What do you think?
Rate this book
Two-Headed Chicken
Two-Headed Chicken
In a hilarious, absurdist romp by New York Times best-selling creator Tom Angleberger, a two-headed chicken races across the multiverse to escape a hungry moose.
Anything is possible in the multiverse, including a madcap adventure starring a plucky two-headed chicken. But look out—there’s a chicken-hungry moose in pursuit! In this fourth wall–breaking graphic novel, our double-headed hero is chased through dozens of bizarre universes, from an ocean planet with a disturbing mermoose (that you can never unsee) to a world where chickens drive cars, and even to a land covered with . . . pizza sauce? With each BZOOP! of the universe-hopping Astrocap, the only thing to expect is the unexpected. Packed with jokes, quizzes, and games, the two-headed chicken’s wacky escapades will remind readers of such favorites as Dog Man and CatStronauts. Absurdist superstar Tom Angleberger makes his original graphic novel debut with this lightning-fast caper that will have readers laughing out loud and eager for each new page.
Anything is possible in the multiverse, including a madcap adventure starring a plucky two-headed chicken. But look out—there’s a chicken-hungry moose in pursuit! In this fourth wall–breaking graphic novel, our double-headed hero is chased through dozens of bizarre universes, from an ocean planet with a disturbing mermoose (that you can never unsee) to a world where chickens drive cars, and even to a land covered with . . . pizza sauce? With each BZOOP! of the universe-hopping Astrocap, the only thing to expect is the unexpected. Packed with jokes, quizzes, and games, the two-headed chicken’s wacky escapades will remind readers of such favorites as Dog Man and CatStronauts. Absurdist superstar Tom Angleberger makes his original graphic novel debut with this lightning-fast caper that will have readers laughing out loud and eager for each new page.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2022
5 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Tom Angleberger
81 books793 followersTom Angleberger artist-turned-writer. He is a columnist for the Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia, and began work on his first book while in middle school. Tom is married to author-illustrator Cece Bell. He lives in Christianburg, Virginia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 3, 2022
Original doesn't even begin to scrape the surface of this rapid-paced, mega-quirky adventure, which bends the mind more than interdimensional travel ever could and leaves serious-though galaxies away.
What is a two-headed chicken to do when a moose is a green moose is determined to fry it? It uses the interdimensional cap and zips away in search of a spot where the moose doesn't exist. And good luck with that one because even the craziest dimensions seem to be determined to keep that chicken running.
This is a bright and bold graphic novel, which is packed with humor pure. Well, not quite. There are also mazes, puzzles and other activities sprinkled in here and there, making it a read, which definitely keeps boredom far away. It is funny, super ridiculous, and gives quite the exciting ride. It's impossible to guess what will happen next as the two-headed chicken zaps from one dimension into the next with lots of silliness and snark in between.
All of it is age appropriate and will, no doubt, have readers completely engaged. The balance between illustrations and text is well done. The puzzles in between add a unique break and are a nice touch.
I can see this one being a favorite, especially among more reluctant readers or those who love exciting craziness. I received an ARC through Edelweiss.
What is a two-headed chicken to do when a moose is a green moose is determined to fry it? It uses the interdimensional cap and zips away in search of a spot where the moose doesn't exist. And good luck with that one because even the craziest dimensions seem to be determined to keep that chicken running.
This is a bright and bold graphic novel, which is packed with humor pure. Well, not quite. There are also mazes, puzzles and other activities sprinkled in here and there, making it a read, which definitely keeps boredom far away. It is funny, super ridiculous, and gives quite the exciting ride. It's impossible to guess what will happen next as the two-headed chicken zaps from one dimension into the next with lots of silliness and snark in between.
All of it is age appropriate and will, no doubt, have readers completely engaged. The balance between illustrations and text is well done. The puzzles in between add a unique break and are a nice touch.
I can see this one being a favorite, especially among more reluctant readers or those who love exciting craziness. I received an ARC through Edelweiss.
October 18, 2022
First sentence: Among the infinite universes in the multiverse...anything is possible! In one universe you are a famous rock star. In another universe you are a famous country star. And in a lot of universes you are really awesome but not famous...
Premise/plot: Two-Headed Chicken celebrates the absurd. Tom Angleberger's books have always leaned that way--whimsical, odd, absurd, unique. But this new book--a graphic novel--goes a step or two beyond that. Readers meet a two-headed chicken, a special two-headed chicken who a) has a special cap that allows them to travel through *all* the universes in the multiverse b) is being chased by a green moose named Kernel Antlers who wants to fry you. Readers hop--alongside the chicken--through many, many, many universes--all wacky and whimsical--trying to outrun Kernel Antlers. Will they ever find a universe free from this strife???
My thoughts: This book is incredibly silly. If you are looking for a super-serious, incredibly realistic, thought-provoking book, then you'll probably not enjoy this crazy, wacky, absurd trip through the multiverse. It makes use of several different types of humor. [So even if you don't laugh at one thing, you might at another. Also keep in mind that what makes a kid giggle won't necessarily make an adult laugh and vice versa.]
If your young reader enjoys Tom Angleberger, then this one is definitely worth looking for and adding to your library.
February 5, 2023
Kids may like this book but I did not.
December 16, 2022
This book is silly fun and will appeal to students who like a good laugh. I read it to several 3rd and 4th grade classes and many wanted to check it out afterwards. The feature that I really enjoyed is that there are mini-quizzes thrown in here and there throughout the book that just made me laugh. This is a great addition to a school library and to a home library for a child that might not be ready for full novels or chapter books.
June 2, 2023
Tom Angleberger always knows how hook a reader, especially 8–12-year-olds. This title is his first solo graphic novel has some giant hooks that will stick when tossed out in say a book talk or a great display. What kid could resist a dimension traveling two-headed chicken being chased by a giant green moose as the plot! The chickens have a magic hat that allows them to jump dimensions to keep away from the moose, but it doesn't really solve the problem. Can the chicken's figure out a way to defeat the moose once and for all?'
The full color illustrations are extremely engaging, and the story is ridiculously funny. Angleberger includes a how to draw the chickens lesson right in the middle of the story. All of the drawing steps are easy for success by all drawing abilities. I am sure that kid readers will spend a lot of time on this activity- hopefully creating their own chicken adventures. Clever learning is disguised as fun with the science of dimensions explained, recall questionnaire pages and some hidden vocabulary building as well. The text often breaks the wall between characters and reader, making the reader an essential part of the story. His author's note offers insight into his approach and what he loved about books like this when he was young.
I would highly recommend this book for purchase by elementary, middle school and public libraries. It would also make a great gift for middle grade readers and classroom libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
The full color illustrations are extremely engaging, and the story is ridiculously funny. Angleberger includes a how to draw the chickens lesson right in the middle of the story. All of the drawing steps are easy for success by all drawing abilities. I am sure that kid readers will spend a lot of time on this activity- hopefully creating their own chicken adventures. Clever learning is disguised as fun with the science of dimensions explained, recall questionnaire pages and some hidden vocabulary building as well. The text often breaks the wall between characters and reader, making the reader an essential part of the story. His author's note offers insight into his approach and what he loved about books like this when he was young.
I would highly recommend this book for purchase by elementary, middle school and public libraries. It would also make a great gift for middle grade readers and classroom libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
March 16, 2023
A brother and sister two-headed chicken duo travel through parallel universes, and in each universe they are chased by a hungry moose villain who wants to eat fried chicken.
This is an extremely silly graphic novel. I'm not sure I enjoy quite this level of silliness. I was rolling my eyes and shaking my head in confusion for most of the book. But I think that children who enjoy wild and weird stories will like this one! It's too chaotic for me, but it is definitely imaginative.
I didn't particularly like the art style. It's jumbled and haphazard, like the story. I prefer both art and story to have more structure and polish. But for people who like weird art, this is cute! It is certainly colorful.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This is an extremely silly graphic novel. I'm not sure I enjoy quite this level of silliness. I was rolling my eyes and shaking my head in confusion for most of the book. But I think that children who enjoy wild and weird stories will like this one! It's too chaotic for me, but it is definitely imaginative.
I didn't particularly like the art style. It's jumbled and haphazard, like the story. I prefer both art and story to have more structure and polish. But for people who like weird art, this is cute! It is certainly colorful.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
December 9, 2022
OK, listen to Children's Librarian Aimee for one moment (as opposed to Goodreads Aimee, the person who doesn't like to put any books that might not "count" on her goodreads read list... but is now realizing that is kind of dumb) ... I got this book today in my stack of books to process and was promptly sucked into it.
This is hilarious. It is absurd without being stupid and includes both Harry Potter and Doctor Who references that are actually funny (though I do wonder if any of the kids I might recommend this one to will get them, especially the Doctor Who one). I laughed the entire time I read this, and my day is improved exponentially. If you won't read this one, certainly recommend it to the kids in your life.
This is hilarious. It is absurd without being stupid and includes both Harry Potter and Doctor Who references that are actually funny (though I do wonder if any of the kids I might recommend this one to will get them, especially the Doctor Who one). I laughed the entire time I read this, and my day is improved exponentially. If you won't read this one, certainly recommend it to the kids in your life.
November 23, 2022
A Green Moose chases a two-headed chicken across the multiverse with the intentions of deep-frying it and then eating it. If silly and absurd is what you crave then this is the book for you. It also has the world's longest knock-knock joke.
September 24, 2022
All one has to say is avoid the green moose and much props to the time traveling cap. Students are going to love this book!
Read
May 24, 2024What a classic, a masterpiece, a tome on the shelves alongside Dickens and Shelley. I am moved.
December 23, 2024
Too confusing. It hurt my head.
January 30, 2025
I don't think I'm the target audience for this graphic novel. I am interested to see what my grade-school book club thinks of it.
February 11, 2025
A silly, fun, chaotic graphic novel that's very easy to read and perfect for kids of any age.
Read
October 3, 2022I love that Tom Angleberger branched into graphic novels. I hope for more funny stories from the chicken. And I love how he incorporated how to draw the chicken into the story! So clever. Read in one sitting.
Read
October 31, 2022I mean, there's some strong Dog Man humor vibes here. The problem being that I don't like Dog Man. Don't worry, Tom, the kids will love it.
November 18, 2022
This was so much fun! You have to read it - if only to discover what the world's longest knock knock joke is. If your kids like Dav Pilkey's graphic novels, then they should love Tom Angleberger's newest book, too! And if you are looking for a holiday present that is sure to bring on the giggles, wrap this up. Be aware that there is some potty humor. And a bit of name calling. Though feelings are addressed in their own way. But there are Harry Potter and Dr. Who parodies! And a drawing lesson!! And even some really bizarre quizzes. I can't wait to see what my grands think of this one!
November 15, 2022
It's a very cute book!
If you love chickens is a must read book :)
If you love chickens is a must read book :)
April 28, 2025
I'm not the right audience.
July 12, 2023
I laughed outloud through this entire book. I can’t wait to put it in kids’ hands!
October 31, 2022
Angleberger, Tom. Two-Headed Chicken
September 6, 2022 by Walker Books US
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
The two-headed chicken is a brother and sister team, where the brother admits to not being that bright, and the sister is so smart that she invented the Astrocap time travel device. This is helpful in navigating the plethora of alternative universes, which all have goofy properties, and in escaping Kernal Antlers, an enraged green moose who is bound and determined to catch the chicken, fry them and eat them up! The chickens are as determined to escape as Antlers is to catch them, and the whole book is mainly the back and forth between the adversaries. There are a few other characters, like a fish with a mustache who suffers from an inferiority complex, and Granny Goosefoot, who pops in to tell stories. This frenetic romps takes our intrepid chickens to Olde London, outerspace, and into a monster movie universe, barely escaping being fried each time. Will they ever be able to make peace with Kernal Antlers?
Angleberger is known best for his slightly quirky Origami Yoda series, but a decade ago also published such goofy titles as Fake Mustache and Horton Halfpott, or The Fiedish Mystery of Smugwick Manor, or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset. This graphic novel aims at a slightly younger audience who might enjoy the enthusiastic colors and exaggerated humor. This is certainly a story where lots of things happen right away, even though there isn't as much plot as one might expect. At one point, the "reader of this lousy book" tells the chickens "But it better be good, or I'm reading Stuntboy instead!" The chickens panic. "Oh, no! That book has an actual plot! And the pictures are 100 times better!" The pell mell style of the storyline is definitely reinforced by the chaotic pictorial style.
Thematically, this goes right along with Pilkey's Dog Man books, and will appeal to the same readers. Dog Man is fighting whatever evil he finds, but the two-headed chicken is concentrating on Kernal Antlers. Readalikes also include Trine's Melvin Beederman books and Eaton's Flying Beaver Brothers. I can see this being a popular choice among the elementary school crowd that appreciates a good fart reference as well as never ending knock knock jokes.
I may send this on to an elementary school. Handing this to a middle school student feels sort of like letting them sit down to a breakfast where I just put the sugar bowl on the table and give them a spoon, even with the gentle pokes against reading comphrehension testing.
September 6, 2022 by Walker Books US
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
The two-headed chicken is a brother and sister team, where the brother admits to not being that bright, and the sister is so smart that she invented the Astrocap time travel device. This is helpful in navigating the plethora of alternative universes, which all have goofy properties, and in escaping Kernal Antlers, an enraged green moose who is bound and determined to catch the chicken, fry them and eat them up! The chickens are as determined to escape as Antlers is to catch them, and the whole book is mainly the back and forth between the adversaries. There are a few other characters, like a fish with a mustache who suffers from an inferiority complex, and Granny Goosefoot, who pops in to tell stories. This frenetic romps takes our intrepid chickens to Olde London, outerspace, and into a monster movie universe, barely escaping being fried each time. Will they ever be able to make peace with Kernal Antlers?
Angleberger is known best for his slightly quirky Origami Yoda series, but a decade ago also published such goofy titles as Fake Mustache and Horton Halfpott, or The Fiedish Mystery of Smugwick Manor, or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset. This graphic novel aims at a slightly younger audience who might enjoy the enthusiastic colors and exaggerated humor. This is certainly a story where lots of things happen right away, even though there isn't as much plot as one might expect. At one point, the "reader of this lousy book" tells the chickens "But it better be good, or I'm reading Stuntboy instead!" The chickens panic. "Oh, no! That book has an actual plot! And the pictures are 100 times better!" The pell mell style of the storyline is definitely reinforced by the chaotic pictorial style.
Thematically, this goes right along with Pilkey's Dog Man books, and will appeal to the same readers. Dog Man is fighting whatever evil he finds, but the two-headed chicken is concentrating on Kernal Antlers. Readalikes also include Trine's Melvin Beederman books and Eaton's Flying Beaver Brothers. I can see this being a popular choice among the elementary school crowd that appreciates a good fart reference as well as never ending knock knock jokes.
I may send this on to an elementary school. Handing this to a middle school student feels sort of like letting them sit down to a breakfast where I just put the sugar bowl on the table and give them a spoon, even with the gentle pokes against reading comphrehension testing.
April 24, 2022
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Candlewick Press through Edelweiss+.
Angleberger creates a ridiculous character - the two-headed chicken, and sets it loose in the multiverse. Readers learn it is being chased by a green moose who wants to fry it and eat it. Each universe alters the three characters but the connection remains the same. The characters directly engage with readers so they become another character.
Terrific artwork captures the fun. Middle grade readers will appreciate the bizarre premise and the constant humor.
I received an electronic ARC from Candlewick Press through Edelweiss+.
Angleberger creates a ridiculous character - the two-headed chicken, and sets it loose in the multiverse. Readers learn it is being chased by a green moose who wants to fry it and eat it. Each universe alters the three characters but the connection remains the same. The characters directly engage with readers so they become another character.
Terrific artwork captures the fun. Middle grade readers will appreciate the bizarre premise and the constant humor.
January 10, 2024
This is a complete masterpiece. It is hilarious and amazing. A must read for the fans of chaos, funny stuff and lots of two-headed animals.
October 27, 2022
Tom Angleberger creator of the Origami Yoda series has a new graphic novel series for fans of Dog Man and Captain Underpants. The brother and sister team of Two-Headed Chicken need to use a special cap to Bzooop! to another version of the multiverse to get away from a green moose named Kernel Antlers who wants to fry them and eat them. The entire book chase would get old for readers if Angleberger did add reading comprehension tests, a maze, and a how to draw Two-Headed Chicken sections that add to the humor of the book with the world's longest knock-knock joke payoff at the end. Recommended for 2nd to 3rd grade humor that like their books on the silly side.
September 4, 2022
Randomly picked this up because it says this is a funny graphic novel about multiverse where the main character is a two-headed chicken.
And I liked it, the potty humor, the interactive slip-ins, and the battle between the two-headed and the grumpy moose.
Quick read, perfect for kids & kids-at-heart.
And I liked it, the potty humor, the interactive slip-ins, and the battle between the two-headed and the grumpy moose.
Quick read, perfect for kids & kids-at-heart.
March 20, 2023
A two-headed chicken is being chased by a very hungry moose. Using the Astrocap, they can jump into different universes to escape, but the moose can jump into multiple universes too! It has some interactive pages where you find different items, choose the escape path for the two-headed chicken, and quizzes (that don't have correct answers). It's a ridiculous read. Definitely for fans of Dog Man.
April 16, 2023
3.5 stars for this graphic novel for ages 7-10. It was silly and quite funny, very quick to flip through because most pages had only a little text. The drawings are sloppy and bright. There are also a couple of silly tests and a couple of activity pages (a drawing lesson, a maze, and a Look & Find). Fun!
September 17, 2025
My own rating, as an adult is 2.5. It's silly, it's nonsense, and just not my style.
However, and am educator, I gave this a 4 star rating because I think children, especially those who love DogMan would enjoy goofiness of this story. I can see myself handing it to a reluctant reader, especially those who are easily overwhelmed with complex text or plots.
However, and am educator, I gave this a 4 star rating because I think children, especially those who love DogMan would enjoy goofiness of this story. I can see myself handing it to a reluctant reader, especially those who are easily overwhelmed with complex text or plots.
November 10, 2025
One of the advanced second graders I read with chose this book for our small group, and he absolutely loves it. It was such a joy to see how much he enjoyed rereading it. The story is fast-paced and delightfully silly. Two-Headed Chicken features a dimension-traveling chicken—with two heads, of course—trying to escape Kernel Antlers, a green moose villain who wants to fry and eat them.
February 19, 2023
Actual rating 2.5 stars. Just a strange little graphic novel aimed at the middle grade set. Funny but insubstantial. My 5 year old checked it out and asked me to read with him. The art didn't wow me, and the story was nonsensical--which I can get behind, but there wasn't much else to it.
June 11, 2023
I read this book as part of the Charlie May Simon Award Committee. This book is one of the graphic novels up for nomination. It is very messy (a little bit of everything going on everywhere) and not super funny. My child read it and had much the same experience as I did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews