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The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck
“Intoxicating . . . it will be hard for young readers to put down.” — New York Times Book Review “A grand, giddy, and, at times, literally soaring tale.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “An amusing, fast-paced tale of land, sky, and spies.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Incredibly creative. . . . A little bit of history, a touch of mystery, and heaps of fun.” —ALA Booklist (starred review) A Washington Post , Publishers Weekly , and Kirkus Reviews Best Book A Junior Library Guild Selection A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year Wherever there are injustices, nefarious plots, or threats to society, the Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck are there to stop them! A sly villain with a plan to cause havoc across the globe is no match for three extraordinary animals—and their two young human friends. From acclaimed author and artist Matt Phelan, The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck is a hilarious, action-packed, and highly illustrated middle grade adventure perfect for fans of Skunk and Badger and Flora & Ulysses . The very first passengers to ride in a hot-air balloon were a sheep, a rooster, and a duck in 1783. And while hot-air balloons are indeed wondrous, ten-year-old Emile is too busy being the fastidious caretaker of ambassador Benjamin Franklin’s château in Paris to think much about them. But soon, young Emile finds himself right in the middle of a sinister plot. And right in the middle of the secret headquarters for France’s undercover guardians—the very same sheep, rooster, and duck that piloted the first hot-air balloon. If Emile can muster his courage and be bold, he may be the key to helping the heroes save both Benjamin Franklin and the world. Award-winning author Matt Phelan’s The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck is a highly illustrated adventure full of secrets, hijinks, and reimagined historical events. This rip-roaring and surprising story is ideal for reluctant readers, aspiring heroes, and fans of Peter Brown’s The Wild Robot .
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2022
20 people are currently reading
3007 people want to read
About the author
Matt Phelan
49 books274 followersMatt Phelan made his illustrating debut with Betty G. Birney’s The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster). Since then he has illustrated many picture books and novels for young readers, including Where I Live by Eileen Spinelli (Dial), Very Hairy Bear by Alice Schertle (Harcourt), and The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron (Simon & Schuster) winner of the 2007 Newbery Medal.
Matt studied film and theater in college with the goal of one day writing and directing movies. But his first love was always drawing, and the more he saw the wonderful world of children’s books, the more he realized that this was the place for him. Being an illustrator is in many ways like being an actor, director, cinematographer, costumer, and set designer rolled into one.
Matt writes: “I have a fascination with the decade of the 1930s. The movies were learning to talk (and in the case of King Kong, growl), the music was beginning to swing, and the nation was thrown into tremendous turmoil. On one hand, you see a level of suffering documented in the dramatic and gritty photography of Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans. On the other hand, consider what the American public was flocking to see in the movie theaters: the glamour and grace of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing in a series of perfect musicals. For my first book as both writer and illustrator (coming in 2009 by Candlewick Press), I naturally gravitated to this complex decade, specifically the strange world of the Dust Bowl.”
Matt studied film and theater in college with the goal of one day writing and directing movies. But his first love was always drawing, and the more he saw the wonderful world of children’s books, the more he realized that this was the place for him. Being an illustrator is in many ways like being an actor, director, cinematographer, costumer, and set designer rolled into one.
Matt writes: “I have a fascination with the decade of the 1930s. The movies were learning to talk (and in the case of King Kong, growl), the music was beginning to swing, and the nation was thrown into tremendous turmoil. On one hand, you see a level of suffering documented in the dramatic and gritty photography of Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans. On the other hand, consider what the American public was flocking to see in the movie theaters: the glamour and grace of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing in a series of perfect musicals. For my first book as both writer and illustrator (coming in 2009 by Candlewick Press), I naturally gravitated to this complex decade, specifically the strange world of the Dust Bowl.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
March 4, 2022
This was offered as an ARC on Edelweiss+ so I downloaded and looked forward to reading about these three wonder animals. There was just too much artwork missing for me to really get a comprehensive view. It's too bad. There are lots of famous and infamous characters including Benjamin Franklin, Marie Antoinette, and Antoine Lavoisier. Napoleon even makes a cameo appearance. I'll just note that this book has potential, but I will have to check out the finished product to really know for sure.
Thank you to Greenwillow Books and Edelweiss+ for a bare bones ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Greenwillow Books and Edelweiss+ for a bare bones ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2022
In this very exciting fable that takes place in 1783 France after the Peace of Paris, three intelligently sly animals will get tangled up in a secret and evil plot that could put Benjamin Franklin in danger and they will have a couple friends to help them. It’s a spunky and adventurous story with lovable characters that’s more well-floating than highflying. They’re certainly not your regular barnyard animals. A- (91%/Excellent)
November 18, 2021
I didn't actually know about the sheep, rooster and duck and the role they played in history until this book. This book is full of historical facts and beautiful illustrations all in a whimsical story. With that said it could be a little hard to follow at times and I question the age group this is geared towards.
Read
August 24, 2022I think that if I'd had the physical copy with illustrations I might have enjoyed this more. It wasn't a bad story, it's just quick and didn't explain many things. I know some of it is rooted in history, animals going on a hot air balloon ride, but I wasn't sure if the fact that they could speak was unique to them or if all animals were that way in this world. I also can't understand how a rooster can swordfight without arms and there's probably an illustration showing exactly how in the book.
It was pretty fun and super quick. I liked the various historical figures we met as well.
It was pretty fun and super quick. I liked the various historical figures we met as well.
December 16, 2022
2.75⭐️
I don’t really know how to rate this…
I saw the cover design and assumed it was a children’s book, but the themes in this story seem for an older audience (espionage during the war) even though there are talking animals.
Im still not sure exactly what I read 🤣😂
I don’t really know how to rate this…
I saw the cover design and assumed it was a children’s book, but the themes in this story seem for an older audience (espionage during the war) even though there are talking animals.
Im still not sure exactly what I read 🤣😂
September 6, 2022
What a fun romp! Highly recommend for kids 8-10 along with a couple of excellent picture books to deepen and further explain historical moments: Hot Air by Marjorie Priceman and Mezmerized by Mara Rockliff.
February 2, 2023
Silly but enjoyable. I laughed out loud when Bernadette refused to disguise herself as an ottoman. It would be interesting to see how this lands with its intended age group. There are a lot of jokes and references that I’m not sure a kid reader would get. But I still think they would enjoy the story and its silliness.
August 1, 2021
To begin, this book is not like any other book I have read. It is filled with historical situations presented in a very magical and whimsical way. I think the audience this is intended for will really like the story and will definitely like the characters.
That being said, here is my review.
The story is about a group of animals, a sheep, a rooster and a duck, that talk. They are sort of like a super-hero team in the late 1700’s, early 1800’s. The duck is a master of strategy, the sheep is an artist, and the rooster is like Zorro, wielding a sword to dispense justice.
All in all it’s not a bad premise. My only concern is the advanced copy I read was supposed to be a graphic novel, read longer comic book, but there is more novel than pictures. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it is a little confusing. I have come to the conclusion after reading it, that, this book would be better suited to a middle-grade novel rather than a graphic novel. For one, the descriptions are way more fleshed out, and you get a feel for the characters and how they think when it is written. That being said, it kept my attention, and I couldn’t wait to turn the page and see what was going to happen next.
I loved all the many historical references, because, I didn’t really know who some of the people talked about were; so I set off to google them, and was like, oh okay, nice. I think that they intended audience will want to research these characters and get to know a little bit more about them and how they were significant to history.
I liked, in one scene, the inside of the secret society of dreamers was described, saying there was various colors of clouds and it seemed like the character was descending from the heavens. That is a super magical and whimsical way of setting a mood and I could just imagine how that would look. Granted, in the final book, I’m sure it will be drawn and we can all see how truly spectacular that scene is, but, for me, the description was just spot on. That is one of the reasons, I think this book might succeed better if it was just written out as a novel. It will lose some of the author’s word magic in just being shown.
But, I have to say, the story is engrossing, all but a little slow to start. It soon turns into a real action-packed adventure that has a really good ending – which leaves it open for more stories of these super-hero animals to be told in the future. I think it will appeal to it’s target audience, boy, girl or inbetween. I would give this book three and a half stars as a graphic novel, solid four stars as just a novel.
My thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this ARC.
That being said, here is my review.
The story is about a group of animals, a sheep, a rooster and a duck, that talk. They are sort of like a super-hero team in the late 1700’s, early 1800’s. The duck is a master of strategy, the sheep is an artist, and the rooster is like Zorro, wielding a sword to dispense justice.
