About the Author

Michelle Edwards has written and illustrated over thirteen books for young readers including Stinky Stern Forever, winner of the 2006 Gryphon and Patterson Awards, and Chicken Man, winner of the National Jewish Book Award. Michelle was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and grew up in Troy, New York. She studied at the Bezalel Art Academy in Jerusalem and later earned her MA and MFA in printmaking from the University of Iowa. She now lives in Iowa City with her husband and their three children.

Reviews

K-Gr 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

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. (Mar.)