genre- post modernThis is a beautiful and fun book about a chicken who loves books and aspires to be an author, even though people around town are astonished to see a chicken can even read. The book has a very realistic setting in that people believe animals cannot talk, yet the characters themselves go against the traditional setting- chickens check out books from the library, read books, use type writers and communicate with each other about how to improve a story- all for the story to be rejected by publishers at the end because chickens simply shouldn't be able to write anything. The irony of a character defying the laws of her time, showing success and being turned down simply because she is defying everyone's expectations is a distant social commentary reflection of how many people today refuse to accept others simply because of set ideologies. The irony, moral implications and the fact that half of the story is not told by the narrator, but rather floating pages of the chicken's page and dialogue boxes from her fellow chickens classifies this text as post-modern.The almost 3-D pictures, showing layers and texture of every little detail (feathers, book pages, leaves, etc.) make this book a visual splendor as well. I highly recommend it not only for teaching moral lessons of adjusting your world views, but also for showing students the process of creating a story. This book talks about Henrietta the chicken, who loves to read. After reading an exciting book, Henrietta decided to write a book of her own. She enlists the help of her three aunties in order to hatch a plot. While writing her book, she explains the steps of the writing process. This comical book can be used to help explain how to compose stories and papers. This would be used in my older grades. (3-5)
What do You think about The Plot Chickens (2009)?
I love how this story supports writers young and old...don't be chicken, keep trying!
—cbp22
Great illustrations, fun story & witty. I just love this book!
—Josh
