Book Resume
for Cranky Chicken by Katherine Battersby
Professional book information and credentials for Cranky Chicken.
4 Professional Reviews
1 Book Award
Selected for 8 State/Province Lists
See full Book Resume
on TeachingBooks
- School Library Journal:
- Grades 1 - 3
- School Library Journal:
- K - Grade 2
- Kirkus:
- Ages 5 - 8
- Publisher's Weekly:
- Ages 6 - 9
- TeachingBooks:*
- Grades PK-6
- Word Count:
- 1,190
- ATOS Reading Level:
- 2.2
- Genre:
- Humor
- Year Published:
- 2021
4 Subject Headings
The following 4 subject headings were determined by the U.S. Library of Congress and the Book Industry Study Group (BISAC) to reveal themes from the content of this book (Cranky Chicken).
4 Full Professional Reviews
The following unabridged reviews are made available under license from their respective rights holders and publishers. Reviews may be used for educational purposes consistent with the fair use doctrine in your jurisdiction, and may not be reproduced or repurposed without permission from the rights holders.
Note: This section may include reviews for related titles (e.g., same author, series, or related edition).
From School Library Journal
May 1, 2022
Gr 1-3-Cranky Chicken, also known as a hangry Crankenstein, can still enjoy a good day with good friend Speedy the worm. Whether it's Cranky's birthday, a bus ride, or a day at the beach, Cranky has several (not insignificant) reasons to feel annoyed. However, Speedy is a resourceful friend, able to see the glass half full, and eventually, through sharing time together, convince Cranky that some experiences can be enjoyable. The contrast between what Cranky knows to be unpleasant and Speedy imagines to be fun is demonstrated visually. Cranky's lists of dislikes tend to occupy straight, organized panels, while Speedy's flights of fancy defy boundaries. Battersby uses a variety of layouts and color combinations, as well as resident animals in each scene, to make each page distinct and attractive. VERDICT Cranky and Speedy's outlooks will resonate with readers no matter which side of the bed they get up from. A great starting point.
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
From School Library Journal
November 19, 2021
K-Gr 2-The aptly named Cranky Chicken is grouchy about everything. When she meets Speedy, a spunky worm, the two spark up an unlikely friendship and eventually become BFFs (best feathered friends). Chicken and Speedy learn what it means to be friends and have adventures, and between each chapter section are pun-laden comic panels. The vocabulary is accessible for early readers, although emerging readers may struggle with the hand lettering. The warm pastel coloring and large, full-color, full-page comics, drawn appealingly to look as though they were rendered by a child, are sure to appeal to the intended age range. Themes of friendship and overcoming fears, with a dose of humor, will be relatable. VERDICT This early reader graphic novel about two unlikely friends will likely be a hit with fans of friendship stories; it's also a good introduction to graphic novel reading.-Ellen Conlin, Naperville P. L., IL
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
From Kirkus
August 1, 2021
Even a cranky chicken can have a good time with a friend. Chicken is cranky. She has cranky feet, a cranky beak, and a cranky unibrow, a dour, horizontal red line half-concealing her cranky eyes. What is she to do when a cheerful, zippy worm insists on being her BFF? Speedy the worm is anything but cranky--even their eyebrows are cheerful. (Speedy, who volunteers to be Chicken's "wing man" or "wing woman," doesn't seem picky about gender.) The worm is adamant that the two should learn how to handle friendship together. Over the course of five chapters, the pair become best buds. Speedy never insists that Chicken change, or even that the crankiness means something bad. In fact, the worm even takes crankiness lessons so the two can share some crank together. When expressive hugger Speedy dons their cranky pants and mimics Chicken's flat, irritable unibrow, it's clear the two are made for each other; Speedy makes Chicken feel "that thing when you're not cranky," supplying "Happy?" to Chicken with enthusiasm. Delightful, simply illustrated panels are packed with expressive motion and silliness. Speech (set in a faux handwritten type) sometimes overflows speech bubbles in a way that feels more accidental than stylized, and on one occasion low color contrasts make some difficult to trace to the speaker. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Will make even the crankiest reader feel that thing that's not cranky. (Happy!) (Graphic early reader. 5-8)
COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
From Publisher's Weekly
July 5, 2021
A curmudgeonly chicken and sprightly worm become unlikely BFFs ("Best Feathered Friends") in this likable early reader comic in five parts by Battersby (Trouble). With a bold red unibrow and "cranky scratchy feet," Cranky Chicken opens the story grumbling. Grumpily kicking at a leaf, the fowl unintentionally frees Speedy, a plump, teal worm, stuck underneath. Speedy, whose bubbly demeanor is the antithesis of Cranky's, sees the chicken as a hero who has vanquished "the evil leaf"-and through cheerful persistence cracks the crabby hen's tough facade. ("So you like me? Even though I'm cranky?" asks the "Queen of Crank." "Especially because you're cranky," Speedy replies.) United by their prior inexperience with friendship, the pair spend later sections sharing secrets, attempting flight (with Speedy as "wing worm"), and generally learning to support one another. Interspersed are paneled round-ups, including possibilities for why a chicken might really cross the road, a tutorial on how to be cranky, and "famous dirt drawings" of "Speedy: the fastest draw in the West." In pale jewel tones, Battersby's simple panels feel breezy and contemporary; the comic companionship she develops between two complete opposites couldn't be more endearing. Ages 6—9. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary.
1 Book Awards & Distinctions
Cranky Chicken was recognized by committees of professional librarians and educators for the following book awards and distinctions.
8 Selections for State & Provincial Recommended Reading Lists
Cranky Chicken was selected by educational and library professionals to be included on the following state/provincial reading lists.
Australia Lists (5)
New South Wales
Northern Territory
- Northern Territory Chief Minister's Reading Challenge, 2023, Transition to Year 2
- Northern Territory Chief Minister's Reading Challenge, 2024, Transition to Year 2
Queensland
- Queensland Premier’s Reading Challenge, 2023, Years 2-3
South Australia
- South Australia Premier’s Reading Challenge, 2023, Reception-Year 2
United States Lists (3)
Florida
- Sunshine State Young Readers Award Jr., 2022-2023, Elementary School, Grades K-2
Indiana
Texas
- Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List, 2023, for Grades K-5
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This Book Resume for Cranky Chicken is compiled from TeachingBooks, a library of professional resources about children's and young adult books. This page may be shared for educational purposes and must include copyright information. Reviews are made available under license from their respective rights holders and publishers.
*Grade levels are determined by certified librarians utilizing editorial reviews and additional materials. Relevant age ranges vary depending on the learner, the setting, and the intended purpose of a book.
Retrieved from TeachingBooks on January 31, 2025. © 2001-2025 TeachingBooks.net, LLC. All rights reserved by rights holders.