A LITTLE CHICKEN

Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf...and bear...and lawn gnome?

Dot is a little chicken with a big problem: She’s frightened of many things, and though she attempts to be brave, it simply doesn’t work. Then she accidentally bumps into an egg that’s about to become a new sibling, and she is forced to throw caution to the wind. Brightly colored computer-generated illustrations show young Dot as she revs up to give chase to the roll-away egg, maneuvering around pond and tree as well as a dark forest that—wouldn’t you know it?—contains “one stunned wolf, two startled bears, and three very questionable lawn ornaments.” The art is just passable, with some gentle humor, but the effortless prose rises above, as it is concise, well-timed, and entertaining. Quick and airy, with some wordplay and a joking tone, this lighthearted selection may not be the best choice to help children deal with more serious issues, but in terms of smaller frights, it will encourage readers to meet their fears head on by showing that, after all, “sometimes a big hero…/…is just a little chicken.”

A gently humorous take on conquering fear that’s also a fine read-aloud.