Interrupting Chicken



Last updated Sunday, May 8, 2016

Author: David Ezra Stein
Date of Publication: 2010
ISBN: 0763641685
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2016

Synopsis: It’s time for the little red chicken’s bedtime story—and a reminder from Papa to try not to interrupt. But the chicken can’t help herself! Whether the tale is Hansel and Grettel or Little Red Riding Hood or even Chicken Little, she jumps into the story to save its hapless characters from doing some dangerous or silly thing. Now it’s the little red chicken’s turn to tell a story, but will her yawning papa make it to the end without his own kind of interrupting? Energetically illustrated with glowing colors—and offering humorous story-within-a-story views—this all-too-familiar tale is sure to amuse (and hold the attention of) spirited little chicks. A favorite joke inspires this charming tale, in which a little chicken’s habit of interrupting bedtime stories is gleefully turned on its head.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Does someone read to you before you go to bed? Who?
•  What other activities do you do before going to bed? Do you have a routine?

Vocabulary

•  interrupt - stop, discontinue; disturb, interfere; interrupt the conversation or action of another
•  routine - a sequence of actions regularly followed
•  nibble - take small bites out of
•  acorn - the fruit of the oak, a smooth oval nut in a rough cuplike base.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Have you heard the stories of Hansel & Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, or Chicken Little?
•  These are stories common to Northern Europe. Do you know of any fairy tales?

Craft ideas:
•  Make "Little Chickens" cutting shapes from yellow or white paper then color & draw faces, etc. Use google eyes, if available.
•  Draw a picture of your bedroom.
•  Check out our May craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/may-2016-fairytale-crafts/

Special activities:
•  Act out one of these stories. Maybe one you are all familiar with, like Little Red Riding Hood.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!