David Ezra Stein’s Interrupting Chicken is a delightful picture book that engages readers of all ages with its playful humor and vibrant illustrations. The story centers around a young, eager chicken named Little Red who simply cannot contain her excitement during bedtime stories. Every time her patient Papa reads her a classic fairy tale, she jumps in to “save” the characters from impending doom, much to her father’s exasperation.
The heart of the book lies in Little Red’s infectious enthusiasm, which any child (and parent) can relate to. Children love to interact with stories, often inserting their own versions of events or interrupting to ask questions. Stein captures this natural curiosity and blends it with an affectionate father-child relationship. Papa’s repeated attempts to calm his daughter down so they can finish a single story becomes both a running gag and a source of warmth, reflecting the patience many parents have while reading to their little ones.
What sets Interrupting Chicken apart from many bedtime stories is its clever use of storytelling within the story. As Papa reads tales like Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood, the book switches art styles to depict the characters in these familiar stories. Little Red’s interjections are scribbled over the fairy tale pages, giving the book a unique, layered visual experience. Stein’s art style is bold, with rich colors and lively brush strokes that perfectly capture the energy of Little Red’s interruptions. It feels as if the young chicken is bursting out of the pages with enthusiasm.
Beyond its humor, Interrupting Chicken gently touches on the theme of learning to listen. While the story is not overtly didactic, it subtly shows children the importance of letting stories unfold without jumping ahead or interrupting. Yet, it does so in a way that doesn’t feel like a lesson, but rather a natural part of the humor and charm of Little Red’s antics. The balance between letting children explore their imagination and teaching them to enjoy stories as they are presented is deftly handled.
David Ezra Stein has a talent for understanding the quirks of young children, and that shines throughout the book. His playful dialogue and lively illustrations create a rhythm that makes the story a joy to read aloud. Parents will enjoy the humor as much as their children, especially if they’ve had a few bedtime interruptions of their own. At its core, the book celebrates the fun of storytelling, even when it doesn’t go exactly as planned.
Interrupting Chicken is more than just a bedtime story; it’s a reminder of the joy found in shared moments between parents and children. Little Red may not follow the rules of traditional storytelling, but her exuberance is a reflection of the boundless creativity that all children possess. Whether used as a fun nighttime read or a playful reminder to let stories unfold, this book is sure to become a favorite on any family’s shelf.
Questions to ask while reading:
- Why do you think Little Red keeps interrupting the stories?
- How does Papa react to Little Red’s interruptions?
- What are some ways we can show excitement and enthusiasm without interrupting others?
Interrupting Chicken on Amazon