story about chickens and Goldifox :). Super fun and highly recommended!

[Natasha Khan Kazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kari Ann Gonzalez has done it again! Just like How to Hatch a Reader, this sequel is full of clever chicken puns, laugh-out-loud moments, and a playful introduction to the basics of writing. Rachel Suzanne’s bright, cheerful illustrations add so much personality and fun. I especially love the back matter, which gives parents and teachers great tools to support young writers. A perfect pick for classrooms, libraries, or anyone looking to spark creativity in early learners.

[Kelsey Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOW TO HATCH A WRITER is a delightful story about a fox and some chickens as they learn to write. The book covers all the basics of writing, from punctuation and capitalization to nouns, verbs, and adjectives. It’s highly educational but lighthearted and humorous, which will draw kids in and make them excited about learning to write. The colorful pictures are inviting and add to the humor. This is a useful and enjoyable book for use in schools and on home bookshelves!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A flock or chickens and Goldifox learn to write in this pun filled book. The chickens express their enthusiasm as they practice writing sentences while learning about basic punctuation, capitalization, and parts of speech. The illustrations add to the word interplay as the fox tries to express his interest in the chickens. Back matter encourages writing and invites children to write their own stories. Children and adults will enjoy this highly engaging story.

[Annie Brechbuhler · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Hatch a Writer is exactly what I hoped it would be when I first read the title. This simple book explains the basics of sentence structure in a cute, memorable way. I will be using this in my first grade classroom to remind students what to check for in their own writing.

Thank you to Gnome Road Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Codi · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Hatch a writer is a book for children that teaches sentence structure, punctuation and grammar while also entertaining the readers with quirky characters. The information given was written in an age-appropriate learning level and it was very informative. Goldifox provided a fun and humorous backstory with her desire to eat the chickens while they were trying to teach her how to write.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Gnome Road Publishing through NetGalley.
The Hatch Farm hens are back. Now that everyone can read, they want to teach Goldifox how to be a writer too. They gather words and talk about parts of speech with the readers and each other. They also model sentences and how to build them. A fun story that slips in writing lessons on every page.

[Tabby Shiflett · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging book on how to construct a sentence that's great for elementary schools, libraries, and educators, this work is the second in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone children's book. It's cute and helpful and there is a fabulous 10-step guide to writing for young students included at the end.

LibraryThing Early Reviewer

[Marzieh Abbas · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Hatch a Writer is a clever, funny picture book that introduces kids ages 3–5 to grammar basics like letters, nouns, verbs, and sentence structure—through the antics of chickens learning to write! With playful text, charming illustrations, and just the right touch of suspense, it’s a fun, effective read for home or classroom.

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's the step that follows reading? Writing, of course! Perfect for anyone wanting to introduce writing to kids in a fun, stepwise way. I think my favorite line is about making sure there's two worms' worth of space between words. Ha! A chicken coop of jokes keeps the tone light, while making the finer points of writing memorable. Poor fox. Smart chickens!

[Stephanie Wildman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful sequel to Kari Ann Gonzalez’s How to Hatch a Reader brings back the chickens. They have fun with sentences, including nouns, verbs, and adjectives, and even punctuation and capitalization! Chicken puns and encouraging tips for emerging writers make this book classroom ready as well as entertaining for home reading time. Watch out for the fox!

[Suhasini Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Hatch a Writer, written by Kari Gonzalez and illustrated by Rachel Suzanne, is a delightful story for reluctant writers. With a playful twist with Goldifox and chickens, it introduces nouns, verbs, adjectives, and basic writing rules in a fun and accessible way. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, making the story a joy to read. Highly recommended for both homes and classrooms.

[Amethyst Maxey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC. This book had very cute and bright illustrations which were eye catching. This book was a cute way to teach children about writing and grammar. What a creative way to engage children.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel is as equally delightful as the first book in the "How to Hatch" series. Full of clever puns, giggle-worthy illustrations, and encouragement, this is the best disguised class I've ever taken! Calling all readers and writers - don't sleep on this gem!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story! It's educational and punny! It will be a great resource for parents and teachers alike that will hold a child's attention. Kid's will be eager to use it as a resource, tool. Or just read for fun!

[Thelia Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOW TO HATCH A WRITER is a delightful book filled with punny humor and fun, fresh chick-tastic illustrations. What can go wrong with a book filled with chickens and a fox! Kids will enjoy this fun book.

[Elizabeth Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book. Great writing and illustrations. It can be used in the classroom, for story time, and for just-for-fun reading! Parents, teachers, and librarians will find this book helpful and a must-have. Excellent story!

[Melissa Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and clever sequel to How to Catch a Reader - this book features the chickens (and the fox!) enjoying some writing lessons. Back matter encourages readers to write their own stories making this a perfect book for classrooms, libraries, and home collections.

[Bonnie Kelso · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chickens are bwuack!
A fun sequel to How To Hatch A Reader! Get ready to make learning to write fun with a barnyard full of kooky chickens and a mischievous fox dressed up as a fairy tale character. Highly recommend!