Chickens

February 1, 2003
Gr 1-2-At first glance, these books look like good choices for reports. They have the necessary components to teach the fundamentals of doing research, and the factual content is correct and interesting. However, the brevity at times is misleading and confusing. For example, in Chickens Murray states, "Most chickens live on factory farms" but the accompanying photographs and information concern free-range chickens; only free-range hens brood or sit on their eggs to hatch them. Commercial hatcheries are not mentioned. The illustrations are general and, while sometimes adequate, they do not consistently depict the texts' main ideas. The quality of the color photographs is mediocre and will not excite readers. For more facts and more complete information, Peter Brady's Chickens (Bridgestone, 1996) and Sara Swan Miller's Chickens and Goats (both Children's, 2000) are better choices.-Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

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