Interrupting Chicken
Alethea Allarey
Written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
Candlewick, 2010
2013-2014 Nominee - Primary
Synopsis
Papa Chicken is going to read Chicken a bedtime story, but he knows what will probably happen and warns Chicken not to interrupt. He begins reading one treasured story after another and just as he expected Chicken interrupts. She, as so many children, knows the story as well as the author and can tell every detail, but she doesn’t. She interjects humor, encouragement, and warnings to each of the characters we all know so well. Finally, Papa gives up and asks Chicken to tell him a story. And the rest is zzzzzzzzz! But for whom?
Meet the Author
David Ezra Stein’s journey as an author began early, even before he could write. He was born in Brooklyn, NY. Post-its seemed to be a favorite medium for his work. He was always in search of a book, often inviting others to read to him or to take his turn sharing his stories with them. As he grew and savored life he was able to pursue his love. He attended Parsons School of Design in Manhattan and chose to become a children’s writer and illustrator partially because of the influence of a beloved author and teacher, Pat Cummings. He sums up his much of his desires and goals in his own words when he states, “I’ll never forget the experience of sitting in a beloved lap and having a whole world open before me: a world brought to life by the pictures and the grown-up’s voice. That wonder is what I want to recreate in my own books.”
His work is recognized by fans and peers alike. He has received numerous awards such as being selected as a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, a School Library Journal Best Book, and the Ezra Jack Keats ward for his book Leaves. Interrupting Chicken brought home the distinction of being selected as a Caldecott Honor Book for 2011. His talent and skill will continue to entertain, captivate, and teach children for many years to come. For more about David Ezra Stein visit: http://www.davidezra.com.
Sources: http://www.davidezra.com/About-David-Ezra- Stein
Hooks
- Does anyone ever read books to you before you go to bed? Who?
- Have you ever interrupted them? What did you say?
- What is your favorite bedtime story?
- Have you made up your own story to read (tell) to your mom (dad, friend, guardian, etc.)? Will you tell us that story?
Connections
Fairy Tale Tour
Take your kids on a tour of various classic stories, starting with those mentioned in Interrupting Chicken and then add more:
Hansel and Gretel by Will Moses, Philomel, 2006.
Little Red Riding Hood (Classic Fairy Tale Pop-Ups) by Julia Seal, Barron’s Educational Series, 2013.
Little Red Riding Hood by Brothers Grimm and illustrated by David Egneus, Harper Design 2011.
Chicken Little retold by Steven Kellogg, Perfection Learning, 1987.
Classic Fairy Tales by Scott Gustafson, The Greenwich Workshop Press, 2003.
Will Moses' Mother Goose by Will Moses, Philomel, 2003.
Fractured Fairy Tales
Kids love to change and invent stories, show them some interesting variations.
Honestly, Red Riding Hood Was Rotten!: The Story of Little Red Riding Hood as Told by the Wolf (The Other Side of the Story) by Trisha Speed Shaskan, Picture Window Books, 2011.
Seriously, Cinderella Is SO Annoying!: The Story of Cinderella as Told by the Wicked Stepmother (The Other Side of the Story) by Trisha Speed Shaskan, Picture Window Books, 2011.
Cinderella Outgrows the Glass Slipper and Other Zany Fractured Fairy Tale Plays: 5 Funny Plays with Related Writing Activities and Graphic Organizers... Kids to Explore Plot, Characters, and Setting by Joan M. Wolf, Teaching Resources, 2002.
Parent/Child Relationships
It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear: A Read-Together Book for Parents and Young Children During Divorce by Vicki Lansky, The Book Peddlers, 1997.
Darth Vader and Son by Jeffrey Brown, Chronicle Books, 2012.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, DeVorss & Co., 2000.
Someday by Allison McGhee, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2007.
When a Dad says, “I Love You” by Douglas Wood, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2013.
For more information, please check the 2013-2014 Resource Guide - Primary.