The chickens on the farm have a message for their farm owners! They’re tired of arugula salad, how about putting a fan in their hot coop, and HEY—watch out for that snake in your tent.

As the children walk around their beloved farm, they discover more and more chicken talk scratched into the dirt. The family can hardly believe it. What will the chickens possibly say next!?

With beautiful watercolor illustrations from New York Times bestseller Jarrett J. Krosoczka and heartwarming text by Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan, Chicken Talk is the perfect book to chuckle over, whether you live in the city or the country.

Gather your family around for a delightful tale of surprise, chaos, and barnyard fun in Chicken Talk!

Patricia MacLachlan (1938-2022) was the celebrated author of many timeless books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal. She was also the author of many beloved picture books, a number of which she cowrote with her daughter, Emily.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka is the author and/or illustrator of over thirty books for young readers. He can be heard weekly on SiriusXM's Kids Place Live and his TED Talks have accumulated nearly two million views online. His graphic novel memoir for teens, Hey, Kiddo, is a National Book Award nominee. Learn more at StudioJJK.com or follow @StudioJJK.

“Artwork by Krosoczka (Hey, Kiddo) uses softly sketched lines and gentle farmyard hues to provide a sense of the farm’s peace and the chickens’ cleverness. MacLachlan (My Father’s Words) offers droll dialogue, a bucolic setting, and a spirited defense of animals as distinct beings with unacknowledged powers of observation.” — Publishers Weekly

“Krosoczka’s expressive illustrations bring humor and tenderness to each character, human and chicken. MacLachlan’s latest models an attentive, loving, and respectful relationship between humans and their animal companions that even those without articulate pets will appreciate. A sweet, silly, and slightly surreal celebration of individuality and connection.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Children will love suggesting names for the Joyces, as they speculate what the chickens will write next. The cartoonlike illustrations in india ink and brushes and created digitally fill the spreads with color and character, as each chicken and human strut across the pages.” — Booklist

“In this slight but charming tale, a farm family’s chickens discover the power of the written word. But throughout all the excitement...it’s a feeling of family affection that shines through. MacLachlan’s text is sweet and gently humorous; Krosoczka’s expressive watercolors accentuate the personalities of the chickens.” — The Horn Book