Chicken

Gr 1–3—First person animal narrators provide much of the information about their lives on a farm, with mixed results. Appealing covers show the featured animal looking straight at the reader. Inside, it addresses us directly: "I am a chicken. I live on a farm…." Basic descriptions of physical characteristics, diet, and daily life follow. This conversational approach has some appeal but becomes slightly awkward as it shifts into third-person descriptions and back to first person again. High-quality photos depict a nice variety of breeds and activities, with key facts clearly highlighted in unobtrusive text boxes. The use of animal products is mentioned in gentle terms; Pig and Turkey include photographs of cooked meat, an appropriate choice in books that provide a simple and balanced introduction to farm animals.