Pete's Chicken

Ziefert, Harriet

ISBN 10: 068813257X ISBN 13: 9780688132576

Publisher: Tambourine, 1994

Synopsis

When the entire class draws chickens as an art assignment, Pete's chicken, colored like a rainbow, makes everyone laugh, but the class soon learns a lesson about art and creativity.

About this title

About the Author

Harriet Ziefert has written many children's books for HarperCollins including What's A Vacation? and When Will Santa Come, both illustrated by Claire Schumacher, the Bear Boar Books, illustrated by Susan Baum, and Scooter's Christmas, illustrated by Rick Brown. Ms. Ziefert lives in New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Simms Taback has collaborated with Harriet Ziefert on many HarperCollins children's books. Some of their titles include Noisy Barn!, Zoo Parade!, and the sticker book readers, On Our Way to the Forest and On Our Way to the Water. Mr. Taback lives in New York City.

Review

(Pre-Gr 2) - A picture book that celebrates the differences among individuals-in appearance and in artistic expression. Pete is a self-confident rabbit who takes pride in doing his own thing. "I'm me./ One of a kind./ In all the world you won't find/ anyone who is exactly like me," he says. Yet, his feelings are hurt when his teacher and classmates laugh at his drawing of a chicken. They say it's weird, and that it looks like a turkey. He finally comes to the conclusion that "nobody makes chickens like me... not anyone" and validates his unique interpretation. The bold, uncluttered watercolor-and-pen illustrations combined with the large-print text make this an appealing choice for story times and beginning readers. -- School Library Journal

This longish picture book about an artistic rabbit celebrates the true spirit of originality. Young Pete revels in being a one-of-a-kind bunny: "In all the world you won't find anyone who is exactly like me," he says repeatedly. He's proud of his big nose and crooked ears, and enjoys doing things in his "own special way." When his art teacher asks the class to draw a chicken, Pete lets loose with his crayons and creative juices. But to his dismay, everybody laughs at his picture of a bird with purple feet, blue wings and an orange head, and the teacher doesn't choose it for the bulletin board display. Luckily, the ego bruise is short-lived and Pete's chicken finds a happy home. Ziefert's uncluttered, boisterous text practically sings, filled with Pete's happy proclamations of self-confidence. [Laura] Rader's energetic paintings keep up with the zippy mood and brisk pace of the story. Her depictions of Pete's expressions and the classroom of colorfully clad rabbits are particularly fetching. Ages 4-up. -- Publishers Weekly

About this edition

• Publisher: Tambourine
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 068813257X
• ISBN 13: 9780688132576
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 1
• Illustrator: Rader Laura