Chickens on the Loose

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

• Enthusiastic, experienced, and well-connected author.
• Quirky, humorous, adorable picture book with regional and national education and gift market appeal.
• Easy to pair with merch, toys, and learning units.
• Excellent rhyming read-aloud for storytimes, reminiscent of Click Clack Moo and Sheep in a Jeep.
• Also portrays counting and basic concepts in animal husbandry.
• Includes information on how to care for urban chickens and fun facts.
• Publicity by Blue Slip Media will include: outreach to children's lit-interest bloggers; regional bookseller eblasts; TeachingBooks.net giveaway.
• Nearly 1 percent of all U.S. households surveyed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported owning backyard fowl in 2013, and 4 percent more planned to start in the next five years. That's over 13 million Americans flocking to the backyard poultry scene.
• A 2015 review of 150 of the most-populated U.S. cities found that nearly all (93 percent) allowed backyard poultry flocks. For instance, in New York City, localvores can keep an unlimited number of hens so long as the area is kept clean. (No roosters allowed.)
• Book guide will be available.
• Synopsis: A rhyming picture book about urban chickens running rampant all over town.
• Lexile AD430L.

Reviews

"The human pursuers are a multicultural and diversely abled bunch, and the chickens themselves have lots of personality. The art perfectly conveys the humor and energy of the chase. . . Perfect for chicken-themed story time and for any family who wants a funny read about keeping chickens in the city."
--Youth Services Book Review

"Using repetition to structure the book in a predictable way, illustrations full of chicken antics, and nonstop action, this picture book is fun to read aloud both to a group and to a kid on your lap."
--My Storytime Corner

"If you're looking for a fun storytime read-aloud and your town enjoys chickens, urban or rural, this is a silly and enjoyable choice."
--Jean Little Library

"Author Jane Kurtz wows us again with another read-out-loud tale perfect for youngsters. Her infectious rhymes and zippy rhythm propel the story with wit as quick as those runaway chickens. . . Chickens on the Loose is a perfect edition to home collections, classrooms, and libraries. One that is sure to make readers laugh out loud, and maybe even inspire a round of the Chicken Dance!"
--Celebrate Picture Books

"Just the right amount of silliness to bring out the giggles."
--Sincerely Stacie

"Absolute fun, and I cant wait to read this at my next storytime, most likely while wearing a chicken mask."
--Mom Read It

"It's chickens gone wild, y'all! Jump in and join the fun!"
--Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor Winner

"In jaunty pitch-perfect rhyme and splendiferous, chaotic color, Jane Kurtz and John Joseph combine forces to tell the story of recalcitrant urban chickens who burst forth from forced chicken coopery to explore a lively, diverse neighborhood rich with thrift shops, yoga studios, food carts, pet shops, and street art--all free for the pecking. At the end of an energetic day, the chickens-on-the-loose return to their henhouse, bedraggled but with plans for a rerun! Prepare for a rambunctious reading experience."
--Toni Buzzeo, author of the 2013 Caldecott Honor Book, One Cool Friend

"Chickens on the Loose is a rollicking, rhyming, race through town that will have young readers giggling, and wishing for feathered friends of their own!"
--Liz Garton Scanlon, bestselling children's book author

"Frolicking to the lively text, this flock of escapees nearly flap right off the page! Hilarious!"
--Tara Nickerson, writer, (VCFA), contributor Chicken Soup for The Kid's Soul

"Before reading comes rhyme as it attunes the child to sing-songy nature of language itself. There is no shortage of rhyme nor feathery fun in this book. Cooped up (or, now, uncooped) chickens have a playful day on the loose and the colorful illustrations make this an engaging read aloud for young children."
--Joan Kindig, Ed. D., Children's Literature & Reading Specialist

"Tricky chickens, hungry chickens, arty chickens--yoga chickens Yes, indeed. Kurtz and Joseph deliver hilarious fowl play in the city with smart rhymes, zippy rhythms, lovely visual details, and the sigh--and surprise--of a satisfying ending."
--Uma Krishnaswami, author of Bright Sky, Starry City and Out of the Way! Out of the Way!

"A thoroughly delightful laugh-out-loud romp! This story with its super-curious, extra-playful chickens (along with delicious, energetic rhyme) begs to be read aloud--over and over again."
--Jennifer Jacobson, award-winning author

"A joyful journey of mischief and word-play, Jane Kurtz brings a piece of the farm to the city in a tale of whimsical mishaps, grand adventure and enduring delight."
--Deborah Marcero, bestselling author/artist, In a Jar

"What characteristic do young readers and chickens share They all love to explore! Join high spirited chickens as they check out their neighborhood and refuse to stop! A cheerful chase until. . . checkmate! Home again in their coop, they rest and then return to the romp, eager to recapture the merriment--just like the readers of this poetic picture book will surely demand as they chorus 'again' at the close of each read aloud."
--Alexa L. Sandmann, Ed.D., Professor of Literacy

"Adventuresome chickens run cluckety split through the city in this delightful romp. The lively rhythm of Jane Kurtz's language pulls us all right along with the galloping hens. Readers will love this story--time after time."
--Jacqueline Briggs Martin, bestselling author of many books including Snowflake Bentley (Caldecott Medal)

Author Bio

Jane Kurtz is an award-winning childrens book author, speaker, educator, and she is on the faculty of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA in Childrens and YA Literature. She is a co-founder of the board of Ethiopia Reads, an organization that brings books and literacy to the children in Ethiopia, where Jane grew up. She also heads the creative team of Ready Set Go Books, a project of Open Hearts Big Dreams to create fun, colorful, local language books for people in Ethiopia. Jane currently lives in Portland, Oregon. John Joseph is an artist, illustrator, elementary school teacher, avid gardener, and community leader. He earned a degree in visual arts from Colorado State University and a Masters from Lesley University, and has won the ACP Excellence in Publishing Award for Best Picture Book. He lives in Colorado with his wife, two sons, and a German shepherd.