Chicken feathers by Joy Cowley, illustrated by David Elliot

A finalist in the New Zealand Post Book Awards
Junior Fiction category.

Semolina the chicken is Josh’s pet, and she talks to him – not that Josh’s mother and father, or anyone else, believe him. But Semolina’s power of speech is ultimately a good thing for the chicken farm where they live. The family are going through a rough patch with Josh’s mum in hospital and Grandma (who is not the easiest person to like) coming to look after Josh and his Dad.

This is a sweet and funny story. It has a very old fashioned innocent feel to it and would make a great read aloud to middle primary children.

Reviewed by Beth

Published by Puffin Books

Here’s Joy Cowley’s letter discussing Chicken Feathers and also mentioning Snake and Lizard.