Publishers Weekly
08/16/2021
Gladys isn’t really magic—she’s just an ordinary chicken with orange feathers, a bright pink comb, startled eyes, and a tendency to “ploop” out an egg at opportune moments. But back in “Ancient Times”—a phrase seemingly portrayed in a Grecian font—those who find themselves in Gladys’s company also seem to find their wishes fulfilled: from a gawky, tan-skinned shepherd who grows into a muscled hunk, to a cloistered brown-skinned princess who yearns for adventure and ends up on a pirate ship. So they celebrate Gladys’s seeming powers in story and song (“Glaaaaadys the Maaaaagic Chickkkkcken,/ Abra-cock-a-doodle-dee-doo!”), and the myth grows, while the oblivious chicken hunts for her next worm. Rubin (High Five) and Rex (On Account of the Gum) fracture mythology left and right, with a performance-worthy, aside-heavy text and comically dramatic digital cartooning. Though the scrolls and temples and toga-wearing sometimes mix questionably with stereotypical portrayals in pursuit of “Ancient Times,” Gladys’s feathered manifestation of that very human desire to “see magic in the world” is nothing to cluck at. Ages 3–7. Author’s agent: Jennifer Joel, ICM Partners. Illustrator’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Gladys the Magic Chicken:
A Kids' Indie Next List Pick
A Golden Kite Award Finalist
A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
"[A] magical (not to mention hilarious) tale . . . In the annals of fabulous fowl, surely Gladys reigns supreme . . . Everyone's gonna love it." —Booklist, starred review
"[A] knee-slapping, wing-flapping picture book romp . . . Rubin's humorous narration strikes the perfect tone for reading aloud . . . Cartoonishly zany." —Shelf Awareness
"Rubin and Rex fracture mythology left and right, with a performance-worthy, aside-heavy text and comically dramatic digital cartooning . . . Gladys’s feathered manifestation of that very human desire to “see magic in the world” is nothing to cluck at." —Publishers Weekly
"Written with a cheeky tone, this offbeat story puts a modern spin on exaggerated archetypal characters . . . Will appeal to elementary-age kids as well as adults . . . Flamboyant illustrations, unexpected adventures, and larger-than-life characters anchor this zany read-aloud." —Kirkus Reviews
"Sure to elicit more than a few laughs . . . The final lesson that there is magic in ordinary things (Gladys the chicken, in this case) is very sweet. Give this to the kid who has an obsession with Ancient Greece and Egypt to scratch the itch for an entertaining story set in a parody of those times. —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Kirkus Reviews
2021-09-15
A ravenous chicken leads the humans of the Ancient Times on a riotous romp.
Gladys begins her life as a dancing chicken living on a mountain with a Shepherd Boy, but her knack for being in the right place at the right time launches her on an incredible adventure. Touted as a magical wish-granting chicken, Gladys is spoiled, stolen, gifted, and bartered, until she finds her unlikely way home. Maybe Gladys is magical, maybe not, but either way, there’s no doubt that few chickens have led such an exciting life as she! Written with a cheeky tone, this offbeat story puts a modern spin on exaggerated archetypal characters known only by their capitalized titles, including a Traveling Merchant, the Brave Swordsman, the Learned Princess, and the Fearsome Pirate. An unnamed narrator adds humor that will appeal to elementary-age kids as well as adults. “Ancient Times” dialogue set on unfurling scrolls adds another comedic layer—as does Gladys’ penchant for “plooping” out an egg when faced with a surprise. Gladys’ rainbow-tinted plumage is set off by equally vibrant background hues. The painterly illustrations mix full- and double-page art with smaller, sequential artwork to achieve a cinematic effect. Melodramatic facial expressions and body language bring the characters, depicted with a range of skin tones, hair colors, and body types, to life. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Flamboyant illustrations, unexpected adventures, and larger-than-life characters anchor this zany read-aloud. (Picture book. 5-10)
