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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
genre: real life with fantastical elements
summary: Sophie Brown moves to her late uncle's farm with her family. While her parents are busy cleaning and settling in Sophie, discovers that her uncle has left some very unusual chicken's behind. To comfort herself she writes letters to her late grandmother. She also writes letters to a mysterious ally who teaches her to become and exceptional poultry farmer.
notes: starts out a lot like Coraline, Illustrations look very Quentin Blake
for kids who like: zany books (Floors, Georges Marvelous medicine etc.), books written in journals/letters
age group: age 9+
my review: amusing tale, a fun and easy read (especially for the reluctant crowd). An EXCELLENT example of a book with DIVERSITY & DIVERSE CHARACTERS! I hope to see more like this.
summary: Sophie Brown moves to her late uncle's farm with her family. While her parents are busy cleaning and settling in Sophie, discovers that her uncle has left some very unusual chicken's behind. To comfort herself she writes letters to her late grandmother. She also writes letters to a mysterious ally who teaches her to become and exceptional poultry farmer.
notes: starts out a lot like Coraline, Illustrations look very Quentin Blake
for kids who like: zany books (Floors, Georges Marvelous medicine etc.), books written in journals/letters
age group: age 9+
my review: amusing tale, a fun and easy read (especially for the reluctant crowd). An EXCELLENT example of a book with DIVERSITY & DIVERSE CHARACTERS! I hope to see more like this.
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I have to say, this book is rather adorable. Although a lot of the middle grade novels I read are steeped in magic, Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer would probably fall under magical realism. Sophie's family feels real. They've fallen on hard times, and are trying to adapt to living in a new place. All Sophie wants is something to cling to. Something to call her own. Enter the magic, interestingly enough, in the form of chickens.
Sophie gets my love as a narrator. This story is told in a series of letters, which are almost like her diary entries. See, Sophie tends to write to her grandmother and her uncle. Both of whom have passed away. It's as though writing to them helps her feel connected, and figure things out. I loved this part. Seeing her thoughts on paper and feeling her emotions made this a great read. After all, we're most honest when we don't think anyone else will see what we write.
The magical aspect of this is what didn't really catch my attention. While it was cute, it felt a little too juvenile for my taste. That's not to say young readers won't love it. In fact, I'm certain they will. It's definitely a breath of fresh air to see a young girl interested in farming and the outdoors. One who understands hard work, and isn't afraid to try. Although it didn't vibe with me, I see Sophie being a great role model for younger readers! She's a sweetheart.
So, three stars it is! If you have a young reader with an interest in chickens, this would be a great book to give them. There are little pieces of information about each chicken featured, some fun worksheets on how to care for them, and even a recipe (don't worry, not for chicken) thrown in. Overall, it's a cute package. Enjoy!
Sophie gets my love as a narrator. This story is told in a series of letters, which are almost like her diary entries. See, Sophie tends to write to her grandmother and her uncle. Both of whom have passed away. It's as though writing to them helps her feel connected, and figure things out. I loved this part. Seeing her thoughts on paper and feeling her emotions made this a great read. After all, we're most honest when we don't think anyone else will see what we write.
The magical aspect of this is what didn't really catch my attention. While it was cute, it felt a little too juvenile for my taste. That's not to say young readers won't love it. In fact, I'm certain they will. It's definitely a breath of fresh air to see a young girl interested in farming and the outdoors. One who understands hard work, and isn't afraid to try. Although it didn't vibe with me, I see Sophie being a great role model for younger readers! She's a sweetheart.
So, three stars it is! If you have a young reader with an interest in chickens, this would be a great book to give them. There are little pieces of information about each chicken featured, some fun worksheets on how to care for them, and even a recipe (don't worry, not for chicken) thrown in. Overall, it's a cute package. Enjoy!
Sophie (one of my favorite character names, also found in The BFG and Howl's Moving Castle) recently moved to a farm her father inherited from his uncle. At first, the farm seems like an oversized junkyard, but then the chickens start showing up.
The chickens are delightful and at times terrifying. Sophie is resourceful (she uses her local library!), and lonely, and charming. The plot is weird and interesting.
The chickens are delightful and at times terrifying. Sophie is resourceful (she uses her local library!), and lonely, and charming. The plot is weird and interesting.
This was cute and well put together. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I learned a lot more about chickens than I've ever thought from a children's book. The illustrations were great and I particularly enjoyed the chubby chicken!
Next one my list is to read the Hoboken Chicken Emergency!
I confess the only thing that held me back from giving five stars was the cavalier and brash way death was handled especially in the early letters to Grandma and Uncle Jim. It just seemed kind of distasteful to beat the point home the way it was, they're deceased, we get it...
I learned a lot more about chickens than I've ever thought from a children's book. The illustrations were great and I particularly enjoyed the chubby chicken!
Next one my list is to read the Hoboken Chicken Emergency!
I confess the only thing that held me back from giving five stars was the cavalier and brash way death was handled especially in the early letters to Grandma and Uncle Jim. It just seemed kind of distasteful to beat the point home the way it was, they're deceased, we get it...
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Racism
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No