"It turns out that not everything I
knew about chickens was true.
Last Thursday, I went to the park
with my dad. We rode there on our
double bicycle, like we always do."
This is a wonderful debut to a brand-new series of stories for readers wanting to move on to chapter books that are accessible and entertaining. Starla Jean is being touted as the new Ramona Quimby, which to me means a delightful, energetic, and animated young girl with many adventures ahead of her.
In this first one, she and her dad are on a familiar bike ride around the neighborhood when they make a stop. Dad sits to read a book while eating the sandwich he brought. Starla Jean wants to spend time basking in their natural surroundings. All is well, until she hears a loud squawk and sees the skinniest chicken she has ever seen. Her dad is as suprised as Starla Jean. When asked if they can take the chicken home, he only agrees if his daughter can catch it. Big mistake!
Once caught, the three head for home, and their adventures begin. For the entirety of the ride, Starla Jean does her best to make the chicken comfortable and calm. Once home, her mom is also surprised. She suggests that the chicken must belong to someone. Starla Jean agrees. She and her dad make posters to help find the owner. Before Dani arrives to thank Starla Jean for finding her chicken, many humorous events occur for the family. Dani feels future visits for the two should be a plan. Agreed!
As narrator of her own story, Starla Jean is sure to win fans. Dialogue between family and members of the community are laced with humor and praise for the young girl. Cartoon artwork adds setting and a close look at family and their neighbors. In the end, Fun Facts About Chickens is a bonus. I will look forward to reading Starla Jean Takes the Cake, set for publication in September.
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