All in all it’s not a bad premise. My only concern is the advanced copy I read was supposed to be a graphic novel, read longer comic book, but there is more novel than pictures. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it is a little confusing. I have come to the conclusion after reading it, that, this book would be better suited to a middle-grade novel rather than a graphic novel. For one, the descriptions are way more fleshed out, and you get a feel for the characters and how they think when it is written. That being said, it kept my attention, and I couldn’t wait to turn the page and see what was going to happen next.
I loved all the many historical references, because, I didn’t really know who some of the people talked about were; so I set off to google them, and was like, oh okay, nice. I think that they intended audience will want to research these characters and get to know a little bit more about them and how they were significant to history.
I liked, in one scene, the inside of the secret society of dreamers was described, saying there was various colors of clouds and it seemed like the character was descending from the heavens. That is a super magical and whimsical way of setting a mood and I could just imagine how that would look. Granted, in the final book, I’m sure it will be drawn and we can all see how truly spectacular that scene is, but, for me, the description was just spot on. That is one of the reasons, I think this book might succeed better if it was just written out as a novel. It will lose some of the author’s word magic in just being shown.
But, I have to say, the story is engrossing, all but a little slow to start. It soon turns into a real action-packed adventure that has a really good ending – which leaves it open for more stories of these super-hero animals to be told in the future. I think it will appeal to it’s target audience, boy, girl or inbetween. I would give this book three and a half stars as a graphic novel, solid four stars as just a novel.
My thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this ARC.
November 22, 2022
Did you know that a sheep, a rooster, and a duck were the first creatures to ride in a hot air balloon? (True fact!) In this story, the author re-imagines these animals as part of an undercover team keeping the world safe from dastardly villains, sinister secret societies and even from Ben Franklin, the inventor of the first heat ray fun. Full of entertaining sketches, silly adventures, and a few historical tidbits, this book will keep you glued to your seat until reaching the end.
May 13, 2023
I must have missed something. I didn't really care for this book, although it was unique. I listened to the audio book.
September 28, 2023
I was hoping to be captivated but for some reason I just wasn’t. I don’t know how this would appeal to young readers unless they’re interested in the identifiable historical characters—Benjamin Franklin, Marie Antoinette and other 18th century luminaries and scoundrels. The story felt flat to me. Although, I loved the spare illustrations.
May 9, 2022
What worked:
This book stars three farm animals with exceptional abilities. I must admit, the title doesn’t grab my interest right away, but those three animals actually ride in Montgolfier’s hot air balloon back in 1783 and become world-famous overnight. The duck named Jean-Luc is a wise tactician, the sheep named Bernadette is an innovative designer, and the rooster named Pierre is a skilled and daring swordsman. Together, along with a young girl named Sophie, they form a team determined to stop any threats to French society.
The plot becomes a story of historical intrigue with spies galore. Emile runs Benjamin Franklin’s home in France, but he joins the animals when Franklin’s sketch of a devastating weapon might be used by an evil organization. Modifications of Montgolfier’s early balloons are frequently used to transport the animals across the lands. King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette actually ruled France during this time, and Count Cagliostro was an Italian charlatan. Cagliostro is the antagonist in this book and he fulfills the expectations of being a despicable scoundrel.
The black and white drawings contribute to the story and aren’t simply add-ons. They help to visualize the characters and setting and they’re used to illustrate several action scenes. They sometimes perform the same function as pictures in graphic novels. Their strategic placement and depictions of events allow the author to use fewer words and help the story move at a comfortable pace. Despite being over two-hundred pages in length, the book can be read quite quickly.
What didn’t work as well:
The plot and characters lack depth, but that’s the price to be paid in a fast-paced book. Situations arise and they’re dealt with swiftly and directly. The story may be full of spies and secret plans, but they’re obvious to readers and don’t include any unexpected twists. The end result is still a very entertaining and amusing adventure for young readers.
The Final Verdict:
The book can be read quickly and it contains the key elements of a delightful story. It has interesting characters, a major conflict, plenty of action, and a sprinkle of humor to keep readers engrossed. I’m not sure of future plans, but the door is open for a sequel. I recommend you give this book a shot!
This book stars three farm animals with exceptional abilities. I must admit, the title doesn’t grab my interest right away, but those three animals actually ride in Montgolfier’s hot air balloon back in 1783 and become world-famous overnight. The duck named Jean-Luc is a wise tactician, the sheep named Bernadette is an innovative designer, and the rooster named Pierre is a skilled and daring swordsman. Together, along with a young girl named Sophie, they form a team determined to stop any threats to French society.
The plot becomes a story of historical intrigue with spies galore. Emile runs Benjamin Franklin’s home in France, but he joins the animals when Franklin’s sketch of a devastating weapon might be used by an evil organization. Modifications of Montgolfier’s early balloons are frequently used to transport the animals across the lands. King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette actually ruled France during this time, and Count Cagliostro was an Italian charlatan. Cagliostro is the antagonist in this book and he fulfills the expectations of being a despicable scoundrel.
The black and white drawings contribute to the story and aren’t simply add-ons. They help to visualize the characters and setting and they’re used to illustrate several action scenes. They sometimes perform the same function as pictures in graphic novels. Their strategic placement and depictions of events allow the author to use fewer words and help the story move at a comfortable pace. Despite being over two-hundred pages in length, the book can be read quite quickly.
What didn’t work as well:
The plot and characters lack depth, but that’s the price to be paid in a fast-paced book. Situations arise and they’re dealt with swiftly and directly. The story may be full of spies and secret plans, but they’re obvious to readers and don’t include any unexpected twists. The end result is still a very entertaining and amusing adventure for young readers.
The Final Verdict:
The book can be read quickly and it contains the key elements of a delightful story. It has interesting characters, a major conflict, plenty of action, and a sprinkle of humor to keep readers engrossed. I’m not sure of future plans, but the door is open for a sequel. I recommend you give this book a shot!
March 21, 2022
Okay, friends, I did it again. I chose a book to read by the cover, and for no other reason. How can you ignore one so inviting? And I do love a good middle-grade story. So, yep, another review choice without reading the synopsis.
As I began this story, I could see that it was going to be filled with historical facts wrapped around some fun characters. As you might guess, the animals on the cover, sheep, rooster, and duck are a unique super-hero team. And each has special gifts, the sheep is an artist, the rooster, is a wild sword-wielding fowl, and the duck? Well, someone has to stop quacking jokes and be in charge of the plans and strategy. (Couldn’t help it. The fun cover made me do it.)
The historical references and names teach, while our team of characters plus a few others, weave through the story causing the learning to be woven neatly into an outlandishly fun adventure.
While not all of the graphics were included in the ARC that I reviewed, I can imagine that they break up the prose beautifully, allowing a break for reluctant readers. Plus, ahem, older readers who love graphic novels.
My Concerns
When I started reading I wondered if it didn’t feel too mature, not in content but wording. But kids are far more advanced than in the past, so probably this isn’t much of a concern.
Final Thoughts
Now, what child, or for that matter adult, can pass up a book with this cover? And then when it contains a wild ride with animals and historic figures, I say it’s an easy thumbs up.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy to review. I was completely free to express my thoughts.
As I began this story, I could see that it was going to be filled with historical facts wrapped around some fun characters. As you might guess, the animals on the cover, sheep, rooster, and duck are a unique super-hero team. And each has special gifts, the sheep is an artist, the rooster, is a wild sword-wielding fowl, and the duck? Well, someone has to stop quacking jokes and be in charge of the plans and strategy. (Couldn’t help it. The fun cover made me do it.)
The historical references and names teach, while our team of characters plus a few others, weave through the story causing the learning to be woven neatly into an outlandishly fun adventure.
While not all of the graphics were included in the ARC that I reviewed, I can imagine that they break up the prose beautifully, allowing a break for reluctant readers. Plus, ahem, older readers who love graphic novels.
My Concerns
When I started reading I wondered if it didn’t feel too mature, not in content but wording. But kids are far more advanced than in the past, so probably this isn’t much of a concern.
Final Thoughts
Now, what child, or for that matter adult, can pass up a book with this cover? And then when it contains a wild ride with animals and historic figures, I say it’s an easy thumbs up.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy to review. I was completely free to express my thoughts.
March 17, 2022
First sentence: A carriage drawn by a single horse sped down a forest road.
Premise/plot: The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck is historical fantasy set in nineteenth century France. (The prologue is set in 1783, the main action occurs two years later.) In some ways, it can best be described as animal fantasy. It does star a talking sheep, rooster, and duck after all. But it is so much more than that. The animals enlist two young children--a boy and a girl--to help them battle evil, if you will. The plot centers around protecting Benjamin Franklin (who is still in France) and to some extent saving the world. So it's animal fantasy, but it's more than animal fantasy if that makes any kind of sense.
My thoughts: I wanted to love this one. I did. I thought it sounded outlandish yet perfectly delightful. Yet it remains an almost for me. I almost fell head over heels in love with the characters. I almost fell in with the logic of this one. But for whatever reason it left me puzzled and confused here and there. Not a lot. Just a tad bit here, a tiny bit there. Enough that it started to add up slowly but surely. Perhaps a second reading would help. OR perhaps if the book included a list of characters and the tiniest clues to help me keep every person well placed in my mind. I understand the book is supposed to be about possible spies and definite deceptions and possible betrayals and such. So perhaps readers are supposed to be left guessing???
I still enjoyed this one more than not. Just not wholeheartedly.
Premise/plot: The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck is historical fantasy set in nineteenth century France. (The prologue is set in 1783, the main action occurs two years later.) In some ways, it can best be described as animal fantasy. It does star a talking sheep, rooster, and duck after all. But it is so much more than that. The animals enlist two young children--a boy and a girl--to help them battle evil, if you will. The plot centers around protecting Benjamin Franklin (who is still in France) and to some extent saving the world. So it's animal fantasy, but it's more than animal fantasy if that makes any kind of sense.
My thoughts: I wanted to love this one. I did. I thought it sounded outlandish yet perfectly delightful. Yet it remains an almost for me. I almost fell head over heels in love with the characters. I almost fell in with the logic of this one. But for whatever reason it left me puzzled and confused here and there. Not a lot. Just a tad bit here, a tiny bit there. Enough that it started to add up slowly but surely. Perhaps a second reading would help. OR perhaps if the book included a list of characters and the tiniest clues to help me keep every person well placed in my mind. I understand the book is supposed to be about possible spies and definite deceptions and possible betrayals and such. So perhaps readers are supposed to be left guessing???
I still enjoyed this one more than not. Just not wholeheartedly.
July 5, 2022
In 1783 France, three animals - a sheep, a rooster, and a duck - made aviation history by being the first living creatures to ride in a hot air balloon. This animal fantasy/historic adventure tale tells the "rest of the story" as the three intrepid animals quash an effort by the evil Italian psychic Cagliostro to weaponize hot air balloons in order to install himself as King of America.
Set in a time of spies, scientific discovery, and political turmoil, Phelan has woven one heckuva story. It is filled with actual people (Benjamin Franklin, Count Alessandro di Cagliostro, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, hot air balloon aviator Montgolfier - this was actually two brothers, but simplified by showing one and leaving him unnamed -, Franz Mesmer, Joseph Guillotin, and Napoleon Bonaparte) who may have interfaced during this historic event. The animals are assisted in freeing the twice-kidnapped Benjamin Franklin by fictional tweens Sophie and Emile, fictional human servants caught up in the adventure.
Phelan uses rich vocabulary and exciting word play to tell this tongue-in-cheek story, mixing text with B&W illustrations and showing action-packed passages in graphic novel form. An author's note at the end separates fact from fiction. A quick read, this high action/low description story should appeal to reluctant readers and beginning chapter book readers alike. While the tale is pretty straight-forward with few red herrings or twists, it was a rollicking fun ride.
Highly recommended grades 4-6.
Set in a time of spies, scientific discovery, and political turmoil, Phelan has woven one heckuva story. It is filled with actual people (Benjamin Franklin, Count Alessandro di Cagliostro, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, hot air balloon aviator Montgolfier - this was actually two brothers, but simplified by showing one and leaving him unnamed -, Franz Mesmer, Joseph Guillotin, and Napoleon Bonaparte) who may have interfaced during this historic event. The animals are assisted in freeing the twice-kidnapped Benjamin Franklin by fictional tweens Sophie and Emile, fictional human servants caught up in the adventure.
Phelan uses rich vocabulary and exciting word play to tell this tongue-in-cheek story, mixing text with B&W illustrations and showing action-packed passages in graphic novel form. An author's note at the end separates fact from fiction. A quick read, this high action/low description story should appeal to reluctant readers and beginning chapter book readers alike. While the tale is pretty straight-forward with few red herrings or twists, it was a rollicking fun ride.
Highly recommended grades 4-6.
December 10, 2023
What a ridiculous story full of adventure, spies, talking animals, and hot air balloons. It's the 1780s, and hot hair balloons are a recent invention with the first successful flight with living beings on board--a sheep, a rooster, and a duck, but very few know that they can talk and are very smart. Bernadette the sheep is an engineer designed a variety of things that can fly. Pierre the rooster is a mask-wearing, sword-wielding fighter. Jean-Luc the duck is a master planner. An evil trickster magician named Cagliostro has heard rumors that Benjamin Franklin has come up with some plans that turn hot air balloons into weapons and wants them for himself. He plans to steal Franklin's notebook to get it or use any other means necessary. While it's mostly text, there are a few illustrations on some pages and a few spreads of action panels that bring the climatic scenes to life. This would be a good read aloud for a family. While the text is pretty spaced out on each page, there's some advanced vocabulary that makes this more for older 3rd graders and 4th graders. Pair with Rockliff's Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved A Mystery That Baffled All of France. Readers will benefit from knowing more about the historical figures mentioned. More authors need to write this length book because I'm just going to only promote Matt Phelan books it seems. For slightly older fans of Real Pigeons Fight Crime or younger fans of Spy School.
November 25, 2024
What a fun and silly historical fantasy adventure!
In this middle grade book a famous sheep, rooster, and duck battles evil forces hungry for war and power, but when they find themselves overwhelmed they enlist the support of young Emile, a simple servant. As Emile learns about the dangers the dark forces pose, he embarks on a fantastic journey to save the world as he knows it.
I just adored how cute this book was! It had lots of silly humor and was very whimsical while presenting facts about history. The artful illustrations fit the tone of the book and made the story come to life more in my mind's eye.
Emile was a great main character. He's a simple boy, but he has a curious mind and good morals that steer him forward. Along the way he learns not to blindly trust others and not to always do as he is told. This theme of independence is really great for younger readers. I also loved the sheep, rooster, and duck, as well as Sophie and how her personality differed from Emile pretty drastically.
Each chapter was nice, short, and full of action and interesting conversations that moved things along at a brisk pace. If you need a historical fantasy book for your kiddo or just a fun story to escape from reality, this one's worth a try!
In this middle grade book a famous sheep, rooster, and duck battles evil forces hungry for war and power, but when they find themselves overwhelmed they enlist the support of young Emile, a simple servant. As Emile learns about the dangers the dark forces pose, he embarks on a fantastic journey to save the world as he knows it.
I just adored how cute this book was! It had lots of silly humor and was very whimsical while presenting facts about history. The artful illustrations fit the tone of the book and made the story come to life more in my mind's eye.
Emile was a great main character. He's a simple boy, but he has a curious mind and good morals that steer him forward. Along the way he learns not to blindly trust others and not to always do as he is told. This theme of independence is really great for younger readers. I also loved the sheep, rooster, and duck, as well as Sophie and how her personality differed from Emile pretty drastically.
Each chapter was nice, short, and full of action and interesting conversations that moved things along at a brisk pace. If you need a historical fantasy book for your kiddo or just a fun story to escape from reality, this one's worth a try!
August 8, 2023
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A tale of secret societies, spies, fantastic inventions, and flight. Adventure, humor, and history combine as the story interworks historical events with fantastical elements. A fun blend of text and illustrations to advance the story.
A historical flight taken by a sheep, a rooster, and a duck; a plot to steal the plans for Benjamin Franklin’s dangerous invention; a villain who claims to have lived for centuries… and poor Emile who gets swept up in it all.
This is a fun adventure story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The artwork is fantastic. I especially enjoyed the sections that switched entirely to illustrations.
There is an Author’s Note at the end the discusses some of the real-life elements that inspired the story.
Nice fit for those who think they aren’t interested in history. It’s a good way to spark an interest of some of the odder events of the past.
A tale of secret societies, spies, fantastic inventions, and flight. Adventure, humor, and history combine as the story interworks historical events with fantastical elements. A fun blend of text and illustrations to advance the story.
A historical flight taken by a sheep, a rooster, and a duck; a plot to steal the plans for Benjamin Franklin’s dangerous invention; a villain who claims to have lived for centuries… and poor Emile who gets swept up in it all.
This is a fun adventure story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The artwork is fantastic. I especially enjoyed the sections that switched entirely to illustrations.
There is an Author’s Note at the end the discusses some of the real-life elements that inspired the story.
Nice fit for those who think they aren’t interested in history. It’s a good way to spark an interest of some of the odder events of the past.
December 27, 2021
Escape into a whimsical adventure with Bernadette, Jean-Luc, and Pierre in 1783 when Benjamin Franklin was an ambassador of the New World in France. In the time of the creation of the first successful human-carrying flight technology, the sheep, the rooster, and the duck seek out to protect the idea before a villain uses it for his own power needs.
Mystery and adventure with historical details and figures are combined with chapters and comic sequences to create an intriguing story with a pinch of humor for the adults. This early chapter book is for readers who enjoyed Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake.
Mystery and adventure with historical details and figures are combined with chapters and comic sequences to create an intriguing story with a pinch of humor for the adults. This early chapter book is for readers who enjoyed Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake.
February 6, 2024
The first hot air balloon was piloted by a sheep, a rooster, and a duck, but what did these intrepid animals do after their famous flight? According to this book, they set about fighting injustice and bringing a sense of wonder wherever they went. In this case, Benjamin Franklin is living in France trying to negotiate for aid during the Revolutionary War, but he's tricked by a mesmerizing magician, spying secretary, and roguish rapscallion. It's up to our three brave animals to save the day, but without the courage of one unassuming boy, they may be doomed after all.
It has been a whole minute since I read a book this charming. It brilliantly balances history and fact with wonder and humor. The characters are brilliantly crafted and the story engaging. It certainly stretches a young reader's vocabulary, but it's there to bring in swashbuckling adventure and a warm-hearted finish. I truly hope there will be a sequel just as marvelous.
It has been a whole minute since I read a book this charming. It brilliantly balances history and fact with wonder and humor. The characters are brilliantly crafted and the story engaging. It certainly stretches a young reader's vocabulary, but it's there to bring in swashbuckling adventure and a warm-hearted finish. I truly hope there will be a sequel just as marvelous.
December 1, 2022
I love that Matt Phelan subjects are always different and this one absolutely soared above already high expectations. A little history, a little whimsy, a lot of humor and all inventive charming fun, this was one of my favorite books of the year.
I did not know the historic reality of the rooster, the sheep and the duck and now I will always remember it. The cameo appearances of Lavoisier, Guillotine, Marie Antoinette and Mozart were wonderful and of course Ben Franklin plays a leading role.
The illustrations, as always, are outstanding and integral to the tale. This one deserves every star. Just sit back and have fun. Young readers may need a bit of history help in this one but I think the charm is in just going with the story. It would make an ideal classroom read-aloud or bedtime book to read chapter by chapter.
I did not know the historic reality of the rooster, the sheep and the duck and now I will always remember it. The cameo appearances of Lavoisier, Guillotine, Marie Antoinette and Mozart were wonderful and of course Ben Franklin plays a leading role.
The illustrations, as always, are outstanding and integral to the tale. This one deserves every star. Just sit back and have fun. Young readers may need a bit of history help in this one but I think the charm is in just going with the story. It would make an ideal classroom read-aloud or bedtime book to read chapter by chapter.
February 22, 2022
Many of us learned about Mongolfier's first hot air balloon launch in 1783, but what of the animals on board this fledgling voyage? Author Matt Phelan takes us on a harrowing trip to learn about a plucky duck, a roguish rooster, and a not-sot sheepish sheep who strive to protect the world from injustice, nefarious plots, and threats to society. Nine-year old Emile will meet them and Sophie as he works for Benjamin Franklin in his château in Passy. Our heroes encounter other historical figures as well including the king and queen of France at the time, Mozart, Mesmer, Cagliotro, Guillotin, Lavoisier, and many more. An entertaining read that can tie in well with a history unit and science studies. At twenty short chapters, this would make a perfect bedtime read for just under a month.
March 19, 2022
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 4
Interesting story, great audio performance.
I requested a review copy of this audiobook because I love Gary Furlong’s audio performances. He did another great job performing this book. I also enjoyed the story. As someone on the far side of 60, with no young ones around, I don’t read/listen to a lot of YA books. However, when given the opportunity to review an audiobook by any of my favorite performers I’ll say yes, every time. I’m sure that young people will enjoy Gary Furlong’s excellent vocal talent and the way he brought this story to life.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 4
Interesting story, great audio performance.
I requested a review copy of this audiobook because I love Gary Furlong’s audio performances. He did another great job performing this book. I also enjoyed the story. As someone on the far side of 60, with no young ones around, I don’t read/listen to a lot of YA books. However, when given the opportunity to review an audiobook by any of my favorite performers I’ll say yes, every time. I’m sure that young people will enjoy Gary Furlong’s excellent vocal talent and the way he brought this story to life.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
December 31, 2022
This is a lyrical, clever, and imaginative book. I'm not sure what to think! I like the way it weaves in so many historical events and characters. I wish perhaps I had read the author's note at the end first, because at times I was not sure what was true and what was "invented." I had forgotten that Mozart had met Franklin, and had even written songs for the latter's armonica. I did know that Franklin helped disprove Mesmer's claims (from the book Mesmerized that I rated a '5'). While the sheep, rooster, and duck were the first balloon passengers, it bothered me that the book included Franklin flying in one, which he never got to do in real life. There's a wonderful passage about wonder that I marked, and clever phrases such as Guillotin being among "the sharpest in Europe."
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August 12, 2022Despite having a lot of hurdles for me (my dislike of talking animal stories, fiction books that have characters who were real people, and most things by Matt Phelan--which is a complete me thing, I like his ideas, but his writing isn't my cup of tea), I really wanted to like this.
Spoiler alert, I didn't.
And while some of that was due to the reasons above, some of it was also the inclusion of references that I'm not sure will resonate with kids, for example, and I'm paraphrasing now, mentioning that of course Versailles would have lots of mirrors. Why would a kid know that?
Like most of Phelan's books, I love the idea (and the cover), but it just didn't click with me.
Spoiler alert, I didn't.
And while some of that was due to the reasons above, some of it was also the inclusion of references that I'm not sure will resonate with kids, for example, and I'm paraphrasing now, mentioning that of course Versailles would have lots of mirrors. Why would a kid know that?
Like most of Phelan's books, I love the idea (and the cover), but it just didn't click with me.
January 18, 2024
It was quite thrilling, I must say, to discover that a sheep, rooster, and duck were at the heart of swashbuckling escapades, espionage, and inventions in 1780s France. The history books record they were the first living occupants to fly in a balloon, but they don't mention the talking and spying. Or saving Benjamin Franklin from various villains, including Edward Bancroft, Count Cagliostro, Franz Mesmer, Marie Antionette, Guillotin, Lavoisier, Mozart, and others, all at the intermingling of science, mysticism, secret societies, flying machines, and heat rays. It's a wonderfully silly fable of an unusual moment in history.
February 6, 2022
I really love this book! It was a lot of fun, with great characters and an exciting plot. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I read the ARC and want to see the finished copy, although I probably will give it 5 stars anyway. I feel like the finished art is going to add a whole nother level! Also, Pierre is by far the best rooster in children's literature!! The illustrations I did see so far are charming. The comic sequences were a great addition as well! I just convinced myself to change my review to 5 stars now. So consider my final review 5+ stars!!
February 24, 2022
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.
3.5 stars for this novel/graphic novel hybrid. Not all of the art was available in the ARC I read but what was there was a helpful part of the story, so I imagine the rest will only help to elevate the story even more. The book was entertaining but I have to admit that I struggled a bit at the beginning to place all the characters/events of the story, so I imagine it would also be difficult for kids. But I think they'll like the superhero nature of the sheep, the rooster, and the duck!
3.5 stars for this novel/graphic novel hybrid. Not all of the art was available in the ARC I read but what was there was a helpful part of the story, so I imagine the rest will only help to elevate the story even more. The book was entertaining but I have to admit that I struggled a bit at the beginning to place all the characters/events of the story, so I imagine it would also be difficult for kids. But I think they'll like the superhero nature of the sheep, the rooster, and the duck!
March 20, 2022
Delightful, whimsical historical fiction with terrific illustrations throughout. The sheep, the roaster, and the duck (from first hot air balloon flight fame…there’s a picture book about them that’s also great) as a trio who fight for the greater good. They encounter all sorts of historical figures from Franklin to Antoinette. This is a great book to couple with some googling to see what’s real and find pictures. Highly recommend. This is an easier chapter book that would also appeal to older kids.
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