Beaky Barnes: Egg on the Loose

Pure egg-cellence.

In this sprawling inaugural graphic novel by Stein (Don't Worry, Murray), which kicks off with a dramatis personae, readers meet the eponymous, clucking, human-size chicken, who's the boon companion of a successful inventor. But the friendship falters when the inventor discounts both Beaky's chickenhood ("She's never laid an egg in her life") and her autonomy (the inventor's next big idea: a chicken pedicab, pulled by none other than Beaky). When Beaky suddenly lays an egg just as a nearby chef hunts for one, her course becomes clear: go on the lam, reunite with the egg's father, and hatch that chick. Numerous subplots unspool, including one devoted to a fish's college dreams ("I've got big plans for the future and being grilled isn't one of them") and another following a dedicated health and safety inspector who nearly stumbles onto a kitchen-based animal haven. Throughout, the action is regularly interrupted by commercials pushing products, including barrels for people who have lost their clothes ("Abashed by your sudden nudity?"). In inky cartoon panels that cross the narrative irreverence of the Marx Brothers with the breakneck silliness of French farce, Stein's story affirms the folly of pigeonholing anyone--even a very big chicken. Human characters are portrayed with light skin. Ages 6-9. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Jan.)

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Gr 3-6--In Caldecott Honoree Stein's graphic novel debut, readers are invited to join the residents of Simpleton for a wild chicken chase. Readers are initially introduced to the routine-oriented Town Inspector Cobb as he prepares to enjoy his daily lunch of an egg sandwich; however, things go awry immediately after the egg absconds from the confines of the bread. Cobb bolts to the town café to find a replacement, before learning that they are out of eggs. The chef, meanwhile, instantly closes shop to avoid a surprise inspection and sets out to find an egg for the inspector. Filled with despair, the chef is ready to give up when along strolls the chicken Beaky Barnes and her friend, headed right for the café. Subsequent spreads depict increasingly hilarious high jinks that ultimately culminate in a delightful conclusion that includes a trumpet-playing fish, a hardworking elephant, the chef enjoying a new role in life, and countless great ideas from the mind of Beaky Barnes, to name but a few features. Stein's signature watercolor and ink illustrations burst with humor and action on every spread, coupled flawlessly with clever wordplay and amusing dialogue. VERDICT Readers will be eager for more of Beaky's adventures. Highly recommended for purchase.--Olivia Gorecke

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Readers will find new gags to giggle at with repeat viewings and will look forward to future comic encounters with Beaky and friends."—The Horn Book Magazine

"Full of ridiculous characters, zany antics, and tongue-in-cheek humor, this rollicking tale's absurd storyline and wry humor calls up classic cartoon comedies such as Rocky and Bullwinkle or Looney Tunes and will keep even reluctant readers turning the pages."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books