1. Chicken BIG

This was an exciting book to read since I was able to meet the author and illustrator, Keith Graves!   

Chicken BIG was published in 2010 and, as you can tell by the title, is a variation on the classic folk tale Chicken Little, with its own flavor. Graves chooses a BIG chicken for his main character, so big that he doesn't even fit on the cover! 

Graves' choice of a cartoon-like artistic style perfectly matches the humorous story. His four chorus members (rooster, small chicken, smaller chicken, and smallest chicken) each have an intelligence that corresponds to his size. In other words, the smallest chicken isn't "the sharpest beak in the flock". He, like Henny Penny, constantly thinks the world is ending, but luckily Chicken Big is right there to save them (though, truth be told, the others don't always believe he's a chicken).


It is a simple text with a repetitive pattern that would be great for younger children, especially in a study of variations of folk tales. But I wouldn't relegate it to the kindergarten set-- the vibrant characters and play between the text and pictures could open up a conversation for older learners about identity and acceptance. If nothing else, this book will make you laugh. Graves' illustrations always keep you peeking around the corner to see where the characters will pop up, from the inside flaps to the usually boring copyright and title pages. For just a taste of his fun style, here's a quick look at the back cover of the book:

His style is simple-- drawings outlined in pencil and shaded in with colored pencils. They create a powerful effect, though, as his characters and scenes jump to life...especially when his hand-lettered words come screaming out at you, drawing you in.


I am always impressed with a story you can read over and over, gaining something new each time. Chicken BIG is that kind of story for me; I think all of the fun details will keep kids of all ages coming back, too.


After meeting Keith Graves, I can tell you that he is just as personable and humorous as his characters on the page. He revealed that his art (and lettering) are all done by hand, then entered into a computer so he can digitally manipulate all of the pieces and put them together. He showed us some of his sketches for this book and his upcoming novel, The Orphan of Awkward Falls, and I can honestly say that I am excited to read it!


Check out this book and see what you think...

Keith Graves and me!