Katherine Battersby, Party Animals (Cranky Chicken #2). Hachette Australia, June 2022, 108 pp., RRP $14.99 ISBN 978 0734 420985
This second book in Battersby’s Cranky Chicken chapter book/graphic novel series brings further adventures of the titular character and her unlikely friend, Speedy the worm.
Beginner readers will enjoy the humour wrought by a worm dreaming up ideas for a party with a ‘hangry’ chicken. For example, Speedy is distraught to learn that chickens eat worms: I don’t know what to believe anymore. But when Chicken reveals she’s vegetarian, Speedy is ecstatic: Me too! No wonder we’re such good friends!
The book is divided into three stories and the fun child-like illustrations are colourful and endearing. Children aged 6-plus will enjoy the silliness of the stories which include relatable events such as the party and a trip to the beach. The ‘crankiness’ of chicken also provides an avenue for discussing uncomfortable feelings.
Reviewed by Heather Gallagher
