What's Up with This Chicken?

by Jane Sutton, Peter Welling (Illustrations)

As urban-dwelling families embrace the farm-to-table food movement, more and more people are starting community and rooftop gardens and even raising farm animals, such as chickens. Children growing up in these environments get the best of both worlds--the culture and convenience of a city with the health benefits and natural simplicity of a rural upbringing.

Owning chickens is becoming popular among many. A source of farm-fresh eggs year-round, they are also a source of great amusement! Sylvia loves having chickens, and she likes omelets. One day, as she is gathering all of the eggs from her chickens, she comes upon one stubborn chicken who will not give up her eggs--Broody Trudy. She won't get off her eggs at all, and she pecks Sylvia and Grandma when they try to reach under her! Resourceful Sylvia discovers the reason why Trudy is being so moody, and she comes up with an "egg-cellent" solution!

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

I write children's books because I am immature, or charmingly childlike, depending on your point of view.

Reviews

[Heather Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful read-aloud, based on a true story about a broody chicken, will entertain and inform any young reader (or adult)! Spot-on dialogue combined with humor and expressive chicken illustrations move the text along at a perfect pace. Readers will admire the protagonist Sylvia who is both spunky and caring in her quest to solve the problem. Sutton skillfully includes messages about the importance of empathy, nurturing, and family without being heavy-handed. A fun read for the whole family!

[Lianda Ludwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Sutton has come up with an entertaining "mystery" book for children. "What's Up with This Chicken?" is hit with the adults as well, as reported by my book club when I read them the story.

For urban farmers, this book may solve a problem with which they have been grappling! For parents and grandparents- this book gives you a lot of opportunity to make chicken noises which will definitely delight the kids!

The fun and detailed illustrations will also entertain the kids. All in all, It was an "egg"ceptional children's book!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's Up with This Chicken? is an adorable children's book by Jane Sutton. Children will enjoy the chicken jokes and identify with the plucky protagonist (sorry...) and her sweet relationship with her grandmother. Adults will also love the chicken puns and appreciate the message of empathy and understanding the reasons behind one's behavior. You will even learn something about chickens along the way. It is fun and educational!

[Kirsti Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun rolicking story that we love especially since we are backyard chicken farmers ourselves!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Holiday gift.
My first grade granddaughter dove right in with great interest.
Great story with the bonus of being educational too.

[Henry Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book for readaloud with a built-in science lesson.

[Alan Ticotsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story! Learn about chickens and enjoy a humorous and warm tale of a grandmother and grandchild relationship.