Chickens are funny little creatures. They’re always fun to watch when we visit farms, which is something I feel compelled to do each Fall.
There have been some amazingly comedic and clever picture books feature chickens published in the past few years and I couldn’t help myself from making another farm themed story time.
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Picture Books to Read Aloud
Chickens on the Loose
by Jane Kurtz
illustrated by John Joseph
I whole heartedly enjoyed this chicken romp. These are chickens in the city. At the back are even some notes on keeping chickens in urban spaces. This parade of chickens get loose and head into town. 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.
One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller
by Kate Read
This may have a fox on the cover, but it’s the chickens that are the real heroes in this amazing read aloud. I admire an author who can do a lot with few words and I adore a counting book that tells a story – this is both and it’s awesome. With carefully chosen words, ONE FOX tells an intense, suspenseful story (in which – spoiler alert! – no chickens are harmed). From “one famished fox” to the surprisingly humorous ending this is counting book perfection.
Chickens to the Rescue
by John Himmelman
Hands down one of the best read aloud books. All over the farm disasters big and small strike, but Monday through Saturday the chickens come to the rescue. When a Sunday morning breakfast gets dropped to the ground are they still up for the challenge? The illustrations in this are hilarious, as is the premise, and I promise you will all be laughing out loud.
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How to Talk Like a Chicken
by Charlie Grandy
illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths
Get your chicken sounds ready because this picture book is going to require all of them. Addressing the reader and inviting participation, I definitely recommend reading this book aloud. It turns out talking like a chicken is quite tricky and mistakes can have unexpected, even outlandish consequences. A giggle worthy read aloud that kids are sure to want to read again and again.
Songs to Sing about Chickens
- Old MacDonald Had a Farm. These DIY Wooden Peg Farm animals from DanyaBanya are an adorable visual or this Farm Animal Stick Puppet version from Real Life at Home would work too.
- 10 Fuzzy Chicks finger rhyme (watch on Jbrary)
- I Know a Chicken (watch Laurie Berkner) – this is a fun one to get up and dance to.
Chicken Themed Activities
Here are some fun chicken themed crafts and activities to do after storytime if you’re looking for some extensions or table activities.
- Cute chicken craft from Glitter on a Dime.
- Geometric Chicken craft from The Craft Train
- Cardboard Tube Chickens from Crafts by Amanda
