Cranky Chicken (Cranky Chicken #1)

A curmudgeonly chicken and sprightly worm become unlikely BFFs ("Best Feathered Friends") in this likable early reader comic in five parts by Battersby (Trouble). With a bold red unibrow and "cranky scratchy feet," Cranky Chicken opens the story grumbling. Grumpily kicking at a leaf, the fowl unintentionally frees Speedy, a plump, teal worm, stuck underneath. Speedy, whose bubbly demeanor is the antithesis of Cranky's, sees the chicken as a hero who has vanquished "the evil leaf"--and through cheerful persistence cracks the crabby hen's tough facade. ("So you like me? Even though I'm cranky?" asks the "Queen of Crank." "Especially because you're cranky," Speedy replies.) United by their prior inexperience with friendship, the pair spend later sections sharing secrets, attempting flight (with Speedy as "wing worm"), and generally learning to support one another. Interspersed are paneled round-ups, including possibilities for why a chicken might really cross the road, a tutorial on how to be cranky, and "famous dirt drawings" of "Speedy: the fastest draw in the West." In pale jewel tones, Battersby's simple panels feel breezy and contemporary; the comic companionship she develops between two complete opposites couldn't be more endearing. Ages 6-9. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary. (Sept.)

K-Gr 2--The aptly named Cranky Chicken is grouchy about everything. When she meets Speedy, a spunky worm, the two spark up an unlikely friendship and eventually become BFFs (best feathered friends). Chicken and Speedy learn what it means to be friends and have adventures, and between each chapter section are pun-laden comic panels. The vocabulary is accessible for early readers, although emerging readers may struggle with the hand lettering. The warm pastel coloring and large, full-color, full-page comics, drawn appealingly to look as though they were rendered by a child, are sure to appeal to the intended age range. Themes of friendship and overcoming fears, with a dose of humor, will be relatable. VERDICT This early reader graphic novel about two unlikely friends will likely be a hit with fans of friendship stories; it's also a good introduction to graphic novel reading.--Ellen Conlin, Naperville P. L., IL