Module 1: Introduction; The Plot Chickens

I am thrilled to be starting this class.  While I have learned a great deal in all of my SLIS classes, I relish the opportunity to read for more than information.  For the first module, I chose to read four books: I Loved You Before You Were Born, The Runaway Bunny, Bats at the Library, and The Plot Chickens.

The first two were under the subtitle, "Books adults like that are not necessarily good books."  Before I continue with my formal review for this blog entry, I would like to make a plug for a heartwarming and qualitative parent-child book that, in my opinion, takes a poignant, humorous view of children's quest for independence and parents' struggle to let go: Pig Pig Rides Again, by David McPhail.

Delving into "Books about reading," I have chosen to review The Plot Chickens for this module.

Summary
Mary Jane and Herm Auch collaborate in this "punny" little book, in which enthusiastic reader Henrietta the Chicken and her aunts attempt to write a story, introducing pointers for good writing and tidbits about the publication process along the way.

Bibliography
Auch, M.J. & Auch, Herm.  (2009).  The Plot Chickens.  New York: Holiday House.

Impressions
I initially found the cartoonish nature of the cover and font to be rather off-putting.  However, I found myself engaged by "Buk"-loving Henrietta, her aunts, and the text's plentiful puns -- e.g., "eggstasy," "eggshilarating," the Hunt & Peck typewriter.  The illustrations are a combination of digital imagery and oil painting, and examination of the pages reveals attention to texture, detail, and expression.  The story-within-a-story convention works well for illustrating elements of fiction writing, such as employing a sensory-rich vocabulary and plot development.  Henrietta and her four dramatic aunts attempt to have their story of Maxine the chicken and a predatory wolf published.  The story would be a funny read-aloud for children, but elements of its more subtle humor would also appeal to adults: "Henrietta vowed not to brood over her rejection."  Perhaps it is simply my corny sense of humor, which would fit right in The Corn Book of the story, but despite my initial misgivings, this book won me over as a good selection for elementary-aged children.

Professional Review
Bates, I.  (2009).  The plot chickens [book review].  School Library Journal, 55(3), 105-106.  Retrieved from EBSCOhost

Excerpt: "It's a funny picture book that could be used as a manual on writing."

Library Use
Based upon my own opinion and the professional review, The Plot Chickens would be an excellent choice for reading aloud by a school librarian and for introducing puns and elements of good writing.   In collaboration with a classroom teacher, the librarian could design a lesson during which groups of children receive a basic plot to embellish and flesh out along the lines of Henrietta's story.  This activity would be completed after a reading and short discussion of the book.

This would also be fun to use with a young writer's workshop for grades 2 and up.  Even though it is below the reading level of many late elementary students, its content is valuable and cleverly presented enough to be relevant to older children.