Chicken said, "Cluck!"

Geisel Medal Award Honor Book 2009

Citation:

Chicken said, “Cluck!” by Judyann Ackerman Grant. Illustrations by Sue Truesdell (Harper Collins Publishers, 2008).  32p. Geisel Picture Book.

Summary:

Earl and Pearl work in the garden, Chicken seems to be in the way.  Chicken saves the garden when Earl and Pearl cannot.

Critique:

a.         The repetitive phrases used throughout the book engage the
             emerging reader.

b.         Chicken scratches and clucks and seems to be in the way, and Earl and Pearl remind Chicken of this time and time again.  The familiar words and simple language used allow beginning readers to feel confident in their abilities to read this tale of teamwork and talents.

c.         “‘Shoo!’ said Earl.  ‘Shoo!  Shoo!’ said Pearl.  ‘Cluck! Cluck! Cluck!’ said Chicken” (p. 7, 10, 13, 21) are staple passages throughout the story that is the precursor and the solution for garden success.

Curriculum Connection:  

Chicken said, “Cluck!” would be a fantastic story to be used in a kindergarten class in a science studying insects or life cycles of a plant.  The entertaining story will provide students with a basic understanding of what is needed to grow vegetables and the food chain.