Cranky Chicken; Katherine Battersby

Even cranky chickens deserve to have a BFF in this warm-hearted and funny tale of friendship and acceptance.

Everything about chicken is cranky; eyebrow, eyes, beak, feet. And absolutely everything makes chicken cranky; the sun, the rain, its tail, dirt, leaves, odd socks, sprinkle-less cupcakes, food with holes. Life for chicken is one big crank. Then along comes the friendly and endearing Speedy Worm who is determined to turn Cranky Chicken’s frown upside down. But will Speedy and Cranky become BFFs…

The first in a new series, Cranky Chicken is a delightful addition to the selection of graphic novels for newly independent readers. Like many graphic novels for this age, this one presents two mismatched animal characters who form an unlikely friendship and embraces the message of accepting others as they are.

The brilliant Speedy could worm its way into the life of anyone and even Cranky Chicken is not immune to this charming little dude. With neither an expert when it comes to making friends, the two learn to be cranky together, share secrets, overcome fears, support one another and provide plenty of laughs along the way as they become Best Feathered Friends.

We all need a friend that brings out the best of us and Cranky and Speedy compliment each other perfectly. Their adventures in three short, charming and funny stories will bring smiles to faces as friendship blossoms as Speedy helps Cranky look on the brighter and lighter side of life.

With its short and simple text and brilliant expression-filled illustrations, this is going to be a hit with plenty of children. Yes, it is targeted at the younger end of primary school but there is enough sarcasm and humour packed in to satisfy older children or even adults who fancy a quick, light-hearted read. Adding to the fun and interspersed between the three parts are some laugh-out-loud extras that include things that do and do not make Chicken cranky and some other ‘Chicken and Worm stuff’. Fans of Narwhal and Jelly, Beak & Ally and Shark and Bot will love spending time with these two new BFFs. 

Cranky and Speedy will be back in further titles scheduled to be released in 2022 and 2023. Until then, stay cranky!

With thanks to Hachette and Lothian Children’s Books for this fun read.

Recommended for 5+.