Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2—Byrd reimagines this classic folktale through a beautifully painted landscape and a story line that begins with Chicken Little heading off to the market to buy honey, flour, and milk with strict instructions not to “dillydally.” When a pesky acorn to the noggin leads him to believe the sky is falling, he enlists the help of a hilariously named cast of characters, including the famous Henny Penny, as well as the lesser-known Froggy Wogg and Roly and Poly Moley, to warn the king. They are soon duped by a fox and locked in his cellar. Spurred by the impending doom of being served for dinner, they find an escape route, and Chicken Little saves the day by pelting the fox with apples, turning Foxy Loxy into the fool who believes the sky is falling. His mother finds his return home without any baking supplies puzzling, and Chicken Little falls into bed to dream of “baking cakes, ferocious foxes, majestic kings, giant acorns, and falling apples.” While the artwork perfectly fits the timeless nature of this familiar story, Byrd’s adaptation adds little nuance or humor, making it hard to imagine much appeal for young readers. Collections with large folktale sections can certainly add it with confidence, but versions like Rebecca and Ed Emberleys’ Chicken Little (Roaring Brook, 2009) or Keith Graves’s Chicken Big (Chronicle, 2010) are more likely to resonate with a new generation of readers.—Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH
From Booklist
*Starred Review* There are many versions of Chicken Little—sometimes the main character even has another name, like Henny Penny—but the outline is the same. An acorn hits Chicken Little on the head. His conclusion? The sky is falling, and he had better hurry and tell the king. His friends—including Turkey Lurkey and Goosey Lucy, are joined here by Natty Ratty and Piggy Wiggy—follow along until they meet a fox. Byrd (Electric Ben, 2012) says the tale’s ending has bothered him since childhood (he must have read the version where Foxy Loxy has the troop for dinner), and he sets out to put things right. In the process, he has created a delightful offering that kids will, well, gobble up. This Chicken Little is small but clever, and once he escapes from Foxy Loxy’s cellar, he turns the tables on Foxy and his family and frees his friends. The story is neatly told, but it is the verdant watercolor-and-ink artwork, featuring intricate cross-hatching, that shines. So much attention and detail has been lavished on each flora-and-fauna-enhanced spread that children will want repeat viewings. That will give them more time to catch the humor that can be broad (Chicken Little’s cellar escape) or subtle (the range of expressions on the animals’ faces). The meeting between Chicken Little et al. and the Fox family is especially delicious: curiosity and anxiety meet hunger and anticipation. Choice! Preschool-Grade 1. –Ilene Cooper
Review
PRAISE FOR BRAVE CHICKEN LITTLE:
“Byrd’s rewrite of the Chicken Little story is a distinct improvement on traditional versions…pen-and-ink spreads drawn with a sense of lyricism [are] pleasantly at odds with the slapstick prose.” –
Publishers Weekly, starred review
“So much attention and detail has been lavished on each flora and fauna enhanced spread that children will want repeat viewings. That will give them more time to catch the humor that can be broad (CL cellar escape) or subtle (the range of expressions on the animals’ faces).” –
Booklist, starred review
“This is the most fun version of Chicken Little since Paul Galdone’s Henny Penny (Seabury Press, 1968).” —
Library Media Connection
“A handsome, most welcome addition to the…literature of folk and fairy tales.” —
Kirkus
“Byrd upends both the classic tale’s conventions and its cautionary message; still, his revision works as an underdog-makes-good story, much abetted by his elegantly detailed illustrations.” —Horn Book
“Alliteration, occasional rhyming, and poetic language add richness to the storytelling and strengthen the readaloud potential.” —BCCB
PRAISE FOR ELECTRIC BEN, ALSO BY ROBERT BYRD:
“A beautifully realized labor of love and affection brings to life one of our brightest founding fathers.” – Kirkus, starred review
“…this book shimmers with excitement, begging to be read.” – The Horn Book, starred review
“It’s a fascinating and comprehensive portrait, and an asset for student research.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Large in format and ambitious in scope, this appealingly designed book spotlights Benjamin Franklin and
his times.” – Booklist, starred review
“Author/illustrator Robert Byrd presents highlights of the long and varied life of one of America’s most famous citizens in this picture book biography.” – Library Media Connection, starred review
“a true standout…bright, witty, informative and cleverly organized as the man himself.” – The New York Times
About the Author
Robert Byrd is quite certain that all stories need a good ending, and he’s been thinking of a new ending for the classic Chicken Little since he was a boy. For over thirty years, Robert has created whimsical books for children of all ages. He teaches Children’s Book Illustration at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey, with his wife, Ginger, and their cat, Mickey Mantle.
Read more
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2—Byrd reimagines this classic folktale through a beautifully painted landscape and a story line that begins with Chicken Little heading off to the market to buy honey, flour, and milk with strict instructions not to “dillydally.” When a pesky acorn to the noggin leads him to believe the sky is falling, he enlists the help of a hilariously named cast of characters, including the famous Henny Penny, as well as the lesser-known Froggy Wogg and Roly and Poly Moley, to warn the king. They are soon duped by a fox and locked in his cellar. Spurred by the impending doom of being served for dinner, they find an escape route, and Chicken Little saves the day by pelting the fox with apples, turning Foxy Loxy into the fool who believes the sky is falling. His mother finds his return home without any baking supplies puzzling, and Chicken Little falls into bed to dream of “baking cakes, ferocious foxes, majestic kings, giant acorns, and falling apples.” While the artwork perfectly fits the timeless nature of this familiar story, Byrd’s adaptation adds little nuance or humor, making it hard to imagine much appeal for young readers. Collections with large folktale sections can certainly add it with confidence, but versions like Rebecca and Ed Emberleys’ Chicken Little (Roaring Brook, 2009) or Keith Graves’s Chicken Big (Chronicle, 2010) are more likely to resonate with a new generation of readers.—Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH
From Booklist
*Starred Review* There are many versions of Chicken Little—sometimes the main character even has another name, like Henny Penny—but the outline is the same. An acorn hits Chicken Little on the head. His conclusion? The sky is falling, and he had better hurry and tell the king. His friends—including Turkey Lurkey and Goosey Lucy, are joined here by Natty Ratty and Piggy Wiggy—follow along until they meet a fox. Byrd (Electric Ben, 2012) says the tale’s ending has bothered him since childhood (he must have read the version where Foxy Loxy has the troop for dinner), and he sets out to put things right. In the process, he has created a delightful offering that kids will, well, gobble up. This Chicken Little is small but clever, and once he escapes from Foxy Loxy’s cellar, he turns the tables on Foxy and his family and frees his friends. The story is neatly told, but it is the verdant watercolor-and-ink artwork, featuring intricate cross-hatching, that shines. So much attention and detail has been lavished on each flora-and-fauna-enhanced spread that children will want repeat viewings. That will give them more time to catch the humor that can be broad (Chicken Little’s cellar escape) or subtle (the range of expressions on the animals’ faces). The meeting between Chicken Little et al. and the Fox family is especially delicious: curiosity and anxiety meet hunger and anticipation. Choice! Preschool-Grade 1. –Ilene Cooper
Review
PRAISE FOR BRAVE CHICKEN LITTLE:
“Byrd’s rewrite of the Chicken Little story is a distinct improvement on traditional versions…pen-and-ink spreads drawn with a sense of lyricism [are] pleasantly at odds with the slapstick prose.” –
Publishers Weekly, starred review
“So much attention and detail has been lavished on each flora and fauna enhanced spread that children will want repeat viewings. That will give them more time to catch the humor that can be broad (CL cellar escape) or subtle (the range of expressions on the animals’ faces).” –
Booklist, starred review
“This is the most fun version of Chicken Little since Paul Galdone’s Henny Penny (Seabury Press, 1968).” —
Library Media Connection
“A handsome, most welcome addition to the…literature of folk and fairy tales.” —
Kirkus
“Byrd upends both the classic tale’s conventions and its cautionary message; still, his revision works as an underdog-makes-good story, much abetted by his elegantly detailed illustrations.” —Horn Book
“Alliteration, occasional rhyming, and poetic language add richness to the storytelling and strengthen the readaloud potential.” —BCCB
PRAISE FOR ELECTRIC BEN, ALSO BY ROBERT BYRD:
“A beautifully realized labor of love and affection brings to life one of our brightest founding fathers.” – Kirkus, starred review
“…this book shimmers with excitement, begging to be read.” – The Horn Book, starred review
“It’s a fascinating and comprehensive portrait, and an asset for student research.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Large in format and ambitious in scope, this appealingly designed book spotlights Benjamin Franklin and
his times.” – Booklist, starred review
“Author/illustrator Robert Byrd presents highlights of the long and varied life of one of America’s most famous citizens in this picture book biography.” – Library Media Connection, starred review
“a true standout…bright, witty, informative and cleverly organized as the man himself.” – The New York Times
About the Author
Robert Byrd is quite certain that all stories need a good ending, and he’s been thinking of a new ending for the classic Chicken Little since he was a boy. For over thirty years, Robert has created whimsical books for children of all ages. He teaches Children’s Book Illustration at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey, with his wife, Ginger, and their cat, Mickey Mantle.
Read more
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2—Byrd reimagines this classic folktale through a beautifully painted landscape and a story line that begins with Chicken Little heading off to the market to buy honey, flour, and milk with strict instructions not to “dillydally.” When a pesky acorn to the noggin leads him to believe the sky is falling, he enlists the help of a hilariously named cast of characters, including the famous Henny Penny, as well as the lesser-known Froggy Wogg and Roly and Poly Moley, to warn the king. They are soon duped by a fox and locked in his cellar. Spurred by the impending doom of being served for dinner, they find an escape route, and Chicken Little saves the day by pelting the fox with apples, turning Foxy Loxy into the fool who believes the sky is falling. His mother finds his return home without any baking supplies puzzling, and Chicken Little falls into bed to dream of “baking cakes, ferocious foxes, majestic kings, giant acorns, and falling apples.” While the artwork perfectly fits the timeless nature of this familiar story, Byrd’s adaptation adds little nuance or humor, making it hard to imagine much appeal for young readers. Collections with large folktale sections can certainly add it with confidence, but versions like Rebecca and Ed Emberleys’ Chicken Little (Roaring Brook, 2009) or Keith Graves’s Chicken Big (Chronicle, 2010) are more likely to resonate with a new generation of readers.—Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH
From Booklist
*Starred Review* There are many versions of Chicken Little—sometimes the main character even has another name, like Henny Penny—but the outline is the same. An acorn hits Chicken Little on the head. His conclusion? The sky is falling, and he had better hurry and tell the king. His friends—including Turkey Lurkey and Goosey Lucy, are joined here by Natty Ratty and Piggy Wiggy—follow along until they meet a fox. Byrd (Electric Ben, 2012) says the tale’s ending has bothered him since childhood (he must have read the version where Foxy Loxy has the troop for dinner), and he sets out to put things right. In the process, he has created a delightful offering that kids will, well, gobble up. This Chicken Little is small but clever, and once he escapes from Foxy Loxy’s cellar, he turns the tables on Foxy and his family and frees his friends. The story is neatly told, but it is the verdant watercolor-and-ink artwork, featuring intricate cross-hatching, that shines. So much attention and detail has been lavished on each flora-and-fauna-enhanced spread that children will want repeat viewings. That will give them more time to catch the humor that can be broad (Chicken Little’s cellar escape) or subtle (the range of expressions on the animals’ faces). The meeting between Chicken Little et al. and the Fox family is especially delicious: curiosity and anxiety meet hunger and anticipation. Choice! Preschool-Grade 1. –Ilene Cooper
Review
PRAISE FOR BRAVE CHICKEN LITTLE:
“Byrd’s rewrite of the Chicken Little story is a distinct improvement on traditional versions…pen-and-ink spreads drawn with a sense of lyricism [are] pleasantly at odds with the slapstick prose.” –
Publishers Weekly, starred review
“So much attention and detail has been lavished on each flora and fauna enhanced spread that children will want repeat viewings. That will give them more time to catch the humor that can be broad (CL cellar escape) or subtle (the range of expressions on the animals’ faces).” –
Booklist, starred review
“This is the most fun version of Chicken Little since Paul Galdone’s Henny Penny (Seabury Press, 1968).” —
Library Media Connection
“A handsome, most welcome addition to the…literature of folk and fairy tales.” —
Kirkus
“Byrd upends both the classic tale’s conventions and its cautionary message; still, his revision works as an underdog-makes-good story, much abetted by his elegantly detailed illustrations.” —Horn Book
“Alliteration, occasional rhyming, and poetic language add richness to the storytelling and strengthen the readaloud potential.” —BCCB
PRAISE FOR ELECTRIC BEN, ALSO BY ROBERT BYRD:
“A beautifully realized labor of love and affection brings to life one of our brightest founding fathers.” – Kirkus, starred review
“…this book shimmers with excitement, begging to be read.” – The Horn Book, starred review
“It’s a fascinating and comprehensive portrait, and an asset for student research.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Large in format and ambitious in scope, this appealingly designed book spotlights Benjamin Franklin and
his times.” – Booklist, starred review
“Author/illustrator Robert Byrd presents highlights of the long and varied life of one of America’s most famous citizens in this picture book biography.” – Library Media Connection, starred review
“a true standout…bright, witty, informative and cleverly organized as the man himself.” – The New York Times
About the Author
Robert Byrd is quite certain that all stories need a good ending, and he’s been thinking of a new ending for the classic Chicken Little since he was a boy. For over thirty years, Robert has created whimsical books for children of all ages. He teaches Children’s Book Illustration at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey, with his wife, Ginger, and their cat, Mickey Mantle.
Read more
K-Gr 2—Byrd reimagines this classic folktale through a beautifully painted landscape and a story line that begins with Chicken Little heading off to the market to buy honey, flour, and milk with strict instructions not to “dillydally.” When a pesky acorn to the noggin leads him to believe the sky is falling, he enlists the help of a hilariously named cast of characters, including the famous Henny Penny, as well as the lesser-known Froggy Wogg and Roly and Poly Moley, to warn the king. They are soon duped by a fox and locked in his cellar. Spurred by the impending doom of being served for dinner, they find an escape route, and Chicken Little saves the day by pelting the fox with apples, turning Foxy Loxy into the fool who believes the sky is falling. His mother finds his return home without any baking supplies puzzling, and Chicken Little falls into bed to dream of “baking cakes, ferocious foxes, majestic kings, giant acorns, and falling apples.” While the artwork perfectly fits the timeless nature of this familiar story, Byrd’s adaptation adds little nuance or humor, making it hard to imagine much appeal for young readers. Collections with large folktale sections can certainly add it with confidence, but versions like Rebecca and Ed Emberleys’ Chicken Little (Roaring Brook, 2009) or Keith Graves’s Chicken Big (Chronicle, 2010) are more likely to resonate with a new generation of readers.—Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH
*Starred Review* There are many versions of Chicken Little—sometimes the main character even has another name, like Henny Penny—but the outline is the same. An acorn hits Chicken Little on the head. His conclusion? The sky is falling, and he had better hurry and tell the king. His friends—including Turkey Lurkey and Goosey Lucy, are joined here by Natty Ratty and Piggy Wiggy—follow along until they meet a fox. Byrd (Electric Ben, 2012) says the tale’s ending has bothered him since childhood (he must have read the version where Foxy Loxy has the troop for dinner), and he sets out to put things right. In the process, he has created a delightful offering that kids will, well, gobble up. This Chicken Little is small but clever, and once he escapes from Foxy Loxy’s cellar, he turns the tables on Foxy and his family and frees his friends. The story is neatly told, but it is the verdant watercolor-and-ink artwork, featuring intricate cross-hatching, that shines. So much attention and detail has been lavished on each flora-and-fauna-enhanced spread that children will want repeat viewings. That will give them more time to catch the humor that can be broad (Chicken Little’s cellar escape) or subtle (the range of expressions on the animals’ faces). The meeting between Chicken Little et al. and the Fox family is especially delicious: curiosity and anxiety meet hunger and anticipation. Choice! Preschool-Grade 1. –Ilene Cooper
Review
PRAISE FOR BRAVE CHICKEN LITTLE:
“Byrd’s rewrite of the Chicken Little story is a distinct improvement on traditional versions…pen-and-ink spreads drawn with a sense of lyricism [are] pleasantly at odds with the slapstick prose.” –
Publishers Weekly, starred review
“So much attention and detail has been lavished on each flora and fauna enhanced spread that children will want repeat viewings. That will give them more time to catch the humor that can be broad (CL cellar escape) or subtle (the range of expressions on the animals’ faces).” –
Booklist, starred review
“This is the most fun version of Chicken Little since Paul Galdone’s Henny Penny (Seabury Press, 1968).” —
Library Media Connection
“A handsome, most welcome addition to the…literature of folk and fairy tales.” —
Kirkus
“Byrd upends both the classic tale’s conventions and its cautionary message; still, his revision works as an underdog-makes-good story, much abetted by his elegantly detailed illustrations.” —Horn Book
“Alliteration, occasional rhyming, and poetic language add richness to the storytelling and strengthen the readaloud potential.” —BCCB
PRAISE FOR ELECTRIC BEN, ALSO BY ROBERT BYRD:
“A beautifully realized labor of love and affection brings to life one of our brightest founding fathers.” – Kirkus, starred review
“…this book shimmers with excitement, begging to be read.” – The Horn Book, starred review
“It’s a fascinating and comprehensive portrait, and an asset for student research.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Large in format and ambitious in scope, this appealingly designed book spotlights Benjamin Franklin and
his times.” – Booklist, starred review
“Author/illustrator Robert Byrd presents highlights of the long and varied life of one of America’s most famous citizens in this picture book biography.” – Library Media Connection, starred review
“a true standout…bright, witty, informative and cleverly organized as the man himself.” – The New York Times
About the Author
Robert Byrd is quite certain that all stories need a good ending, and he’s been thinking of a new ending for the classic Chicken Little since he was a boy. For over thirty years, Robert has created whimsical books for children of all ages. He teaches Children’s Book Illustration at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey, with his wife, Ginger, and their cat, Mickey Mantle.
PRAISE FOR BRAVE CHICKEN LITTLE:
“Byrd’s rewrite of the Chicken Little story is a distinct improvement on traditional versions…pen-and-ink spreads drawn with a sense of lyricism [are] pleasantly at odds with the slapstick prose.” –
Publishers Weekly, starred review
“So much attention and detail has been lavished on each flora and fauna enhanced spread that children will want repeat viewings. That will give them more time to catch the humor that can be broad (CL cellar escape) or subtle (the range of expressions on the animals’ faces).” –
Booklist, starred review
“This is the most fun version of Chicken Little since Paul Galdone’s Henny Penny (Seabury Press, 1968).” —
Library Media Connection
“A handsome, most welcome addition to the…literature of folk and fairy tales.” —
Kirkus
“Byrd upends both the classic tale’s conventions and its cautionary message; still, his revision works as an underdog-makes-good story, much abetted by his elegantly detailed illustrations.” —Horn Book
“Alliteration, occasional rhyming, and poetic language add richness to the storytelling and strengthen the readaloud potential.” —BCCB
PRAISE FOR ELECTRIC BEN, ALSO BY ROBERT BYRD:
“A beautifully realized labor of love and affection brings to life one of our brightest founding fathers.” – Kirkus, starred review
“…this book shimmers with excitement, begging to be read.” – The Horn Book, starred review
“It’s a fascinating and comprehensive portrait, and an asset for student research.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Large in format and ambitious in scope, this appealingly designed book spotlights Benjamin Franklin and
his times.” – Booklist, starred review
“Author/illustrator Robert Byrd presents highlights of the long and varied life of one of America’s most famous citizens in this picture book biography.” – Library Media Connection, starred review
“a true standout…bright, witty, informative and cleverly organized as the man himself.” – The New York Times
Robert Byrd is quite certain that all stories need a good ending, and he’s been thinking of a new ending for the classic Chicken Little since he was a boy. For over thirty years, Robert has created whimsical books for children of all ages. He teaches Children’s Book Illustration at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey, with his wife, Ginger, and their cat, Mickey Mantle.
Read more
