Hen and her chicks go to the garden every morning for their favorite treat, “sweet itty-bitty beans and potato bugs.” But one morning, a dog is blocking their way. Pragmatic Hen says they’ll have to skip the garden that day, but the three chicks protest: “We’re hungry! You PROMISED! We DID our chores!” Each chick tries to get Dog to let them by. Dog frightens Big Chick and Middle Chick away. It’s tiny Little Chick, a curious, free-spirited soul, who has the brains and nerve to get dog tied up in a tangle. George Shannon’s delightfully told story is further enlivened by Laura Dronzek’s wonderful acrylic illustrations that are funny and endearing, and display masterful use of space. Honor Book, 2004 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 2–5)