"When a rooster is courting
a hen, he dances! He hops
from foot to foot and picks
up a delicious bit of food,
drops it, then picks it back
up again. This is called
tidbitting."
Recently, our newspaper ran an article about a Rent-A-Hen business operating in a neighboring community. David explains that it gives families a bit of a farming opportunity and fresh eggs- two hens and a coop, or three hens and a coop for six months. Quite the opportunity for those interested in a chance to experiment with living sustainably on a small scale.
Vivian French introduces her readers to Julie and Bob as they visit their grandpa's backyard where he is raising chickens. It is Bob's first visit. Julie is the narrator, and she manages to provide important facts for her little brother. Along with the storytelling, Ms. French also includes digestible bits of information to add interest.
Various types of chickens are introduced by Grandpa, as readers learn two of the chickens lay about 200 eggs each year. A loud crowing noise brings Marvin the rooster front and center. Watching Marvin as he protects the flock and then gets down to his own meal holds attention before Grandpa acquaints the children with the rest of the flock.
Meeting Lottie is extra special, as she is sitting on her eggs and waiting for them to hatch. Luckily, the children are there to observe the first chick appear. She quickly finds a warm place under her mother hen.
"Newly hatched chicks have trouble controlling their
body temperature, so they must be kept cozy and warm."
Mom's arrival garners exciting news about the children's visit with Grandpa and his chickens. They are sure to be back for a visit. Both sweet and informative, this a most enjoyable book for reading aloud.
Back matter provides an author's note about the benefits of knowing more about chickens and their care, an index that promotes its value for readers, and a suggestion for a book to read for those wanting to know even more.
No comments:
Post a Comment