Sam the Man & the chicken plan

Review by Booklist Review

Sam wants to have a job, like his mother, father, and big sister. Soon he has two, both involving neighbors. First, he looks after Mrs. Kerner's chickens. Next, he takes elderly Mr. Stockfish for walks. Sam's interest in chickens flourishes after his father helps him buy his own hen, Helga, who lays blue eggs. Soon Sam is taking Mr. Stockfish on walks to visit her, an idea that pays off all around. His neighbor grows stronger, while taking a supportive interest in Sam and Helga. This very accessible chapter book offers a simply told, well-knit story with a multicultural cast of likable characters. The author of Dovey Coe (2000), Chicken Boy (2005), and the Phineas MacGuire series, Dowell portrays seven-year-old Sam with a quiet perception. Many readers will relate to his pride in figuring out for himself how to earn money as well as how he'd like to spend it. Well-structured, shaded pencil drawings illustrate characters and scenes with energy, perception, and gentle humor. This satisfying story sets the stage for the Sam the Man series.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2016 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

---

Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

In a warm family story, Dowell introduces Sam Graham, age seven, who wants to earn money like his older sister, Annabelle. He offers to care for a neighbor's chickens while she's away, opening the door for a chicken of Sam's own, as well as a friendship with the somewhat cantankerous Mr. Stockfish, another neighbor. Dowell's story shines in Sam's believable and often-funny interactions with his family, community, and friends. "You really needed to use the whole roll?" Sam's mother asks after he makes a toilet paper nest for his chicken's first egg. "Sam nodded again. Did she really need to ask?" Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6-9. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

---

Review by Horn Book Review

Seven-year-old Sam Graham wants money, but hes too young to have a real job. When neighbor Mrs. Kerner tries to hire Sams too-busy older sister to take care of her chickens for a few days, Sam rushes to do it. Soon Sam is in business: the chicken business. Once hes made a little money chicken-sitting, he decides to get a chicken of his own, Helga, whom Mrs. Kerner agrees to let live in her coop (for a price, of course). Because Helga lays blue eggs, Sam figures it will be easy to keep them separate from the others; what he doesnt realize is that the blue eggs are also the answer to his money problems. Helga entertains everyone, whether she is laying eggs or just learning how to fit in with the other chickens. Black-and-white illustrations, some humorous, some gentle, accompany each chapter. The short sentences and amusing situations make this a perfect read-aloud or first read-alone for young readers, whether they have a chicken or not. robin smith (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

---

Sam the Man & the Chicken Plan A Job for Sam Sam Graham wanted a job. Everyone else in his family had a job. His dad did something with computers, and his mom did something with clients, and his sister, Annabelle, who was twelve, mowed lawns. "Twenty bucks a pop," Annabelle said when she came home from a job, sweaty and flecked with little bits of grass. "Hard to beat." "What can I do for twenty bucks a pop?" Sam asked his mom. "There aren't many jobs for seven-year-olds," his mom said. "I'll give you a dollar to clean your room." Sam didn't want a job that only paid one buck a pop. Besides, his room didn't need cleaning. When Mrs. Kerner stopped by to see if Annabelle would take care of her chickens while she was away, Annabelle said she couldn't do it. "I have three lawns to mow this weekend," she told Mrs. Kerner. "Hate to say it, but there's no time for chickens." Sam raced over to Mrs. Kerner. He waved his arms in the air. "I'll take care of your chickens!" "You're only seven," Mrs. Kerner said. "Seven-year-olds don't know the first thing about chickens." "I know they lay eggs," Sam said, holding up one finger. "I know they like to be around other chickens," he added, holding up a second finger. He tried to think of one more thing he had learned on the second-grade field trip to the farm. Aha! He held up a third finger. "I know their poop is good for the garden." "Don't say 'poop,' " said Mrs. Kerner. "I like the way it sounds," said Sam. "Still," said Mrs. Kerner. "Still and all." She looked at Sam for a long time. "You know a lot about chickens. But you're awfully small." "I'm bigger than a raccoon," said Sam. "I despise raccoons," said Mrs. Kerner. "Me too," said Sam. "Okay, then," said Mrs. Kerner. "I think we can work together." Excerpted from Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan by Frances O'Roark Dowell All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.

---