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Cranky Chicken #1
Cranky Chicken
Narwhal and Jelly meet The Bad Guys in this brightly illustrated, downright hilarious chapter book graphic novel about what happens when a very cranky chicken is befriended by a very cheerful worm.
Cranky Chicken is, well, cranky. With one cranky eyebrow, cranky eyes, and even cranky, scratchy feet. But then one day, Cranky meets a very friendly worm named Speedy who wants nothing more than to be friends. Young readers will love seeing the mismatched friendship grow over the course of three charming and laugh-out-loud short adventures as Chicken and Speedy become BFFs (Best Feathered Friends) and Speedy shows Chicken how to look on the bright side.
Cranky Chicken is, well, cranky. With one cranky eyebrow, cranky eyes, and even cranky, scratchy feet. But then one day, Cranky meets a very friendly worm named Speedy who wants nothing more than to be friends. Young readers will love seeing the mismatched friendship grow over the course of three charming and laugh-out-loud short adventures as Chicken and Speedy become BFFs (Best Feathered Friends) and Speedy shows Chicken how to look on the bright side.
116 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2021
41 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Battersby
17 books48 followersKatherine is the critically acclaimed author and illustrator of twelve children’s books, including Trouble, Perfect Pigeons and the popular Cranky Chicken series, which have been published around the world. Her books have received glowing reviews in The New York Times, starred Kirkus reviews and have been shortlisted for numerous awards. She is regularly booked to speak in schools, libraries and at festivals and she is a passionate advocate for literacy and the arts. She grew up in Australia and lives in Ottawa, Canada, with her poet, their book obsessed toddler and a wonderfully ridiculous dog.
Visit her at: www.katherinebattersby.com
Visit her at: www.katherinebattersby.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
February 26, 2022
What happens when a cranky chicken aka "The Queen of Crank" kicks a leaf and rescues a speedy worm from oppression? A new friendship for the ages is born. This new bond ranks right up there with Narwhal & Jelly, Pea & Bee, Bird & Squirrel, and Frog & Toad. As Chicken and Worm get acquainted there are some hilarious panels like the reenactment of the leaf trapping the poor helpless worm ("On no! I have a family! NOOOO!") and Finding Out More About Chicken (Cat videos are one of the things that don't make Chicken cranky). They get matching BFF (Best Feathered Friends) shirts and even take flight together (launching off a tree trunk about a foot off the ground). One of my favorite panels was Worm reading a horror novel entitled "The Early Bird." This colorful graphic novel is a treat for all ages. Pick it up and find out why the chicken really crossed the road.
August 19, 2021
There are books, which simply make one laugh, giggle, and snort. And this is one of them.
Cranky Chicken is...well, cranky and happy to be that way. When a worm pops up and says 'hi', the chicken tries to ignore it and head the other way. This worm is persistent and eve claims to like the chicken. Actually, it sees the chicken as its hero. An odd friendship begins.
I have a soft spot for chickens, and that's why I wanted to take a look at this one, but it was even better than I'd hoped. The Cranky Chicken is a grumpy-buns, and it's hard not to giggle with all of his grumbling around during the first pages. When he meets the worm, things really get funny. The dialogue between the two is what drives this one forward, and it's very well done. It does lean a bit to the sarcastic side, but it's along lines the age group will easily understand. Actually, I was even grinning through much of it. The two are made for each other, and the worm is impossible not to like.
Beginning readers will enjoy this one quite a bit. The text is kept simple enough for those who have just gotten a handle on their words, and it's short. Very short. The illustrations carry a lot of this one, and much of it flows in a mix of picture book/graphic novel style. But I love that it doesn't talk down to the reader. This one will humor even teens and adults, and still, it's really at the beginning reader level. I can see this one being a favorite. I received an ARC copy and was surprised how cute and funny this one is.
Cranky Chicken is...well, cranky and happy to be that way. When a worm pops up and says 'hi', the chicken tries to ignore it and head the other way. This worm is persistent and eve claims to like the chicken. Actually, it sees the chicken as its hero. An odd friendship begins.
I have a soft spot for chickens, and that's why I wanted to take a look at this one, but it was even better than I'd hoped. The Cranky Chicken is a grumpy-buns, and it's hard not to giggle with all of his grumbling around during the first pages. When he meets the worm, things really get funny. The dialogue between the two is what drives this one forward, and it's very well done. It does lean a bit to the sarcastic side, but it's along lines the age group will easily understand. Actually, I was even grinning through much of it. The two are made for each other, and the worm is impossible not to like.
Beginning readers will enjoy this one quite a bit. The text is kept simple enough for those who have just gotten a handle on their words, and it's short. Very short. The illustrations carry a lot of this one, and much of it flows in a mix of picture book/graphic novel style. But I love that it doesn't talk down to the reader. This one will humor even teens and adults, and still, it's really at the beginning reader level. I can see this one being a favorite. I received an ARC copy and was surprised how cute and funny this one is.
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March 10, 2022What happens when a cranky chicken aka "The Queen of Crank" kicks a leaf and rescues a speedy worm from oppression? A new friendship for the ages is born. This new bond ranks right up there with Narwhal & Jelly, Pea & Bee, Bird & Squirrel, and Frog & Toad. As Chicken and Worm get acquainted there are some hilarious panels like the reenactment of the leaf trapping the poor helpless worm ("On no! I have a family! NOOOO!") and Finding Out More About Chicken (Cat videos are one of the things that don't make Chicken cranky). They get matching BFF (Best Feathered Friends) shirts and even take flight together (launching off a tree trunk about a foot off the ground). One of my favorite panels was Worm reading a horror novel entitled "The Early Bird." This colorful graphic novel is a treat for all ages. Pick it up and find out why the chicken really crossed the road.
*Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
*Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
October 11, 2021
This delightful graphic novel for early readers follows the friendship between a chicken and a worm. Chicken is very cranky as demonstrated through an unibrow that is almost perpetually hovering low over the eyes. When Cranky Chicken inadvertently rescues a worm named Speedy from a vicious leaf, Speedy refuses to accept anything accept friendship in return. Cheerful, fast-moving Speedy makes an amusing contrast to the annoyed-by-everything Chicken. Chapter 2 revolves around the two friends discovering exactly what Best Feathered Friends do as BFFs. It turns out, neither one really knows, but they try hard. And what will happen in Chapter 3 when Speedy longs to fly and Chicken refuses? Not what you might expect is what happens. For young readers who enjoy amusing, graphic novel stories about two rather unexpected friends, this is a great book to hand them. With a title like Cranky Chicken, how could it not be a winner!
November 4, 2021
I think this little GN is ideal for both kids & adults! I relate so much to Cranky Chicken, I was giggling throughout. And the friendship looked very familiar. I wonder if Katherine has met me & my friend before.
Pick it up for a fun quick read! It will get you out of any “fowl”mood!
Pick it up for a fun quick read! It will get you out of any “fowl”mood!
September 28, 2021
Cranky Chicken is, well, cranky. Everything gets under Cranky's skin. Cranky seems to get annoyed about just about everything.
And then Cranky meets Speedy the Worm. Speedy and Cranky become friends. Life gets a little bit better, and Cranky isn't quite so cranky.
And then Cranky meets Speedy the Worm. Speedy and Cranky become friends. Life gets a little bit better, and Cranky isn't quite so cranky.
August 22, 2023
Cute illustrations and funny little story. Great bedtime read aloud for the whole family!
June 18, 2023
What do you get when you pair a cranky chicken and a speedy worm? BFFs if they can figure it out! Warm pastel colors, fun drawings, speech bubbles, easy/beginner graphic novel.
October 20, 2021
Even cranky chickens deserve to have a BFF in this warm-hearted and funny tale of friendship and acceptance.
Everything about chicken is cranky; eyebrow, eyes, beak, feet. And absolutely everything makes chicken cranky; the sun, the rain, its tail, dirt, leaves, odd socks, sprinkle-less cupcakes, food with holes. Life for chicken is one big crank. Then along comes the friendly and endearing Speedy Worm who is determined to turn Cranky Chicken’s frown upside down. But will Speedy and Cranky become BFFs…
The first in a new series, Cranky Chicken is a delightful addition to the selection of graphic novels for newly independent readers. Like many graphic novels for this age, this one presents two mismatched animal characters who form an unlikely friendship and embraces the message of accepting others as they are.
The brilliant Speedy could worm its way into the life of anyone and even Cranky Chicken is not immune to this charming little dude. With neither an expert when it comes to making friends, the two learn to be cranky together, share secrets, overcome fears, support one another and provide plenty of laughs along the way as they become Best Feathered Friends.
We all need a friend that brings out the best of us and Cranky and Speedy compliment each other perfectly. Their adventures in three short, charming and funny stories will bring smiles to faces as friendship blossoms as Speedy helps Cranky look on the brighter and lighter side of life.
With its short and simple text and brilliant expression-filled illustrations, this is going to be a hit with plenty of children. Yes, it is targeted at the younger end of primary school but there is enough sarcasm and humour packed in to satisfy older children or even adults who fancy a quick, light-hearted read. Adding to the fun and interspersed between the three parts are some laugh-out-loud extras that include things that do and do not make Chicken cranky and some other ‘Chicken and Worm stuff’. Fans of Narwhal and Jelly, Beak & Ally and Shark and Bot will love spending time with these two new BFFs.
Cranky and Speedy will be back in further titles scheduled to be released in 2022 and 2023. Until then, stay cranky!
With thanks to Hachette and Lothian Children’s Books for this fun read.
Recommended for 5+.
Everything about chicken is cranky; eyebrow, eyes, beak, feet. And absolutely everything makes chicken cranky; the sun, the rain, its tail, dirt, leaves, odd socks, sprinkle-less cupcakes, food with holes. Life for chicken is one big crank. Then along comes the friendly and endearing Speedy Worm who is determined to turn Cranky Chicken’s frown upside down. But will Speedy and Cranky become BFFs…
The first in a new series, Cranky Chicken is a delightful addition to the selection of graphic novels for newly independent readers. Like many graphic novels for this age, this one presents two mismatched animal characters who form an unlikely friendship and embraces the message of accepting others as they are.
The brilliant Speedy could worm its way into the life of anyone and even Cranky Chicken is not immune to this charming little dude. With neither an expert when it comes to making friends, the two learn to be cranky together, share secrets, overcome fears, support one another and provide plenty of laughs along the way as they become Best Feathered Friends.
We all need a friend that brings out the best of us and Cranky and Speedy compliment each other perfectly. Their adventures in three short, charming and funny stories will bring smiles to faces as friendship blossoms as Speedy helps Cranky look on the brighter and lighter side of life.
With its short and simple text and brilliant expression-filled illustrations, this is going to be a hit with plenty of children. Yes, it is targeted at the younger end of primary school but there is enough sarcasm and humour packed in to satisfy older children or even adults who fancy a quick, light-hearted read. Adding to the fun and interspersed between the three parts are some laugh-out-loud extras that include things that do and do not make Chicken cranky and some other ‘Chicken and Worm stuff’. Fans of Narwhal and Jelly, Beak & Ally and Shark and Bot will love spending time with these two new BFFs.
Cranky and Speedy will be back in further titles scheduled to be released in 2022 and 2023. Until then, stay cranky!
With thanks to Hachette and Lothian Children’s Books for this fun read.
Recommended for 5+.
November 1, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my goodness, this was one book that I read through completely in one sitting. I was reading it during our independent reading time, and had several eyes start following along the book with me. Cranky Chicken has such a personality (along with his trusty new sidekick), and I can totally see myself reading this as an entertaining read aloud. Not to mention a fun book to add to our classroom library! Definitely a must read for all elementary readers!
Oh my goodness, this was one book that I read through completely in one sitting. I was reading it during our independent reading time, and had several eyes start following along the book with me. Cranky Chicken has such a personality (along with his trusty new sidekick), and I can totally see myself reading this as an entertaining read aloud. Not to mention a fun book to add to our classroom library! Definitely a must read for all elementary readers!
June 21, 2021
Hilarious, adorable reader in the vein of ELEPHANT & PIGGIE and NARWHAL & JELLY. Soft, charming pictures with one cranky chicken and an enthusiastic worm. The reader follows three different adventures into the animals becoming friends. Much fun. Recommended.
I will post a review + photo to Instagram closer to publication.
I will post a review + photo to Instagram closer to publication.
July 8, 2021
Cranky Chicken will make you laugh out loud and cheer!
The joyful color palette and simple illustrations will inspire young readers to pull out art supplies and recreate their new favorite BFF's. Absolutely love this book! Can't wait to hand Cranky Chicken to fans of Narwhal & Jelly or Unlimited Squirrels and new readers alike.
The joyful color palette and simple illustrations will inspire young readers to pull out art supplies and recreate their new favorite BFF's. Absolutely love this book! Can't wait to hand Cranky Chicken to fans of Narwhal & Jelly or Unlimited Squirrels and new readers alike.
November 8, 2021
Oozing with cuteness, Cranky Chicken and Speedy Worm become friends. They meet, try to figure out what it takes to be friends, and then try to fly. They are supportive and lovely to each other, and while there are no other characters (except an evil leaf), for the moment Cranky and Speedy are enough.
September 9, 2021
Wow… Katherine Battersby was right: that’s a lot of crank for one small bird. Good thing the cutest, speediest worm is around & bringing all the happy!
Cranky Chicken will no doubt be a favorite for our elementary readers, & it’s one of my top graphic novels of 2021, too!
Cranky Chicken will no doubt be a favorite for our elementary readers, & it’s one of my top graphic novels of 2021, too!
September 18, 2021
As perfect as you think it is when you see the cover and hear the title. What's not to love about Battersby's charming illustrations of a cranky chicken learning how to make friends with a speedy worm? HIGHLY recommend to everyone!
October 29, 2021
Cranky Chicken is always cranky. When Cranky Chicken saves Speedy the worm from an evil leaf, Cranky Chicken gets a new friend. If you like the Elephant and Piggie books, you might like this story. Cranky Chicken and Speedy are cranky together, and also learn how to be not cranky.
November 5, 2021
this is a great beginner's graphic novel. it's about a cranky chicken who becomes friends with a worm. It has a low amount of text, but it's over 100 pages, which would feel like a big accomplishment for a beginning reader. cute story
April 16, 2022
An unlikely friendship is formed when a cranky chicken unknowingly rescues a worm from an oppressive leaf. I appreciate the multiple layers of humor for caregivers reading along with their kiddos (e.g. Speedy's favorite fantasy book is Lord of the Ring Worm)! XD
August 29, 2021
This was a super cute kids book about a cranky chicken and a happy worm who learn how to become friends. It has some cute illustrations is kind of like a chapter book/grahic novel.
February 16, 2022
This book is not only hilarious, but as a teacher I can see using this as a mentor text with students for writing workshop. So many possibilities! Students and adults of all ages will love it!
October 20, 2021
A curmudgeonly chicken and sprightly worm become unlikely BFFs (“Best Feathered Friends”) in this likable early reader comic in five parts. [from Publishers Weekly]
April 9, 2022
The chicken is cranky and it makes me happy. Also the book is really heartwarming and sweet and silly. BUT THE CHICKEN IS CRANKY.
April 14, 2022
It is epic!
April 23, 2022
THIS IS THE EXACT TYPE OF CONTENT I NEED RIGHT NOW
IT'S SO CUTE AND WHOLESOME
cranky chicken is such a vibe, and so is speedy, and I stan them and their friendship
IT'S SO CUTE AND WHOLESOME
cranky chicken is such a vibe, and so is speedy, and I stan them and their friendship
June 13, 2022
Book Title : Cranky Chicken
Author : Katherine Battersby
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
ISBN-13 : 9781534469884
Year : 2021
Pages : 116 Pages
Categories : Graphic novel, Comics, Fiction, Humor
Summary / Synopsis
What happens when a very cranky chicken meets a very cheerful worm? Perfect for newly independent readers, this is the first extremely funny story in a charming illustrated series about an unlikely friendship that will warm your heart and make you laugh. Everything about Chicken is cranky. Cranky eyes, cranky eyebrows, super-sharp cranky beak, even cranky scratchy feet. And everything makes Chicken cranky. The sun is too bright, the dirt is too dirty. What Cranky Chicken is not is lonely. Nope, nope, definitely not. But then along comes a very cheerful worm named Speedy, who just wants to be friends. The first book in a charming illustrated series about mismatched friends who bring joy, companionship and a new perspective to each other's lives. Young readers will love seeing the mismatched friendship grow over the course of three charming and laugh-out-loud short adventures as Chicken and Speedy become BFFs (Best Feathered Friends) and Speedy shows Chicken how to look on the bright side.
Review
There are some books that just make you laugh, giggle, or snort, and this book is one of them. Cranky Chicken is adorable as someone who always thinks he's a little cranky. What starts as a love letter develops into a commotion that you admire turns into a story of friendship. Be yourself and get your friends to notice it. Despite the fact that the cranky chicken's face is always sullen and irritable, the cranky chicken is met with a worm that is cheerful and easy to get along with. The bond between chicken and worm in Cranky Chicken feels very complete, they are very complementary to each other.
Cranky Chicken is ideal for children who are just learning to read because it has that message and a simple and consistent drawing style. However, I enjoyed how it wasn't addressed to the reader. Even teens and adults will be entertained by this book, and it is written at a beginner reader level. This one has the potential to be a favorite.
Recommendation
This is a great book for young children. The texts are short and quite easy to understand. Many moral messages are conveyed through pictures that are liked by children. Moreover, this book displays good pictures and graphics, therefore this book can make the reader comfortable when reading it.
Author : Katherine Battersby
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
ISBN-13 : 9781534469884
Year : 2021
Pages : 116 Pages
Categories : Graphic novel, Comics, Fiction, Humor
Summary / Synopsis
What happens when a very cranky chicken meets a very cheerful worm? Perfect for newly independent readers, this is the first extremely funny story in a charming illustrated series about an unlikely friendship that will warm your heart and make you laugh. Everything about Chicken is cranky. Cranky eyes, cranky eyebrows, super-sharp cranky beak, even cranky scratchy feet. And everything makes Chicken cranky. The sun is too bright, the dirt is too dirty. What Cranky Chicken is not is lonely. Nope, nope, definitely not. But then along comes a very cheerful worm named Speedy, who just wants to be friends. The first book in a charming illustrated series about mismatched friends who bring joy, companionship and a new perspective to each other's lives. Young readers will love seeing the mismatched friendship grow over the course of three charming and laugh-out-loud short adventures as Chicken and Speedy become BFFs (Best Feathered Friends) and Speedy shows Chicken how to look on the bright side.
Review
There are some books that just make you laugh, giggle, or snort, and this book is one of them. Cranky Chicken is adorable as someone who always thinks he's a little cranky. What starts as a love letter develops into a commotion that you admire turns into a story of friendship. Be yourself and get your friends to notice it. Despite the fact that the cranky chicken's face is always sullen and irritable, the cranky chicken is met with a worm that is cheerful and easy to get along with. The bond between chicken and worm in Cranky Chicken feels very complete, they are very complementary to each other.
Cranky Chicken is ideal for children who are just learning to read because it has that message and a simple and consistent drawing style. However, I enjoyed how it wasn't addressed to the reader. Even teens and adults will be entertained by this book, and it is written at a beginner reader level. This one has the potential to be a favorite.
Recommendation
This is a great book for young children. The texts are short and quite easy to understand. Many moral messages are conveyed through pictures that are liked by children. Moreover, this book displays good pictures and graphics, therefore this book can make the reader comfortable when reading it.
December 29, 2022
Cranky Chicken is a charming graphic novel intended for the 6-10 year old set with enough laugh-out-loud moments and absurdity to entertain older fans of graphic novels -- particularly those of us prone to crankiness ourselves.
April 29, 2022
Such a Mood! #Relatable. #Squad Goals.
June 30, 2022
I love cranky chicken and her friend worm.
May 17, 2025
SOOOO FUNNYYYY
July 8, 2022
Fun. This book 📚 got me at the title. Gorgeous illustrations and funny. I think this could be considered an early graphic novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews