Product Description

Rody is in charge of the chicken coop on the kibbutz where he lives in Israel's Jezreel Valley. He loves his job so much and makes the work seem so delightful that everyone wants a chance to tend the brood. When they do, Rody is transferred elsewhere. But as Rody moves from job to job, the kibbutz learns it's not what you do but how you do it that makes a difference.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1101656 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In her first children's book, Edwards draws on her experience living on a kibbutz to create this portrait of a kind, goodnatured man. Known as Chicken Man, kibbutznik Rody is in charge of the chicken coops. His presence makes all the hens and roosters so happy that they are more productive than ever before, and eggs are always plentiful. Chicken Man is quite distressed when the new work list is posted and he is assigned to a different job. But whatever task Rody performs--ironing clothes, tending to the gardens or caring for a houseful of wild children--he does it cheerfully and competently. The chickens in the coop are less adaptable: they miss Chicken Man so much that they stop laying eggs. But all ends happily when the bighearted fellow returns--for good--to his brood. Along with her lighthearted story, Edwards offers an informative look at kibbutz life. Her stylized paintings are dotted with diverting details. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4-- Flat cartoon drawings are exactly right to add dimension and humor to this tale based on the author's experiences on an Israeli kibbutz. The summer Rody works in the chicken coop at Kibbutz Hanan, the hens lay more eggs than ever; he is so happy with his job that the other kibbutzniks call him Chicken Man and believe his to be the best job around. But while Rody is cheerful regardless of his assignments in the customary job rotation, the chickens miss him so much they stop laying eggs. All is well after he convinces the work committee to assign him permanently to the coop. Edwards presents a glimpse of life unknown to many American children; an author's note gives additional facts about life on a kibbutz. --Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NB
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Michelle Edwards has written and illustrated over thirteen books for young readers including Stinky Stern Forever, winner of the 2006 Gryphon, Patterson, and Blue Crab Special Recognition Awards. She lives in Iowa City, Iowa.

Customer Reviews

A Charming Tale - with a Moral
"Chicken Man" weaves a delightful tale about members of an Israeli kibbutz, all of whom wish they could switch jobs with "Chicken Man." Why? Because, no matter what his job assignment, he is always happy.

Everyone - including the reader - learns that Chicken Man's jobs are far from ideal. His attitude, however, always is. And that makes all the difference. My lectures and workshops for kids and adults convey this message, one that we are never too young to learn.

Hats off to Michelle Edwards!

A positive message enthusiastically recommended to young readers of all backgrounds.
First published in 1991, and now in a new edition with an updated 2007 afterword from the author, Chicken Man is a classic National Jewish Book Awards Winner picturebook about a man who lives and works on a kibbutz (a special type of farm in Israel). Chicken man loves the chickens of his chicken coop more than anything, and he's so happy taking care of them everyone becomes convinced he has the best job on the kibbutz. When a new work list is posted, he must change jobs and work at the laundry instead - leaving his chickens wasn't easy, but he resolved to do his best and sing while he worked; this leads everyone to think that laundry is the best job on the kibbutz, and his duty is changed to gardening. But when the chickens stop producing eggs because they were deprived of their favorite keeper, the kibbutz learns that it's the person who does the job that makes the biggest difference, and Chicken Man is reunited with his beloved chickens. The new afterword briefly reflects on how kibbutzes have changed in the modern era (children's houses or work lists are generally not found within them anymore). But the central theme of Chicken Man, the value of making the best of every situation, is a positive message enthusiastically recommended to young readers of all backgrounds.

One of My Son's Favorite
We received our first copy through the PJ Library program. It quickly became one of my son's (and mine) favorite books. While I think it is a great introduction to life in the Kibbutzim, my son thinks the chickens are hilarious. Since then, I had purchased several copies for his pre-school.