CLARKE, Pat (text) Graeme Compton (illus.) A One-Eyed Chook Called Sheila Little Steps, 2014 60pp $25.00 ISBN 9781925059014
An anthropomorphic tale about a chook and her friends who have some exciting adventures and close shaves when they escape from the farm to avoid becoming the Christmas meal. The story brings in a number of native animals and a not so native fox, who is always on the prowl for his next meal. The book is divided into brief chapters which will make it a very satisfactory read for younger independent readers, but perhaps it could be edited a little to increase the momentum. The rather whimsical nature of the story is enhanced by the many delightful pen and ink drawings which yearn to be coloured in. Here is a book that will delight both the ear and the eye as well as stretch the imagination. Age: Infants and lower primary grades.
reviewed by John Cohen