Chicken Talk Around the World

Six grandmothers and their individual chicken farms around the world take the spotlight in this accessible picture book that centers language. Opening on Gram’s U.S. farm in Walla Walla, Wash., Schaefer subsequently leads readers through farms in Mexico City; “a small village in Kenya”; Japan’s Honshu Island; Bihar, India; and Bordeaux, France, imparting “chicken talk” in the respective language of each country. “And as they search around for grubs and grain—voila! (vwah-LA)—you hear: Clou, clou./ Clou-ee!/... Chicken talk in French.” Textured strokes and sunny hues by Morgan depict the grandmas, abuelas, obachans, and more as gently smiling figures against distinct landscapes. Young readers will enjoy learning how chicken onomatopoeia differs across languages, as well as the various names for grandmothers, in this simple yet educational story that encourages the learning of language and culture through shared experience. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)