The Sky Is Falling!

Chicken Little

Author: Rebecca Emberley

Illustrator: Ed Emberley

Publisher:  Roaring Book Press

Year: 2009

ISBN #: 9781596434646

Plot Summary:

In this new twist on an old tale the daughter father team of Rebecca and Ed Emberley tell the tale of Chicken Little, his friends Henny Penny, Lucky Ducky, Loosey Goosey, and Turkey Lurkey. All are running with “no time for a plan,” from a perceived danger. “Oh my goodness, oh my gracious the sky is falling…. And off they ran. Still no plan,” only to find themselves running into a dark, wet cave shown to them by none other than Foxy Loxy. Now the danger is very real. Fortunately for them, a new twist to the old tale releases them from a hungry fate hopefully to be wiser feather brains than when they started on their speedy, unplanned journey.

Critical Analysis:

Bold and adventurous color combinations render this book a temptation to the eye.  Hilarious, modern day language and a delicious twist to the ending of this old time tale make for a wonderful story that rolls off the tongue. A must read book for children of all ages. It is fun to look at and fun to read. It lends itself to a story time full of laughter all the while providing an opening for a deeper discussion about the real danger of acting before you think.  

Awards and Reviews:

“An old chestnut of a tale comes to rip-roaringly glorious, hilarious, gorgeous life in the hands of two picture book masters. [The art] leaps off the page, mixing colors with crazed combinations that provide the perfect balance between text and image. Perfect for reading aloud…..this title is bound to become the favored version for children and adults alike.”  Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“The pith plot and magnetic illustrations will attract younger readers; the sassy storytelling and quirky

Humor will appeal to all ages.” – Starred, School Library Journal

Connections:

Art: combine this book, Banana by Ed Vere, and The Red Hen by Rebecca and Ed Emberly to discuss primary colors and how to combine them to make other colors.

Story Time: use this book as well as other versions of Chicken Little such as the one retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg or Laura Rader to conduct a story hour for children. Make a chicken craft and sing the song “Mother Gooney Bird” while doing all the motions.

Book Display: collect various versions of different stories such as Little Red Hen, Chicken Little, The Three Little Pigs, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears to set up a fairy tale book display.  Be sure to include versions for various ages and reading abilities.