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Thundercluck! #1
Thundercluck!
When an egg is accidentally struck by the power of Thor, it hatches a lightning-wielding super chicken that must defeat an evil culinary villain with an appetite for poultry.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 30, 2018
16 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 20, 2024
Very silly, but it has heart, too. Good fun!
September 17, 2018
So, I have to admit: I first heard about this book at SIBA '18 when I attended a discussion Paul Tillery was at. It sounded interesting, plus y'all know I love anything with Vikings and I haven't read a children's book in a while, so I moved it to the top of my 100+ post-SIBA TBR pile. Tangent, y'all should see my living room right now, it is frightening. Anyway.
So I have no regrets about making this one of the first books read, cuz let me tell you, Thundercluck was fantastic.
Like, I opened this book expecting it to be funny, right? I expected Vikings, puns about chickens, and great cartoons, I'd literally already heard Paul talk about this book, I thought I knew what I was getting into. Nope. I got all that, don't get me wrong. I also got a serious amount of mythology considering that this is a children's book, a great side story about Thundercluck being the odd duck on Midgard (and no, I will not be apologizing for that avian pun), perfect examples of poetry through Saga's narration, and most of all, this amazing story of the power of friendship and how to be brave and conquer fears.
I'm kind of astounded. The humor, the morals, the characters, and the mythos were all woven together seamlessly. I'm going to be completely honest, y'all. Normally when I review something where I've either met the author or I've received the book for free, I put a disclaimer at the beginning expressly stating I might be biased. I'm not biased here. This is truly a fantastic book. I'd highly recommend it as a next step for any fans of Dav Pilkey or Mo O'Hara, or a leisurely read for kids who are already at, say, Rick Riordan. It's a perfect middle ground for kids who are somewhere in between. I can't wait to sell this at the store.
So I have no regrets about making this one of the first books read, cuz let me tell you, Thundercluck was fantastic.
Like, I opened this book expecting it to be funny, right? I expected Vikings, puns about chickens, and great cartoons, I'd literally already heard Paul talk about this book, I thought I knew what I was getting into. Nope. I got all that, don't get me wrong. I also got a serious amount of mythology considering that this is a children's book, a great side story about Thundercluck being the odd duck on Midgard (and no, I will not be apologizing for that avian pun), perfect examples of poetry through Saga's narration, and most of all, this amazing story of the power of friendship and how to be brave and conquer fears.
I'm kind of astounded. The humor, the morals, the characters, and the mythos were all woven together seamlessly. I'm going to be completely honest, y'all. Normally when I review something where I've either met the author or I've received the book for free, I put a disclaimer at the beginning expressly stating I might be biased. I'm not biased here. This is truly a fantastic book. I'd highly recommend it as a next step for any fans of Dav Pilkey or Mo O'Hara, or a leisurely read for kids who are already at, say, Rick Riordan. It's a perfect middle ground for kids who are somewhere in between. I can't wait to sell this at the store.
July 30, 2024
If you were uncultured like I was and have never heard of Thundercluck and Thundercluck: Chicken of Thor before, they are about a chicken named Thundercluck, struck by a bolt of Thor's lightning in Asgard when he was still in an egg, and a young Valkyrie named Brunhilde. Time and time again, they find themselves the only ones able to protect Asgard from the evil chef Undercook Gorman Bones, who wants to eat Thundercluck and take over the realm.
These books were so silly. Like genuinely hilarious, even for me, someone well outside the suggested age range. They were ridiculous, but also appreciably self-aware in how ridiculous.
And honestly? They're great kids' books. Brunhilde is an incredible female lead. She's 12 and called a Battle Maiden. She wields a sword and is incredibly intelligent. I think it's so important for young readers, girls and boys both, to see strong girls in books. We also learn about strong friendships, how family is who you choose, the power of forgiveness, and more. Super important life lessons cloaked in humor and action. It's perfect.
If you are looking for a book to give to a young reader, especially one who isn't a huge fan of reading, I can't recommend this highly enough.
These books were so silly. Like genuinely hilarious, even for me, someone well outside the suggested age range. They were ridiculous, but also appreciably self-aware in how ridiculous.
And honestly? They're great kids' books. Brunhilde is an incredible female lead. She's 12 and called a Battle Maiden. She wields a sword and is incredibly intelligent. I think it's so important for young readers, girls and boys both, to see strong girls in books. We also learn about strong friendships, how family is who you choose, the power of forgiveness, and more. Super important life lessons cloaked in humor and action. It's perfect.
If you are looking for a book to give to a young reader, especially one who isn't a huge fan of reading, I can't recommend this highly enough.
October 27, 2018
Thor's chicken, Thundercluck, has acquired a Thor-like power with shooting lightning. Now the Under Chef wants to eat him. Thundercluck must go to the human world to grow up, protected from Under Chef, and he returns when he's bigger. But Thor and the other gods are tricked by Under Chef and they're all drugged. Thundercluck and Brunhilde, a Valkyrie (his best friend) have to travel to all the realms of Valhalla to track down the Under Chef, defeat him, and save the gods.
This book is adorable, hilarious, and introduces kids to Norse mythology. Thundercluck has to deal with his fears which make him unable to wield his power and puts Brunhilde at risk. But in the end, his finds his inner power of thunder and is able to save the day. This would be an especially good book for struggling readers as it's super exciting, has a lot of fun details about all the lands he goes to, and moves along quickly. I loved the creativity and absurdity.
This book is adorable, hilarious, and introduces kids to Norse mythology. Thundercluck has to deal with his fears which make him unable to wield his power and puts Brunhilde at risk. But in the end, his finds his inner power of thunder and is able to save the day. This would be an especially good book for struggling readers as it's super exciting, has a lot of fun details about all the lands he goes to, and moves along quickly. I loved the creativity and absurdity.
January 18, 2020
This was the bedtime story book for Freddy (5) for a while. It was fun! The bad guy is an evil undead chef who really really wants to eat Thundercluck, and is willing to take down all of Asgard to do it, which is a little odd. But it was pretty funny, especially that Thor and Odin and all the other Asgardians take this chicken with Thunder God power very seriously. I also liked that Thundercluck has an interior monologue in English, but speaks aloud like any old chicken, so there are very dramatic moments when he psyches himself up and then shoots lightning at people while yelling "Buk-AAUUUK!!!" I enjoyed those parts.
Read
October 7, 2019Forget Thor and his hammer, the galaxy might just be saved by a chicken. The premise is that an evil chef faces off against the god Thor and a chicken egg gets in the way - the result is Thundercluck. He is half god and half chicken. For kids intrigued by Greek mythology but who also enjoy off kilter humor, this is the hero for them. It is smart and adventure filled, but mostly it is ridiculous. Ridiculous in a way that understands it's audience who can absolutely rally behind something as absurd as a godlike chicken saving Asgard.
October 16, 2019
I'm a big Thor fan, and your kids will be too after reading Thundercluck!: Chicken of Thor. Okay, they'll probably be bigger fans of Thundercluck and Brunhilde than of Thor, but the Norse mythology along with a hearty heaping of silliness will have them cheering. This book would make a great read aloud for kids who aren't crazy about reading yet, and a great chapter book for those who are. The accompanying illustrations bring even more excitement to this epic adventure. Your kids will love Thundercluck
July 18, 2018
Thor's beloved chicken lays an egg after being struck by his lightning, and the result is Thundercluck. He is a chicken with the powers of Thor, but he is in danger of being cooked by an evil chef, so he is sent to Earth until he is summoned to help rid Asgard of the threat. It is a humorous story involving Norse gods and a Valkyrie named Brunhilde, who is Thundercluck's best friend. This is a fun middle grade story with heart.
**Read via NetGalley
**Publication date: September 18, 2018
**Read via NetGalley
**Publication date: September 18, 2018
December 31, 2018
Bought this book for a Christmas present for my son and his pet chicken. He loved the book we had to have it for story every night before bed and every morning when we woke up. Very entertaining and funny for adults and kids. My son thought it was hysterical; I'm not entirely certain what the chicken thought, but she seemed to enjoy it. It also has a good story about being brave and facing your fears. Which is something we're going through right now so it was very timely.
Read
June 4, 2019Filled with action and adventure that is fun for all ages, Thundercluck and the Kitchen of Destiny is about an egg that is accidentally struck by the power of Thor, and it hatches a super chicken. This super chicken must now defeat the villain of the kitchen and prevail over evil. This middle grade animal fantasy is sure to please fans of Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer.
Thanks to School Library Journal for a review copy of this book.
Thanks to School Library Journal for a review copy of this book.
January 27, 2020
Thundercluck, Thor's chicken, and Brunhilde, a young Valkyrie provides a light introduction to the Halls of Asgard. Focusing on friendship and working together, the pair offers an entertaining story that young readers will enjoy. The added illustrations and layout style accommodate beginning readers as well as those who are more practiced.
Thanks to SLJ for the ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
Thanks to SLJ for the ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
January 2, 2019
I wanted to like this more than I did. It's got a very great friendship and a lovely narrative about fear and encouraging your friends, but as an adult reader it just read very slowly for an adventure story and I found myself pretty bored. I think younger readers could really enjoy it though, particularly as the premise seems silly enough to sell it on its own.
July 15, 2019
From the appearance I was expecting something even sillier and more outrageous--and think it would better for it. Nevertheless, this hero's tale has no small amount of absurdity, humor, character growth, and Norse mythology. It's an epic bit of fowl fun.
November 10, 2021
Bravest Chicken Ever
Its no Arthur, but Thundercluck certainly has risen to the occasion. This book will grab the attention of 9 to 10 year olds every where. My 10 year old dared me to read this and I enjoyed it very much!
Its no Arthur, but Thundercluck certainly has risen to the occasion. This book will grab the attention of 9 to 10 year olds every where. My 10 year old dared me to read this and I enjoyed it very much!
July 12, 2018
Hilarious and full of adventure this is a great book to share with a child. My son and I read it together for bedtime.
August 13, 2018
Great fun!
August 27, 2018
Utterly delightful!
October 22, 2018
Think if Thor were part chicken, how much more absurd (and entertaining) would his adventures be?! Wait no more, dear readers for within is the epic tale of a part chicken, part God, and all laughs.
November 8, 2018
Read for our staff book club for the humor genre. Didn't laugh at all. I think kids will enjoy its slightly bizarre silliness, but just meh for me.
December 2, 2018
My eleven-year-old twins adore this book. We do happen to raise chickens and find Vikings fascinating, so it's as if Paul Tillery wrote this just for us.
December 11, 2018
My 11yo begged me to read this because she loved it so much. Meh.
December 20, 2018
A fun option for younger readers who are into mythology adventures. Good elements of Norse mythology mixed with fast-paced action and humor.
January 30, 2019
Very cute and funny. Great for reluctant readers; those who love funny stories. I can see this becoming a good series for middle-grade readers.
April 11, 2019
Light adventure with a distinctly Norse flavor and lots of humor and wit.
June 10, 2019
Not for the person with too much knowledge of Norse mythology, but a really fun read about the hero we both need and deserve.
September 16, 2019
Fun book! A quick read and quite entertaining. Combines greek mythology and a cute little chicken.
My son quite enjoyed it!
My son quite enjoyed it!
September 29, 2019
Interesting take on Norse mythology
January 1, 2020
Meh...the trailer was so funny, but I think my favorite part of the book was that I knew about Asgard because we just watched Thor.
February 27, 2020
This book made my week. Brilliant story, engaging characters…this book has it all. 6 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews