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Chickens Can't Count
Every chicken knows, don’t count your eggs. So when Pecky tries to count her eggs, it turns the coop upside down. Maybe it is a good idea to count your eggs before they hatch?
44 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2020
62 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
E.B. Adams
27 books13 followersI'm an indie children's author and illustrator.
I live on an one acre homestead south of Cape Town with my partner and three kids and too many animals.
As a parent I love the experience of reading to our kids, no matter how old they get. As an author, I love to make books that are quirky and fun to read aloud.
If you would like to sample some of my stories, you can sign up for my newsletter, Homestead Sunday. I talk about kids, books and goats.
Latest book is Chickens Can't Count
I live on an one acre homestead south of Cape Town with my partner and three kids and too many animals.
As a parent I love the experience of reading to our kids, no matter how old they get. As an author, I love to make books that are quirky and fun to read aloud.
If you would like to sample some of my stories, you can sign up for my newsletter, Homestead Sunday. I talk about kids, books and goats.
Latest book is Chickens Can't Count
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 15, 2023
Chickens Can't Count
By E.B. Adams
Quite a humorous little romp with peculiar chickens. The art is odd but works in this world! The dialogue is quick and strange, yet funny! The end is delightful!
By E.B. Adams
Quite a humorous little romp with peculiar chickens. The art is odd but works in this world! The dialogue is quick and strange, yet funny! The end is delightful!
October 17, 2020
i love the illustrations. i was super lucky to win this book in a Goodreads giveaway. well done. i really enjoy the colorful happy illustrations. great read. i think it would be awesome for your book collection/shelf.
October 17, 2020
Cute storybook
I was intrigued by the title which is why I tried to get this book. It is a cute story about a chicken trying to learn to count.
I won this book thru a goodreads.com giveaway
I was intrigued by the title which is why I tried to get this book. It is a cute story about a chicken trying to learn to count.
I won this book thru a goodreads.com giveaway
October 17, 2020
A cute book you can read to young children. Great pictures.
October 21, 2020
Cute, short, easy to read.
I read this to it five year old. She loved the illustrations and she even recognized some of the words.
I read this to it five year old. She loved the illustrations and she even recognized some of the words.
October 24, 2020
Chickens counting is way cool!
My kids loved this book. The story is very entertaining. The doodling illustrations are super cute for my 4 year old. Our favorite part was how eggs go missing by farmer, fox and the snake. Give this author a try for it’s fun read.
My kids loved this book. The story is very entertaining. The doodling illustrations are super cute for my 4 year old. Our favorite part was how eggs go missing by farmer, fox and the snake. Give this author a try for it’s fun read.
April 9, 2021
Just ok.
August 27, 2025
A Children's Comic Not About Counting
Chickens Can't Count is basically a comic book about a flock of chickens, whose names are provided at the front of the book although not their relationships to one another. Anyway, one of the young hens is worried about her eggs disappearing, but since she is illiterate, she has trouble keeping track of her eggs even as the rest of the chickens basically gaslight her.
The story is told in multiple conversations wirh no connecting plot that hasn't been communicated first.
Meanwhile, the book is illustrated with very basic illustrations that almost border on characters that children can draw. As a result, the chickens were dumpy in basic shape with sideways and rather 2D portrayals. The only saving grace is the fact differences were assigned to each bird.
The biggest lessons I can take away from the book is the importance of being educated and following your own intuition even when others try to prove you otherwise.
The fact that all the chickens seem to be related to one makes me wonder if the rooster is also part of the family besides Daddy Dearest. There is also the fact that her own family is toxic - the rooster being a domineering tyrant oppressing education of his flock members, Mama Hen is the toxic mother figure who can do no wrong and the fact there is an educated elite whose seeming role is oppressing the uneducated while at the same time helping to perpetuate the crime all makes me leery on whether this should be provided to children.
Another flat no from me....
Chickens Can't Count is basically a comic book about a flock of chickens, whose names are provided at the front of the book although not their relationships to one another. Anyway, one of the young hens is worried about her eggs disappearing, but since she is illiterate, she has trouble keeping track of her eggs even as the rest of the chickens basically gaslight her.
The story is told in multiple conversations wirh no connecting plot that hasn't been communicated first.
Meanwhile, the book is illustrated with very basic illustrations that almost border on characters that children can draw. As a result, the chickens were dumpy in basic shape with sideways and rather 2D portrayals. The only saving grace is the fact differences were assigned to each bird.
The biggest lessons I can take away from the book is the importance of being educated and following your own intuition even when others try to prove you otherwise.
The fact that all the chickens seem to be related to one makes me wonder if the rooster is also part of the family besides Daddy Dearest. There is also the fact that her own family is toxic - the rooster being a domineering tyrant oppressing education of his flock members, Mama Hen is the toxic mother figure who can do no wrong and the fact there is an educated elite whose seeming role is oppressing the uneducated while at the same time helping to perpetuate the crime all makes me leery on whether this should be provided to children.
Another flat no from me....
July 27, 2023
This is an adorable and relatable story that is sure to delight all ages. The illustrations are simple, yet quirky and totally work for this picture book!
Pecky is a hen and she's worried that some of her eggs have gone missing. She tries to count them but realizes she can't count. Pecky expresses her concern to friends and family and they all gaslight her - nothing to worry about, counting is against the rules, numbers can't be trusted, etc..
So Pecky takes matters into her own feathers (See what I did there!) and names the eggs to keep track of them. And yes, she *IS* losing eggs! Pecky then takes extraordinary measures to protect her eggs but they keep disappearing. Finally, with only one egg left, Pecky is determined to protect it at all costs. She refuses to leave this egg and eventually, Shelly is hatched. Of course Pecky's family and friends all give unwanted advice. The book ends with Pecky teaching Shelly to count.
WOW! For a children's book, this one hit DEEP! Of course, on the surface it's a cute story of Pecky and her eggs. But this story also reflects on society trying to keep the status quo at the expense of individuals. Pecky is trying to better herself and those around her are all trying to talk her out of it. They project their own fears and limitations onto Pecky. Fortunately, Pecky is able to find a better way for herself and she is determined to not let her offspring struggle the way she did.
I really love this book because as your child grows older, you can peel back the layers (See what I did again?) and talk about not following the crowd, being true to oneself and breaking generational curses.
Excellent book for anyone's bookshelf!
Pecky is a hen and she's worried that some of her eggs have gone missing. She tries to count them but realizes she can't count. Pecky expresses her concern to friends and family and they all gaslight her - nothing to worry about, counting is against the rules, numbers can't be trusted, etc..
So Pecky takes matters into her own feathers (See what I did there!) and names the eggs to keep track of them. And yes, she *IS* losing eggs! Pecky then takes extraordinary measures to protect her eggs but they keep disappearing. Finally, with only one egg left, Pecky is determined to protect it at all costs. She refuses to leave this egg and eventually, Shelly is hatched. Of course Pecky's family and friends all give unwanted advice. The book ends with Pecky teaching Shelly to count.
WOW! For a children's book, this one hit DEEP! Of course, on the surface it's a cute story of Pecky and her eggs. But this story also reflects on society trying to keep the status quo at the expense of individuals. Pecky is trying to better herself and those around her are all trying to talk her out of it. They project their own fears and limitations onto Pecky. Fortunately, Pecky is able to find a better way for herself and she is determined to not let her offspring struggle the way she did.
I really love this book because as your child grows older, you can peel back the layers (See what I did again?) and talk about not following the crowd, being true to oneself and breaking generational curses.
Excellent book for anyone's bookshelf!
August 26, 2021
Pecky was trying to count his eggs.
She told Fluffy 1 egg was missing.
The farmer & Mother Hen doesn’t like the chickens to count their eggs.
Next morning Pecky counted her eggs again.
Speckles (egg) was missing.
Pecky hid her eggs.
The next morning Spotty (egg) was missing.
Will Pecky figure out who is taking her eggs?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great hand-drawn colored pictures, charming illustrations & proper font & writing style. A very professionally written children’s (preschool/elementary age) chicken/egg storybook. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters, settings, etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s chicken/egg movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Wholehearted Books, LLC.; FreeBooksy; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Kindle Mobi book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
She told Fluffy 1 egg was missing.
The farmer & Mother Hen doesn’t like the chickens to count their eggs.
Next morning Pecky counted her eggs again.
Speckles (egg) was missing.
Pecky hid her eggs.
The next morning Spotty (egg) was missing.
Will Pecky figure out who is taking her eggs?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great hand-drawn colored pictures, charming illustrations & proper font & writing style. A very professionally written children’s (preschool/elementary age) chicken/egg storybook. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters, settings, etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s chicken/egg movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Wholehearted Books, LLC.; FreeBooksy; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Kindle Mobi book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 17, 2021
This picture book relates the plight of a chicken named Pecky who cannot count. Counting is against the rules, according to the farmer, hens, and chickens. Pecky becomes frustrated because her eggs seem to be going missing.
One by one the eggs disappear. Pecky decides to hide them. When only one is left, she decides she will sit on it to protect it. Can you guess what happens?
This is intended to be a counting book for preschoolers. I do think it is a too long, and the message gets lost. There are cute illustrations and humor that toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy.
One by one the eggs disappear. Pecky decides to hide them. When only one is left, she decides she will sit on it to protect it. Can you guess what happens?
This is intended to be a counting book for preschoolers. I do think it is a too long, and the message gets lost. There are cute illustrations and humor that toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy.
April 1, 2021
Chickens can count
In a fun, whimsical way this children’s book brings the importance of counting. As the criticism and numerical mistakes given to the main chicken resulted in the determination of the protagonist imparting the crucial message to the young. This makes this children’s book an easy introduction to counting. The illustrations were colorful and each character were distinctive within the story context. This is an enjoyable read overall.
In a fun, whimsical way this children’s book brings the importance of counting. As the criticism and numerical mistakes given to the main chicken resulted in the determination of the protagonist imparting the crucial message to the young. This makes this children’s book an easy introduction to counting. The illustrations were colorful and each character were distinctive within the story context. This is an enjoyable read overall.
July 1, 2022
I wasn't quite sure of the message of this book. The chickens tell the youngest chicken that they can't count and chickens don't count. The youngest chicken wants to keep all their eggs so she names them and each day tries to hide them somewhere different. Finally when there is only one left the chicken sits on the egg until it becomes a chick. This was ok, but I didn't really find the message or enjoy the message as it were. Fine for kids.
April 12, 2021
Fun counting book. It makes a sort of game out of collecting eggs from the chickens but I can see very young ones may get a little upset at them being eaten by animals. So much to discuss in this short story.
Loving the water colors and pen drawings. They are very expressive.
Very much enjoyed the whole thing.
Loving the water colors and pen drawings. They are very expressive.
Very much enjoyed the whole thing.
June 25, 2021
Cute pictures and a cute story about a little hen who was not allowed to count her eggs, so she determined to name them so that she could keep track of them. A cute story but not all that exciting. I think children who love animals and are familiar with hens and chickens will delight in the story.
August 27, 2021
I found this book for free on Amazon and it is pretty cute. Chickens can’t count… or can they?
You’re always told not to count chickens before they hatch, but what if you do? Well, Pecky finds out in this adorable children’s book! Obviously I finished this in less than 5 minutes but I think I would want to read this to future children!
You’re always told not to count chickens before they hatch, but what if you do? Well, Pecky finds out in this adorable children’s book! Obviously I finished this in less than 5 minutes but I think I would want to read this to future children!
November 23, 2020
So cute
This book is so cute and funny. I caught myself chuckling when I was reading it. Thank you for letting me review this book I will be reading this to my kindergarten class soon.
This book is so cute and funny. I caught myself chuckling when I was reading it. Thank you for letting me review this book I will be reading this to my kindergarten class soon.
November 25, 2020
This is a wonderful short book that is a fun and entertaining story for the pre-reader. It has great illustrations and lots of humor. A winner for both the young child and the adult reading to them.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
December 4, 2020
This was a cute book, it was a funny silly book. It would be a good book to read to younger kids. I don't know if I would read it aloud to students because there is no moral story behind it but I would have it in the classroom for students to rea don their own.
March 30, 2021
Can chickens count?
What a hilarious book about a chicken named Pecky who is determined to learn how to count when she realizes one of her eggs has mysteriously disappeared. Will she succeed or is her family correct in their assumptions about counting?
What a hilarious book about a chicken named Pecky who is determined to learn how to count when she realizes one of her eggs has mysteriously disappeared. Will she succeed or is her family correct in their assumptions about counting?
April 18, 2021
Cute, funny, but lacking punch
I like the little character introduction sketches in the beginning of the book. They are necessary as there’s quite some similarity in some of their appearances. The book is a bit funny, but my kids didn’t really like it.
I like the little character introduction sketches in the beginning of the book. They are necessary as there’s quite some similarity in some of their appearances. The book is a bit funny, but my kids didn’t really like it.
July 8, 2021
Great Read
I enjoy sharing books by the Author E.B. Adams.
It's great to share that what chicken was told he couldn't do is what he actually learned and taught to his chick!
Stop saying what we can't do or is told what we shouldn't do!
I enjoy sharing books by the Author E.B. Adams.
It's great to share that what chicken was told he couldn't do is what he actually learned and taught to his chick!
Stop saying what we can't do or is told what we shouldn't do!
February 15, 2023
A Cute Bedtime Story
What a silly, funny story. My grandson is very interested in counting and addition, so I enjoyed sharing a story that not only entertained him, but demonstrated how math can even be important to chickens!
What a silly, funny story. My grandson is very interested in counting and addition, so I enjoyed sharing a story that not only entertained him, but demonstrated how math can even be important to chickens!
August 6, 2024
Children will be more interested in someone reading a book to them than in this book's message (which is garbled). The artwork was entertaining, but the story's plot was not. As a former teacher, I found this book too long for preschoolers.
December 31, 2024
It says it’s a book for children but this had me chuckling at the dark humour of it all.
I suspect some parents will love it some might not. The kids will enjoy the illustrations and it will be a possible starting point to discuss the circle of life.
I suspect some parents will love it some might not. The kids will enjoy the illustrations and it will be a possible starting point to discuss the circle of life.
November 14, 2025
I think this book is an odd one for kids. The MC is a chicken who wants to keep her eggs safe, but the rest of her flock attempt to convince her that chickens can't count and therefore she can have no idea how many eggs she has. She names her eggs instead and she keeps losing them to predation and human harvesting. That each egg has a name and she has an attachment to them is pretty much brushed off as irrelevant.
October 18, 2020
Ugh, page 10...Lie in your box, not lay!!!
November 15, 2020
Really cute little story. I think it was a lot of fun. My kids will love it. Great illustrations, and I liked all of the chickens' names.
November 28, 2020
LOL funny
I swear I have never read a kids book that made me laugh out loud. Kids and adults will enjoy this.
I swear I have never read a kids book that made me laugh out loud. Kids and adults will enjoy this.
December 20, 2020
Love it, excellent illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews