Day 84: Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer

Continuing with books I read in the past, I read Kelly Link’s middle grade novel back in July 2015. The story is told in letters, an epistolary novel, if you will, of Sophie and her experience raising, as the title says, unusual chickens. Let me give two examples: one chicken lays glass eggs and another can turn invisible. There is a surprising amount of detail about how to actually run a chicken farm for a humorous children’s novel. And it is a funny book. 

In this day and age, we have a great need for diverse children’s books. Sophie’s father is white while she and her mother are brown skinned and, while Jones does not dwell on race and diversity, those are important details that are effectively worked into the story. 

In addition to telling a great story, Katie Kath’s drawings in the book are quite delightful in showing elements of farming as well as anatomical chicken details with a slightly demented touch. The pictures really go well together with the story. Do take a moment to look at the ones I posted here.

Engaging and funny.

What epistolary novels have you read?

What was the last truly enjoyable children’s novel you read?