Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K--It might take a village to raise a child, but it takes a farmyard to raise a chick in this cute British import. Mother Hen warns her brood to stay close to home and to hide when the fox is near, but one "little chick [is] much too bold,/ Doesn't do what he's been told." He sets out for a solo stroll, to the great consternation of all farm animals who all caution the youngster--even the tractor beeps out a warning. When the chick inevitably encounters a fox, he barely gets away, making the pursuing beast trip into the pond. As the fox gets literally hung out to dry by the helpful livestock, the chick returns home and passes his new wisdom onto his youngest sibling. Knight's colorful cartoonish illustrations are hilariously expressive, whether they are conveying the fox's damp dismay or the chick's carefree attitude. Jarman's rhyming verses smoothly roll off the tongue, making for a fun read-aloud. VERDICT A sweet and silly adventure romp for the fans of other farm classics like Stoeke's Minerva Louise.--Yelena Voysey
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Fox meets his match with Cheeky Chick. Rhyming text in a singsong cadence pairs with art reminiscent of Paul Galdone's style to tell this home-away-from-home farm story. Four of Mother Hen's little chicks heed her warning to "play near the hen-house" and to run away if Fox comes by, but the fifth, Cheeky Chick, replies, "Tosh!" and "Bosh!" before continuing to ignore Mother Hen and wandering far indeed. Other barnyard animals step up to act in loco parentis, warning Cheeky Chick of hazards and voicing concerns. He ignores them, however, and ultimately confronts Fox. Visual perspective zooms in at that point, with all background detail omitted as the focus is placed on a large, toothsome fox's face leering down at the tiny chick. On the following page, the layout is used to terrific effect as the perspective zooms out to an aerial view and shows a chase scene across four panels. Cheeky Chick scurries away, with Fox in hot pursuit, as they pass all the erstwhile helpers who tried and failed to warn the young chicken. Ultimately Fox gets his comeuppance when Cheeky Chick lives up to his name and leads Fox to a dunk in the pond before heading home under a duck's watchful eye. Three cheers for this unlikely but intrepid hero. (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.