'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Tuesday 3 June 2014

Review: Funky Chicken - A Bushy Tale of Crocks and Chooks

This beautifully presented, highly entertaining and clever children’s picture book is set in the Australian bush. Eight bush animals compete to find who is the most unique amongst them. Funky Chicken, a strange, dazzling coloured and unique bird wins. But the glory goes to his head.

All the animals agree that he’s vain and loud and long to see the back of the boastful bird.

Croc has his eye on the chook, determined to enjoy a gourmet meal. Dingo has similar thoughts.

Can Funky Chicken escape the plate?

This is an outstanding and original production, with a CD that children and parents can watch and listen to, or simply read. Narrated by the author, Chris Collin, the pages peel back on the screen as the story evolves. The bold coloured, vibrant illustrations are expressive and funny. I laughed my head off while watching and listening to the rhythm and rhyme accentuated by the accompanying background music. With a strong message on the importance of keeping a low profile, readers will enjoy this book immensely.

A percentage of all sales sold through the website go to several organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults.

Funky Chicken: A Bushy Tale of Crocs and Chooks is on the 2014 Premiers Book Challenge Reading List in Queensland, NSW and Victoria. A paperback edition and merchandise is also available. The next Funky Chicken book is on the way. Look out for A Bug Called Doug also by Chris Collin and again illustrated by Megan Kitchen. The CD was composed, performed, produced, mixed and mastered by Adrian Hannan.

Title: Funky Chicken: A Bushy Tail of Crocs and Chooks
Author: Chris Collin
Illustrator: Megan Kitchin
Publisher: Funkybooks, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: February 2013
Format: Hardcover + Enhanced CD
ISBN: 9780987450708
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book