Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Tundra Books (2018), Edition: Reprint, 32 pages
Description
Sonya raises her three chickens from the time they are tiny chicks. She feeds them, shelters them and loves them. Everywhere Sonya goes, her chicks are peeping at her heels. Under her care, the chicks grow into hens and even give Sonya a wonderful gift: an egg! One night, Sonya hears noises coming from the chicken coop and discovers that one of her hens has disappeared. Where did the hen go? What happened to her? When Sonya discovers the answers, she learns some important truths about the interconnectedness of nature and the true joys and sorrows of caring for another creature.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Michaela.K
I read "Sonya's Chickens" to all my lower-level classes--- four Kindergartens, five 1st grades, four 2nd grades, and four 3rd grade classes; they unanimously liked the illustrations, and most classes gave it a positive review. The only part they didn't love was that the fox killed the chicken, but
The illustrations in "Sonya's Chickens" are classic Phoebe Wahl---textured and folksy. Since my kids rarely get art lessons at this school, I use the books I read to teach about different styles/use of materials, and this book made a good example for layering and collage techniques. Some of the lines were a little clunky to read-aloud, but after five or six read-throughs, I found the right cuts and phrasing to use so it flowed better. The mixed family portrayed is also refreshing, in the white-washed world of picture books.
Overall I liked the book; it's a good discussion about the circle of life, forest ecology, and our role as humans raising domestic animals alongside wild animals. Its voice is pretty bland, but the concept makes up for it in conversation.
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after we talked about the message of the book, they were okay with it. The 1st-grade classes raise chicks in an incubator, so this book was of great interest to them, especially since there's usually one or two chick-casualties each year.The illustrations in "Sonya's Chickens" are classic Phoebe Wahl---textured and folksy. Since my kids rarely get art lessons at this school, I use the books I read to teach about different styles/use of materials, and this book made a good example for layering and collage techniques. Some of the lines were a little clunky to read-aloud, but after five or six read-throughs, I found the right cuts and phrasing to use so it flowed better. The mixed family portrayed is also refreshing, in the white-washed world of picture books.
Overall I liked the book; it's a good discussion about the circle of life, forest ecology, and our role as humans raising domestic animals alongside wild animals. Its voice is pretty bland, but the concept makes up for it in conversation.
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LibraryThing member mcghol
I run an early childhood program from my home, and we keep chickens, so the children in my care have had to deal with the reality of death and loss several times. I wish I'd had this book all along. It presents just enough information, a beautiful perspective, and a hint at the continuing life
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cycle that helps us through the pain of death. I know that for the children in my care, understanding the predators' perspective (needing something to eat) has been very helpful to them in dealing with chickens' death (as opposed to fox-as-bad-guy, seen in so many other childrens' books), and am so glad to see it portrayed so beautifully in a picture book. (I also appreciate the cozy, not-too-scary illustrations and the multicultural family who are matter-of-factly portrayed--not a focus of the story at all.) I know we'll be reading this one again and again, and am grateful to have received this copy for review. Show Less
LibraryThing member SandSing7
The pictures in this book are beautiful - rich and deep color is everywhere! I also loved that it featured a culturally diverse family, and that the vocabulary was of a higher level. I wasn't too keen on the lesson of the story, which argued that it's only natural and proper for a fox to steal a
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chicken and eat it, only because it seemed to invalidate Sonya's feelings about the death of her chicken. Show Less
LibraryThing member tdwells82
Great illustrated and well written book about a child (Sonya) given the responsibility of caring (feeding, housing, watering) for a pet (in this story three chickens) and the experience of lose. The father of Sonya explains in simple easy to understand terms for young children the circle of life
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and of death of one animal in feeding other animals. This book would be great to read to a child or children who are asking for and wanting a pet whether it is a dog, cat, rabbit, fish, bird, etc. for them to understand the responsibility of caring for that pet everyday properly until that pet's death. This book would work great in putting into perspective that children can understand about the responsibility of a pet. Show Less
LibraryThing member lyssjj
Sonya's Chickens is a beautifully illustrated children's story about death, grief, and recovery. The pictures are vivid and engaging. The story was a gentle and age appropriate introduction to death and the circle of life. It also shows that life moves on and recovery can occur after losing a loved
People of color are often underrepresented in children's literature, so I also appreciated the portrayal of Sonya's multiracial family. I was very happy to receive a copy of this book for review.
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one. Children often experience their first loss with the death of a pet, and stories like this can provide comfort. It also explains the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.People of color are often underrepresented in children's literature, so I also appreciated the portrayal of Sonya's multiracial family. I was very happy to receive a copy of this book for review.
