Review Detail

Are You Ready To Hatch An Unusual Chicken? is a delightful follow-up to Kelly Jones's Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer. Just when Sophie thinks she might have a handle on her unusual chickens, new eggs come her way. It's up to her to hatch them safely- all while navigating a new school, her cousin moving in, and her already hatched chickens being their usual (or rather, unusual) selves.

This series is told mostly in letters to Sophie's late relatives and in fun illustrations. This format makes for a quick read and excellent for reluctant readers who want something out of the ordinary.

Sophie's voice is clear and sincere. Much like the best shows involving smaller towns, every character is memorable and the right amount of quirky. I especially like the mailperson who is always there to help when needed. One of the most powerful underlying themes is the power of community, and every side character plays a specific role in bringing that out.

Jones ability to weave heavier themes of grief, anxiety, and major changes into a story about caring for unusual chickens is stunning. Readers will find themselves in moments of tears and laughter, ready to hug the book at the close.