Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/01/2020 Sure, something clocks Chicken Little—in her minimally detailed cartoon illustrations, Wedelich sends it bouncing away unseen until the final page—and sure, her first, momentary reaction is panic. But it’s a passing chicken, seeing her up a ladder making sure that the sky is still in place, who carries the rumor of imminent catastrophe to the farmyard and causes “utter hen-demonium.” Neither appeals to reason nor the offer of a safe house with a roof (“We’re free-range!”) settles the frantic flock. How can Chicken Little calm all those ruffled feathers? Dropping the patterned wordplay common to more traditional versions (along with the multispecies cast) and leaving Foxy Loxy just an offstage threat, the whole episode takes on a kinder, gentler slant, as no sooner does Chicken Little loudly explain that she was “bonked” than the maternal instincts of her audience are aroused. The original makes better telling, but this chicken, stylish in her red cowboy boots and huge eyeglasses, is worthy of admiration for her ability to “pullet” together in the wake of a sudden mishap. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.