Chick's works of art

A story about painting eggs that doesn't involve Easter? It's true. In fact, Robberecht's story is about a great many things, perhaps too many: conformity versus artistic freedom, destitution versus wealth, creating art versus creating a family. Opening in a surprisingly cheery factory where hens lay eggs directly onto conveyor belts, the story finds Chick "bored to tears" of making plain, white, oval eggs. She starts experimenting with unconventional eggs: misshapen, colorfully decorated designs that eventually get her fired. Chick ends up selling her unique eggs on the street, but she soon finds a wealthy goose patron, resulting in a gallery show and a mansion for the artist herself. It's tricky to make a hen an artist who uses her own eggs (and potential offspring) as a medium; it might not be a problem except for the final scene, which reveals Chick's "newest and best creations"-more than a dozen baby chicks. While children won't miss the message about following one's passions, they may also wonder about all the eggs Chick has given away or sold in the preceding pages. Ages 3-5. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

PreS-Gr 1-Chick works in an egg factory where all the eggs must be the same-white and oval-so they can fit into egg boxes. When she gets bored with her job and starts to make beautifully colored eggs instead, her bosses fire her. Befriended by a well-dressed lady (a goose) who invites Chick to her home, the hen gets to practice her art and make her fantastic eggs in peace. When she has enough of them, her patron arranges an exhibition and Chick becomes famous, but she keeps her newest and best creations-baby chicks-for herself. The bright, bold, stylized illustrations fill the large pages with color. Although the story is slight, the underlying idea that art and artists need to be appreciated is important. The book could also be used in Easter or egg storytimes.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.