Module 1: The Plot Chickens

The Plot Chickens by Mary Jane and Herm Auch

 

Summary:  Bawkk!  Whoever heard of a chicken that can read?  Well Henrietta can, and it is so much fun that she decides she will try writing her own story. As Henrietta follows the instructions in a book about how to write, and listens to her somewhat silly aunts, her story builds anticipation and includes all the good parts of a book. Henrietta discovers that even though not everyone may like her book, she is still a star with the children at the library.

APA Reference:  Auch, M.J., & Auch, H. (2009). The plot chickens. New York, NY:Holiday House.

Impressions: The Plot Chickens is a fun read for both children and adults. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and somewhat quirky; and the bails of hay and the chicken feathers look like they have texture. Henrietta's story keeps you wondering what will happen next, and as she gives rules for writing, such as "Rule one: You need a main character."  These become natural cues for educators who want to help children to learn how to write by using a simple process.  I particularly like Henrietta's aunts, who provide great examples of what not to do when you write a story. 

Professional Review:

K-Gr 2-Henrietta the chicken, star of Souperchicken (Holiday House, 2003), is an avid library user and decides that because reading is so much fun, "writing books must be eggshilarating." She finds a manual of writing rules and creates her own story-with the unsolicited help of the other fowl. When it is rejected by a publisher, Henrietta decides to self-publish. She takes a copy to her librarian, who tells her to send it to The Corn Book Magazine for review. Henrietta gets another rejection: "odoriferous." Then she wanders into the library at storytime and sees that her book was chosen best of the year by the children. Henrietta is asked to read it aloud. "She read with dramatic expression. Of course, all the children heard was BUK, BUK, BUK.." The illustrations, a combination of oil paints and digital technology, are bold and colorful. The pictures are busy, with Henrietta at her typewriter while her friends cavort around her. There are imagined scenes in cloud shapes, word balloons, and jokes aplenty. A droll chicken with a repeating line adds to the humor. This offering works on two levels. It's a funny picture book that could be used as a manual on writing.

Bates, L. (2010, March 01). [Review of the book The plot chickens, by M. J. & H. Auch]. School library journal, 55, 105. Retrieved from http://www.slj.com/

Library Uses:  Hold a writers workshop over a period of several weeks at the library.  The Plot Chickens could be introduced in the first week, in conjunction with a puppet show where the kids help the characters make choices that will determine the outcome of the story.  The following weeks would be a great time to invite in an author and illustrator who would be willing to work with grade school kids to help them learn important techniques of writing and illustrating.  For added incentive, give gift baskets full of writers and illustrators supplies for the winners of the best story and best illustrations.  Celebrate each completed book by displaying a page from each on the library announcement screen.