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LibraryThing member cdnbookworm
In Phoebe Wahl’s book “Sonya’s Chicken’s” we meet a young girl (Sonya) who has been given the responsibility of raising some chickens on her family’s farm. Sonya takes her responsibilities seriously and clearly enjoys being a part of a working farm. Then tragedy strikes and one of her
As a teacher this book can be used in so many ways, the pictures are colorful and engaging. The story is thoughtful and helps to teach many important lessons; the cycle of life, working hard and they rewards that come as a result, and how to face the loss of a beloved pet with a positive heart. Also equally important is the representation of a multicultural family. I am always looking for books that represent the students in my class, this is one that I can use year after year in many different lessons and students can see themselves and their families in the characters in the book. I look forward to introducing my students to this text.
Show More
chickens is taken away in the middle of the night. What follows is a perfect explanation of the cycle of nature (the food chain of life) and helps a young girl in the book to understand and process her grief in a positive light.As a teacher this book can be used in so many ways, the pictures are colorful and engaging. The story is thoughtful and helps to teach many important lessons; the cycle of life, working hard and they rewards that come as a result, and how to face the loss of a beloved pet with a positive heart. Also equally important is the representation of a multicultural family. I am always looking for books that represent the students in my class, this is one that I can use year after year in many different lessons and students can see themselves and their families in the characters in the book. I look forward to introducing my students to this text.
Show Less
LibraryThing member mcghol
I run an early childhood program from my home, and we keep chickens, so the children in my care have had to deal with the reality of death and loss several times. I wish I'd had this book all along. It presents just enough information, a beautiful perspective, and a hint at the continuing life
Show More
cycle that helps us through the pain of death. I know that for the children in my care, understanding the predators' perspective (needing something to eat) has been very helpful to them in dealing with chickens' death (as opposed to fox-as-bad-guy, seen in so many other childrens' books), and am so glad to see it portrayed so beautifully in a picture book. (I also appreciate the cozy, not-too-scary illustrations and the multicultural family who are matter-of-factly portrayed--not a focus of the story at all.) I know we'll be reading this one again and again, and am grateful to have received this copy for review. Show Less
LibraryThing member kcfswanlund
Sonya's Chickens brings real life situations into focus. It deals with companionship, work ethic and responsibility in a gentle way. It even deals with death in a way a child can palate it. There is loving support between parents and child in tough situations. Another of the best features of the
Show More
book is quality, almost folk art illustrations. An enjoyable book overall Show Less
LibraryThing member SandSing7
The pictures in this book are beautiful - rich and deep color is everywhere! I also loved that it featured a culturally diverse family, and that the vocabulary was of a higher level. I wasn't too keen on the lesson of the story, which argued that it's only natural and proper for a fox to steal a
Show More
chicken and eat it, only because it seemed to invalidate Sonya's feelings about the death of her chicken. Show Less
LibraryThing member tdwells82
Great illustrated and well written book about a child (Sonya) given the responsibility of caring (feeding, housing, watering) for a pet (in this story three chickens) and the experience of lose. The father of Sonya explains in simple easy to understand terms for young children the circle of life
Show More
and of death of one animal in feeding other animals. This book would be great to read to a child or children who are asking for and wanting a pet whether it is a dog, cat, rabbit, fish, bird, etc. for them to understand the responsibility of caring for that pet everyday properly until that pet's death. This book would work great in putting into perspective that children can understand about the responsibility of a pet. Show Less
LibraryThing member bogreader
Young Sonya is given a big responsibility in her family when she receives three young chicks. The duty is taken seriously as Sonya keeps the chicks sheltered, watered, and fed. The chicks grow into chickens and begin to lay eggs when a fox breaks into the chicken coop and takes one of the chickens.
Show More
Sonya feels the grief of losing one of her charge and her father comforts her with hugs, a funeral, and the knowledge that the fox was working to feed its own family. This realistic look at life and loss will resonate with young caretakers of animals. Show Less
LibraryThing member cdnbookworm
In Phoebe Wahl’s book “Sonya’s Chicken’s” we meet a young girl (Sonya) who has been given the responsibility of raising some chickens on her family’s farm. Sonya takes her responsibilities seriously and clearly enjoys being a part of a working farm. Then tragedy strikes and one of her
As a teacher this book can be used in so many ways, the pictures are colorful and engaging. The story is thoughtful and helps to teach many important lessons; the cycle of life, working hard and they rewards that come as a result, and how to face the loss of a beloved pet with a positive heart. Also equally important is the representation of a multicultural family. I am always looking for books that represent the students in my class, this is one that I can use year after year in many different lessons and students can see themselves and their families in the characters in the book. I look forward to introducing my students to this text.
Show More
chickens is taken away in the middle of the night. What follows is a perfect explanation of the cycle of nature (the food chain of life) and helps a young girl in the book to understand and process her grief in a positive light.As a teacher this book can be used in so many ways, the pictures are colorful and engaging. The story is thoughtful and helps to teach many important lessons; the cycle of life, working hard and they rewards that come as a result, and how to face the loss of a beloved pet with a positive heart. Also equally important is the representation of a multicultural family. I am always looking for books that represent the students in my class, this is one that I can use year after year in many different lessons and students can see themselves and their families in the characters in the book. I look forward to introducing my students to this text.
Show Less
LibraryThing member kcfswanlund
Sonya's Chickens brings real life situations into focus. It deals with companionship, work ethic and responsibility in a gentle way. It even deals with death in a way a child can palate it. There is loving support between parents and child in tough situations. Another of the best features of the
Show More
book is quality, almost folk art illustrations. An enjoyable book overall Show Less
LibraryThing member bogreader
Young Sonya is given a big responsibility in her family when she receives three young chicks. The duty is taken seriously as Sonya keeps the chicks sheltered, watered, and fed. The chicks grow into chickens and begin to lay eggs when a fox breaks into the chicken coop and takes one of the chickens.
Show More
Sonya feels the grief of losing one of her charge and her father comforts her with hugs, a funeral, and the knowledge that the fox was working to feed its own family. This realistic look at life and loss will resonate with young caretakers of animals. Show Less
LibraryThing member norselordspanishlady
Sonya's Chickens is a beautifully-illustrated book that my girls absolutely loved. We keep chickens in our backyard, and lost some to predation this past year, so they connected with the content of the book and request a read frequently.
LibraryThing member amorerocks
Beautifully written and illustrated children's book about the circle of life and how we can contribute to the success or failure of that circle.
LibraryThing member imtanner2
Sonya wants to raise chickens so she builds a little shed and takes careful care of the chickens. One day, something bad happens and Sonya has to figure out what comes next. The illustrations are bright and cheerful and it has a nice message about dealing with a loss.
LibraryThing member book_in_hand
I absolutely loved the illustrations in this book! A mixture of collages and paintings that tell the story beautifully. Sonya's Chickens is a wonderful story for teaching children about death and grief.
*Spoilers*
I liked that Sonya's father didn't portray the fox as an evil villain, but an animal
*Spoilers*
I liked that Sonya's father didn't portray the fox as an evil villain, but an animal
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striving to provide for their children. There is sorrow in death, but it's nice to learn that things happen for a reason. Show Less
LibraryThing member CarolineMCarrico
Wahl created a beautifully illustrated children's book about loving and losing animals. I appreciated that the father describes events from the predator's point of view, encouraging children to think of a different perspective. It was also nice to see an interracial family represented.
LibraryThing member HouseofPrayer
A sweet and beautifully-illustrated picture book about a young girl's tender care for her three pet chickens, and the life-lesson her father explains after one of the hens disappears one night. The subtle portrayal of an interracial family might be affirming to many children. A "must" for every
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elementary school library! Show Less
LibraryThing member kyurenka
Sonya's dad brings home three fluffy little chicks. Sonya raises them and loves them very much. When a fox steals one, Sonya is very sad. Her father explains to her that foxes need to eat, too, and that the fox is probably feeding her young ones.
LibraryThing member True54Blue
As others have said this book is visually lovable. My daughters were a little upset that Sonya's hen was eaten by the fox but learned that this is what happens in life. It was a good learning experience as well as a nice book to look at. It's definitely one of the better children's books that I've
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received through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carlathelibrarian
This is a beautifully written and illustrated book about the Circle of Life. In this story, Sonya's father brings home three baby chicks for her to raise. She nurtures them, they grow and begin to lay eggs. One night a fox gets into the chicken coop and one of her hens disappears. She is
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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devastated. Her father explains to her about the fox just trying to feed his young just like he takes care of Sonya and she takes care of her chickens. A little while later, one of the eggs hatches and she has a chick to raise again. Easy to understand but incredibly well explained.I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member Jesslaw
This book was supper cute! I loved the illustrations and the sweet story. I noticed that the mother and father have different colored skin in the illustrations. This is something I appreciate greatly. It was not mentioned that they were multi-cultural, but that wasn't the main point of the book.
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The fact that it was added in this way makes it even more realistic and normal. I enjoyed the real life story of keeping and loosing chickens and the gentleness of the family life. Sonya is gifted chickens and learns real life lessons of the animal world. But just because this is real life, the sorrow she feels is not pushed aside, but affirmed by loving parents. Show Less
LibraryThing member GigiHunter
SONYA'S CHICKENS, by Phoebe Wahl, is a sweet story about growing, caring, and accepting the realities of life. Wahl's illustrations are a bit heavy for my tastes, but do convey the feelings of the narration.
A fox gets into the chicken coop and carries off one of Phoebe's pet chickens. Phoebe must
A fox gets into the chicken coop and carries off one of Phoebe's pet chickens. Phoebe must
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come to terms with the loss of her pet. Her father explains that the fox needed the chicken to feed her babies. Phoebe understands this, but is still saddened by the loss of the chicken. Show Less
Awards
Ezra Jack Keats Book Award (Winner — New Illustrator — 2016)
New York Public Library Best Books: Mejores libros para pequeños (Top Ten — 2022)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2015
Physical description
32 p.; 8.06 inches
ISBN
1770497900 / 9781770497900
Other editions
Sonya's Chickens by Phoebe Wahl (Hardcover)
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