A Little Chicken

“Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf…and bear…and lawn gnome? Dot is a little chicken with a big problem: She’s frightened of many things, and though she attempts to be brave, it simply doesn’t work. Then she accidentally bumps into an egg that’s about to become a new sibling, and she is forced to throw caution to the wind. Brightly colored computer-generated illustrations show young Dot as she revs up to give chase to the roll-away egg, maneuvering around pond and tree as well as a dark forest that–wouldn’t you know it?– contains ‘one stunned wolf, two startled bears, and three very questionable lawn ornaments.’ The … effortless prose rises above, as it is concise, well-timed, and entertaining. Quick and airy, with some wordplay and a joking tone, this lighthearted selection … will encourage readers to meet their fears head on by showing that, after all, ‘sometimes a big hero…/…is just a little chicken.’ A gently humorous take on conquering fear that’s also a fine read-aloud.” –Kirkus

Dot is a bespectacled “little chicken” (small poultry) who also happens to be a “little chicken” (somewhat cowardly). The book begins by chronicling her fears: spiders, wolves, bears, and even garden gnomes. One day, an egg containing Dot’s “future sibling” rolls down the chicken-coop ramp, and Dot runs off to rescue it. The egg bounces through the farmyard, in and out of a pond, up and down a tree, and into a deep, dark forest. As Dot’s chase progresses, it becomes more and more perilous, and she faces her list of fears one by one, ultimately catching the egg just as her new sister hatches. The illustrations wonderfully depict the contrast between the cozy, retro farm with its cartoonish animals and the surrounding landscapes, awash with deep color and naturalistic detail. Amusing wordplay prevents what might otherwise be a didactic ending: “Sometimes a hero is just a little chicken.” The story delivers reassurance and inspiration along with its shining sense of humor.” –Booklist

Tammi Sauer is the author of many children’s books, including Your Alien, which earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus. She’s an active blogger and is highly involved in the children’s writer community. Tammi has worked as a teacher and library media specialist and now lives in Oklahoma with her husband and their two children. Her local indie bookstore, Best of Books, in Edmond, OK, has named July 9 Tammi Sauer Day.

Dan was born in Staffordshire, England, and 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 Scholastic. Dan is the illustrator of Tammi Sauer’s But the Bear Came Back (Sterling). He lives in the UK.

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