Itty-bitty Bounce
Regular PPBF readers will note a short addition to today’s post. I’m also participating with Alison Hertz‘ (author of FLAP!) challenge to Doodle every Day in May. Alison has created a FACEBOOK GROUP called DOODLE DAY MAY so join the challenge and the group. It’s for ALL ages and ALL abilities.You can even still join in the fun.
Here is today’s doodle from me (you can scroll backwards to see my other doodles.)
Now on to a delightful pick for Perfect Picture Book Friday:
Title: Big Chickens Fly the Coop 
Author: Leslie Helakoski
Illustrator: Henry Cole
Publisher: Penguin Books 2008
Genre: Hilarious Fiction
Audience Age: 2-8
Themes/Topics: Bravery, Chickens
Opening Sentences: Four big chickens sat on their nests and sighed. It’s nice and safe at home in the coop said one chicken. Yes, said the others. We should always stay home. We could always stay home. We would always stay home except…we’ve always wanted to see the farmhouse.
Synopsis: This is a sequel to the cowardly Big Chickens. Once again the fearsome feathered friends step out of their comfort zone to explore the farmyard.
Why I like it: I have to admit that this was not a favorite when I read thru the first time by myself…but when I read it to my grandchildren I couldn’t control my giggles and chortles and guffaws! Right away they got the silliness of the caper and were delighted by the goofy getups the chickens wore (skirts, aprons, and even boots). It has become a repeat request from my 3 yr old granddaughter. She asks for ‘the big scared chickens.’ You can almost hear the squawking and flapping just by looking at the lively, bright and humorous illustrations. The expressions are comical in their wide eyed, wide mouthed panic as they explore the farm and encounter dogs, dirty tractors, and stampeding horses. And don’t miss what these laughable ladies use for nesting boxes. It is a fun barnyard adventure.
Activities/Resources: The author, Leslie Helakoski, has lots of suggested activities on her website, from songs, fingerplays, popup cards and even lesson plans for older students on modifiers and figurative language.
Availability: Major booksellers
(Susanna Leonard Hill is the originator of PPBF and you can find all the other PPB recommendations and links on her blog.)
Enjoy the read and don’t forget to take time to doodle!!
Blessings, Laura (Grandmamiller)
Laura Miller (a.k.a. Grandmamiller) 