Let's Get Cracking!

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

Book #1 in the Kung Pow Chicken series.

Gordon and his younger brother Benny have super powers, the result of an accident while visiting Uncle Quack, a scientist, at work. When glowing cookies cause the feathers to blast off of all the other chickens, they set to work to uncover the culprit, bring her to justice, and with Uncle Quack's help, find a way to help the chickens re-grow their feathers.

Full color art alternates between one- and two-page spreads and some comic panels. Speech bubbles add to the comic book flavor. All characters are chickens, except Benny who is an egg. Gordon wears a superhero costume, complete with leotard, which provides humorous interludes as he struggles in and out of it and deals with leotard wedgies. Comments from Benny add humor and show that he is really the brains behind the operation. Puns galore are in the artwork and text. Readers new to chapter books will appreciate the clear font and minimal text on each page. A fun addition to the early chapter book collection.

Overall Book Score: very good