Interrupting Chicken (Interrupting Chicken)

A "little red chicken" keeps interrupting Papa's bedtime stories in order to save the day (e.g., telling Chicken Little, "It was just an acorn!"). With a reversal of roles, the little chicken discovers exactly how it feels to be interrupted. Humorously repetitive text draws readers in with just enough variation, while the lush mixed-media illustrations exude warmth and love.

Copyright 2011 Hornbook, LLC Used with permission.

 Closing with an intimate snuggle after Papa instantly dozes off, this tender iteration of a familiar nighttime ritual will be equally welcomed by fond parents and those children for whom listening to stories is anything but a passive activity. (Picture book. 4-6)

Copyright 2010 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission.

Differences in medium and style differentiate between scenes taking place in the folktales and in the main story. Created with watercolor, water-soluble crayon, and pen and ink, the illustrations are vivid and dramatic. Great fun for reading aloud.

Copyright 2010 Booklist, LLC Used with permission.

Stein's earlier books did not foretell an ability to pull off broad comedy, but this father-and-daughter bedtime banter is all the better for being a surprise. A little red chicken, lying in bed in her pajamas, can't help slamming on the brakes when Papa's read-aloud stories get too tense: "Out jumped a little red chicken," she cuts in as Papa reads Hansel and Gretel, "and she said, DON'T GO IN! SHE'S A WITCH!' So Hansel and Gretel didn't. THE END!" Stein's spreads are thickly and energetically worked, the colors intense, and the lighting and shadows dramatic. For Papa's bedtime stories, Stein (Leaves) shifts styles, inking each scene in spindly ink; when the chicken interrupts, she bursts onto the sepia pages in full color. And when, after cutting short three of Papa's stories, she starts in on a tale of her own, Stein switches again to preschooler crayon, as her sleepy father interrupts in his own way. The delivery is Catskill perfect; readers will fall hard for the antics of this hapless pair. Ages 4-8. (Aug.) 

Copyright 2010 Publisher’s Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2—In a picture book that is as charming and comic as "Pouch!"(Putnam, 2009), Stein again represents an affectionate parent's trials with a vigorous child. At bedtime, despite a rooster papa's best efforts to share classic fairy tales with his daughter, Little Red Chicken's soft heart means she can't help but jump into each story to warn Hansel and Gretel and then Red Riding Hood about impending danger, and to assure Chicken Little: "Don't panic! It was just an acorn." In each case, the story abruptly ends, wearying the father with what to do next. When he convinces his daughter to compose her own story, she fills four pages with preschool-style spelling and drawings about a chicken putting her papa to bed, but her tale is interrupted by Papa's snores. At the end, the pair cuddle together, asleep. Stein's droll cartoons use watercolor, crayon, china marker, pen, and tea. The rich colors of the characters perfectly contrast with the sepia pages of the storybooks. This is one of the rare titles that will entertain both parent and child.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

It doesn't matter if you are a storytime librarian, classroom teacher or sleepy parent - Interrupting Chicken will have you matching giggles and gaffaws with your audience.
—Bookends (Booklist blog) 

The colorful illustrations and humorous tone make this book an enjoyable independent read or as a read aloud.
—Library Media Connection

Vibrant art is offbeat and original like the story line that still manages a familiar ring for patient parents and participatory kids alike.
—San Francisco Chronicle

This entire book is just as much fun as the title.
—Chicago Tribune

A papa chicken can't get a word in edgewise in the lighthearted Caldecott Honor winner that proves patience is a virtue.
—Daily Candy

Featured/recommended on Oprah's 2012 Kids Reading List
—Oprah.com