Module 8 – The Trouble with Chickens

Citation: 

Cronin, Dorren. (2011). The trouble with chickens. New York: HarperCollins

Children’s Books.

Summary:

Jonathan Joseph Tully (J. J.) thought that he had a relaxing retirement from his days as a specially trained search-and-rescue job to look forward to. Unfortunately, J. J. realized that peace and relaxation were not in the cards for him, the moment that Millicent—the crazy chicken from the yard—approached him for help on a case. Two of her four little chicks are missing, and she needs his help. Part of the story is told from the point of view of Vince, the inside dog who is unable to get through his doggie door leading outside thanks to his cone of shame. He is the very sinister creature that has masterminded this dastardly deed. Or is he…?

Impressions:

Although written for elementary age children, the mature voice and dry wit of J. J. Tully make this book an enjoyable read for just about any age. Students stand to learn a bit about the search-and-rescue process that trained dogs go through from this book. The illustrations are a terrific addition to this book, and do an excellent job of depicting the quirkiness of Millicent and her idiosyncratic baby chicks. It’s a great beginning chapter book for students transitioning into longer texts.

Usage in a Library:

I specifically remember sniffer dogs visiting our elementary school for special programs once a year. This book could be paired with a visit from the local police department, and a safety lesson. It would also make for a great book to pair with animal books or mysteries in a book talk. You might also consider pairing this with a search and rescue hunt in the library – the students can help identify and find lost books in conjunction with a Dewey Decimal System lesson.

Review:

Retirement suits J. J. Tully, former search-and-rescue dog, just fine, until his quiet life in the country is rudely disrupted by a chicken. Millicent, whom Tully dubs “Moosh,” is an unhappy hen because she’s missing two of her four fluffy chickes. Tully begrudgingly takes the case, en rout coming head to head with Vincent, the household’s cantankerous indoor dog, and with the fact that the adorable peeping chicks conceal cunning behind their innocent appearance. This is noir so lighthearted that it’s barely pale gray, and it’s as cartoonishly councy (slapstick involving Vincent’s anti-gnawing Elizabethan collar and the dog door, for instance) as it is hardboiled in phraseology (“She reminded me of a three-inch splinter I’d had once—it bothered me, and I was in a much better mood once it was gone”). The plot’s a little labyrinthine, but this is a story to read for style rather than sense, and the every-changing relationship between Tully and his poultry clients (including some classic double-crossing) is rewardingly goofy and, eventually, affectionate. Big print, short chapters, and unabashedly comedic illustrations (bespectacles chick nerd Sugar is the star comedienne) aim the book squarely at readers between Cazet’s Minnie and Moo (Mnnie and Moo Go to the Moon, BCCB 9/98, etc.) and Hale’s Chet Gecko (The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse, BCCB 6/00, etc.).

Review Citation:

Stevenson, D. (2011). The trouble with chickens. Bulletin of the Center for

Children's Books, 64(7), 325.