Interrupting chicken and the elephant of surprise

Title:

Author:

Summary:

When Little Red Chicken comes home excited about what she learned in school, she explains to Papa that every story has "an elephant of surprise."

Edition:

First edition.

Physical Description:

1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 23 x 28 cm

Genre:

Picture books.

Subject Term:

Storytelling -- Juvenile fiction.

Chickens -- Juvenile fiction.

Fathers and daughters -- Juvenile fiction.

Publisher:

Candlewick Press,

Electronic Access:

null http://link.overdrive.com/?websiteID=636&titleID=4279714

Publication Date:

2018

ISBN:

9780763688424

Publication Information:

Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2018.

Call Number:

P STEIN

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607003351981	Picture Books	STEIN	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

Surprise! The little red chicken is back -- and as endearingly silly as ever -- in David Ezra Stein's follow-up to the Caldecott Honor-winning Interrupting Chicken.

It's homework time for the little red chicken, who has just learned about something every good story should have: an elephant of surprise. Or could it be an element of surprise (as her amused papa explains)? As they dive in to story after story, looking for the part that makes a reader say "Whoa! I didn't know that was going to happen," Papa is sure he can convince Chicken he's right. After all, there are definitely no elephants in "The Ugly Duckling," "Rapunzel," or "The Little Mermaid" -- or are there? Elephant or element, something unexpected awaits Papa in every story, but a surprise may be in store for the little red chicken as well. Full of the same boisterous charm that made Interrupting Chicken so beloved by readers, this gleeful follow-up is sure to delight fans of stories, surprises, and elephants alike.

Author Notes

David Ezra Stein is the author-illustrator of many picture books, including Interrupting Chicken , which was awarded a Caldecott Honor, I'm My Own Dog, Ice Boy, and Dinosaur Kisses. He lives with his family in Kew Gardens, New York.

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

Gr 1--4--Interrupting Chicken is back for another humorous reading adventure. Little Red Chicken has just returned from a day at school, where she learned all about the "elephant" of surprise that can be found in most stories. Despite her father's correction to "element," Chicken is convinced of the accuracy of her memory and the two sit down together to seek out the hidden elephant in three well-known fairy tales. Surprisingly, Chicken makes unexpected discoveries that support her belief, adding a delightful new layer to traditional literary analysis. Designed in much the same way as the first book in this series, this continuation shows increased maturity both in design and in illustrative style. Sharper lines enhance the rich colors used in each image, and the playful text stands out clearly from the accompanying visuals. Soft shading and deep mahogany hues give Chicken's house a cozy feeling. Many of the illustrations depict more than the text itself describes, which increases the visual appeal of this story. Readers will recognize the endearing misunderstanding of the phrase "element of surprise" and will forever remember its meaning. VERDICT Through a combination of traditional picture-book stylings, Stein's iconic illustrations, and additional hand drawings and speech bubbles, this story has a dynamic that elementary school-age readers will love.--Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver P.L.

Publisher's Weekly Review

In the eponymous Chicken's post-Caldecott Honor book, she learns something new in school: "Every story has an elephant of surprise." Papa-whose bright red crest and spade-shaped feet match Chicken's-gently explains that it's element, not elephant. To demonstrate, Papa reads "The Ugly Duckling." The storybook open on Papa's lap, Stein's art transforms from the smudgy, warm tones of the cozy reading nook to a pastoral storybook scene rendered in pen and ink. As the Ugly Duckling is about to glimpse his reflection, a page turn introduces a blue elephant wearing wings: "Surprise! I'm an elephant!" The elephant returns in readings of "Rapunzel" (with thick braids) and "The Little Mermaid" (sporting a bikini). A final story-written by Papa and illustrated by Chicken-demonstrates that, despite Papa's best efforts, the "elephant of surprise" is here to stay. Stein masterfully builds suspense with each imbedded story, for a gag that only gets more fun with each reveal. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Author Notes

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

Publisher's Weekly Review