Party Animals: A Cranky Chicken Book 2

by Katherine Battersby, Katherine Battersby (Illustrator)

Overview

Cranky Chicken and Speedy the worm are back in another laugh-out-loud, brightly illustrated, and heartwarming chapter book as Speedy tries to plan a party for a hungry Chicken—sure to delight fans of Narwhal and Jelly and The Bad Guys!

Cranky Chicken is super high on the crank-o-meter! And hungry. A hungry, hangry chicken is never fun, so Speedy races to cheer Cranky up. It’s Cranky’s birthday, so how about a surprise party? But Cranky hates surprises. So Speedy plans an unsurprise party, a day filled with all Cranky’s favorite un-cranky things. After, Speedy wants to go to the beach, which Cranky absolutely does not like (too sandy, too hot, not to mention sharks). Can Cranky learn to try something new? Find even more reasons to fall in love with Cranky and Speedy in these three new stories about friendship, communication, and facing things that seem scary!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534470224
Publisher:	Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication date:	05/23/2023
Series:	Cranky Chicken , #2
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	116
Sales rank:	629,221
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Katherine Battersby is the critically acclaimed children’s author and illustrator of a number of children’s books, including the Cranky Chicken series, Perfect Pigeons, and Squish Rabbit, a CBC Children’s Choice Book. Her books have received glowing reviews in The New York Times and starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and have been shortlisted for numerous Australian awards. Visit her at KatherineBattersby.com.

Katherine Battersby is the critically acclaimed children’s author and illustrator of a number of children’s books, including the Cranky Chicken series, Perfect Pigeons, and Squish Rabbit, a CBC Children’s Choice Book. Her books have received glowing reviews in The New York Times and starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and have been shortlisted for numerous Australian awards. Visit her at KatherineBattersby.com.

Editorial Reviews

05/01/2022

Gr 1–3—Cranky Chicken, also known as a hangry Crankenstein, can still enjoy a good day with good friend Speedy the worm. Whether it's Cranky's birthday, a bus ride, or a day at the beach, Cranky has several (not insignificant) reasons to feel annoyed. However, Speedy is a resourceful friend, able to see the glass half full, and eventually, through sharing time together, convince Cranky that some experiences can be enjoyable. The contrast between what Cranky knows to be unpleasant and Speedy imagines to be fun is demonstrated visually. Cranky's lists of dislikes tend to occupy straight, organized panels, while Speedy's flights of fancy defy boundaries. Battersby uses a variety of layouts and color combinations, as well as resident animals in each scene, to make each page distinct and attractive. VERDICT Cranky and Speedy's outlooks will resonate with readers no matter which side of the bed they get up from. A great starting point.

School Library Journal