Review: A Little Chicken by Tammi Sauer

A LITTLE CHICKEN

by Tammi Sauer

Illustrated by Dan Taylor

Sterling Children's Books

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

32 pages

Dot is a little chicken, who is, let’s face it, a little chicken. Can she find a way to pluck up her courage?

“A gently humorous take on conquering fear that's also a fine read-aloud.” —Kirkus 

Dot is scared of lots of things: wolves, bears, the occasional lawn ornament. But when one of her mother’s eggs rolls out of the nest, this nervous chick must find the courage to save the day—and her new sibling! So she bravely ventures down the steep hill, into the deep pond, and into the dark woods. Perfect for any kid who needs a little encouragement to face the challenging world, this story proves that sometimes a big hero is just a little chicken.

MY TIDBITS

This is the story of a little chicken (super sweet one), fear, and what happens when circumstances demand a hero no matter how much those bird legs might quiver.

Dot was a little chicken. And Dot wasn't very brave. Not at all. But she's excited about soon having siblings...until one of the eggs rolls out of the next and out the coop. Dot knows that this is probably going to be an adventure past her comfort zone, but off she goes to save that egg. Little did she know exactly how adventurous the entire episode would become.

This book has a wonderful play between text and illustrations—a masterful balance! The story is direct and says only those things, which need to be said. The rest ties right in with the pictures, allowing Dot and her adventure to hit full force. And this is quite the adventure! Dot's geeky glasses and over-careful attitude are endearing and make Dot that much easier to cheer for, when Dot oversteps her personal boundaries. 

But then, the egg must be saved! Every young listener will wonder if Dot can make it past her own fears and save that egg. It's tense, has a very clear message, and brings a wonderful character straight to the heart. Young listeners will love this one.

And here they are...

The Author...
Tammi Sauer is the author of But the Bear Came Back, Caring for Your Lion, Chicken Dance Bawk and Roll, Cowboy Camp, Mary Had a Little Glam, Your Alien Returns, and Your Alien—which earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus. Tammi has worked as a teacher and library media specialist and now lives in Edmond, OK with her husband and their two children. Her local indie bookstore, Best of Books, named July 9 Tammi Sauer Day! Follow her on Twitter at @SauerTammi and visit her at TammiSauer.com.

The Illustrator...

Dan Taylor is the illustrator of Tammi Sauer's But the Bear Came Back (Sterling). Born in Staffordshire, he studied art and illustration, graduating with a degree in visual communication. He has worked with a variety of publishers, including Simon & Schuster Usborne, Campbell Books, and Scholastics. Dan lives in the United Kingdom.