By Sarah McCarville, GRPL Main Library
Great for a storytime read-aloud with the grandkids! Colorful, expressive illustrations by Henry Cole are a delightful addition to this title which will help kids conquer their fears.
Big Chickens is the story of four fearful chickens who seem to talk themselves into a series of predicaments while trying to escape from a wolf. The chickens are afraid to go home, afraid to jump, afraid of cows, afraid of the water, afraid of caves, afraid of big, hairy animals. Will they remain afraid of the wolf?
This predicable tale has some great repetition which invites participation, perfect for preschoolers who will quickly learn the routine. They’ll love to repeat “Me, too!” “Me, three!” “Me, four!” after the first chicken asks about some hypothetical situation. Once a question is asked (What if we fall in the ditch? What if the cows chase us?) you turn the page and find the chickens have to find their way out of that very situation.
The story would be a great discussion starter for preschoolers and their caregivers to help with their fears. Showing how the chickens eventually see how the wolf isn’t necessarily the big bully that everyone thinks he is will allow children to put themselves in the chickens’ place.
