Chicken Break!: A Counting Book

A clutch of 10 chickens escape their coop and enjoy a day on the town in this counting book. The concept begins by counting forward in verse, adding a chicken and an escape-plan element at a time: "One chicken, standing guard./ Two chickens scan the yard," writes Berry. (In the book's punniest moment, Alder renders the birds sitting upon a woolen-hatted sheep as "four chickens on the lamb.") After a successful breakout and a day out--stealing pretzels, ice skating, and attending "Bantam of the Opera"--the chickens attempt to head home for a different kind of "chicken break": a snooze. The story then counts backward from 10, getting more chaotic as different birds take multiple modes of transport home ("Five chickens launch jet packs"). Counting chickens is a well-trod plotline, but very young readers will likely enjoy the fowl free-for-all. Ages 3-5. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 1--How many chickens does it take to break out of a barnyard? The answer is 10 in this adorable counting book by Berry. The raucous tale is delightfully illustrated by Alder with big, colorful drawings showcasing a variety of lovable chickens that readers will want to pick up and hug. There are hilarious moments of the birds scanning the yard, hatching a plan, and even going "on the lamb"--giving a whole new meaning to the phrase. Once freedom is achieved, they frolic in the big city in a comical spread where they buy pretzels from a street vendor, go on a shopping spree, and even attend a performance of "Bantam of the Opera." Then the countdown begins again as the exhausted birdies try to make their way back to the farm by hailing cabs, taking zip-lines, and even skydiving. After all the excitement, there is nothing left to do but to take another chicken break and collapse in exhaustion. VERDICT Full of wordplay and an extra dose of cuteness, this is a definite first purchase for all children's collections.--Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI