A Little Chicken by Tammi Sauer is a delightful children’s book that teaches kids how to overcome their fears through the story of a timid little chicken named Dot With colorful illustrations and an uplifting message, it’s become a favorite read for parents and children alike.
Overview of A Little Chicken
A Little Chicken tells the tale of Dot, a chicken who is easily frightened by things like wolves, bears, and garden gnomes She wants to be brave, but often finds herself paralyzed by fear. Her situation changes when one of her mother’s eggs rolls out of the nest. To save her unborn sibling, Dot musters up courage to chase the egg through challenging obstacles like a steep hill, a deep pond, and the dark woods.
After overcoming scary encounters with real dangers, Dot safely returns with the egg just as her new sister hatches. The book concludes by stating that “sometimes a big hero is just a little chicken.”
Written by acclaimed children’s author Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Dan Taylor, A Little Chicken was published in 2019 by Union Square Kids. It’s a 32-page hardcover picture book aimed at kids ages 3 to 7.
Key Themes and Takeaways
A Little Chicken beautifully delivers the message that anyone can be brave by tapping into their inner strength. Specifically, it highlights:
-
Conquering Irrational Fears: Dot is afraid of harmless things like garden gnomes. Through her journey, she learns to overcome unrealistic anxieties.
-
Courage Finds a Way: When Dot’s love for her sibling overtakes her fear, she discovers unknown reserves of courage. The book shows that bravery can emerge in unexpected ways.
-
Strength in Small Packages: Despite her tiny size, Dot summons huge courage to save the egg. The story reminds us not to overlook the inner strength in someone just because they’re little.
-
Positive Self-Talk: Dot repeats positive mantras like “I can do this!” as she overcomes each scary obstacle. The book models using uplifting self-talk to build bravery.
So while hilarious at times, A Little Chicken imparts important lessons. No matter how afraid Dot feels, she presses forward by focusing on the goal of saving her sibling. Through perseverance and positivity, she eventually succeeds.
Why Kids & Parents Love It
A Little Chicken has won over kids and parents alike thanks to its warm illustrations, humor, and inspirational storyline. Specific reasons for its popularity include:
-
Relatable Hero: Children see themselves in the initially frightened but ultimately brave Dot. Her emotional journey from fear to courage is one kids can relate to.
-
Humor: Dot’s over-the-top fear of lawn ornaments adds funny elements that keep the story entertaining.
-
Rhyming Text: The clever rhyming patterns make A Little Chicken fun to read aloud. The rhythmic language sticks in kids’ minds.
-
Positive Message: Parents appreciate the book’s central theme about summoning inner strength to overcome fear. It’s a lesson kids won’t soon forget.
-
Beautiful Art: Dan Taylor’s bright and lively illustrations capture the cozy farm world and enrich the story. Kids love poring over the pictures.
How to Use A Little Chicken to Help Kids Overcome Fear
Beyond being a delight to read, A Little Chicken can be a useful tool to help children deal with anxiety. Here are some tips:
-
Read the story when your child is fearful. Dot’s journey will reassure them that courage is possible.
-
Highlight positive moments like when Dot says affirmations to herself. Discuss how self-talk can make us feel braver.
-
Compare irrational fears like Dot’s fear of garden gnomes to those your child may have. Help them realize when a fear is unrealistic.
-
Talk about times your child has shown courage like Dot. Remind them of their inner resilience.
-
Practice role playing the story. Take turns playing Dot facing scary situations. Discuss how she could think and act brave.
-
Make a “bravery toolkit” with your child including items like a superhero cape, magic wand, etc. to inspire courage.
-
Have your child make a list of “Super Brave Me” statements like Dot uses. Write them on post-its to post around their room for encouragement.
Why A Little Chicken Is a Must-Read for Kids
In an age where anxiety disorders increasingly affect younger children, books like A Little Chicken provide a fun and comforting way to address fear. Not only is it an endearing story packed with giggles, but its uplifting message builds courage. Kids learn that bravery can come in all shapes and sizes – even in a little chicken! So get ready to cluck with laughter and cheer as Dot finds the hero within herself. A Little Chicken is the perfect book for helping children believe in their ability to overcome whatever makes them afraid.
Lyrics for ‘I Had a Little Chicken’
Well, I had a little chicken, That wouldnt lay an egg, So I poured some hot chocolate, Up and down her little leg. And she wiggled and she jiggled, And she stood upon her head, Funny little chickie Laid an Easter egg!
Well, I had a little chicken, That wouldnt lay an egg, So I rubbed a little butter, Up and down her little leg. And she wiggled and she jiggled, And she stood upon her head, Funny little chickie Laid a nice fried egg!
Well, I had a little chicken, That wouldnt lay an egg, So I poured a little vinegar, Up and down her little leg. And she wiggled and she jiggled, And she stood upon her head, Funny little chickie Laid a pickled egg!
A Little Chicken Book Read Aloud For KIDS!
FAQ
What is a little chicken called?
Chicks are baby chickens! Baby chickens are called chicks, 3 month old females are called pullets (until they start laying eggs around 6 months), adult females who lay eggs are hens, and males are roosters, cocks, or cockerels.
What was the story behind Chicken Little?
“Henny Penny”, more commonly known in the United States as “Chicken Little” and sometimes as “Chicken Licken”, is a European folk tale with a moral in the form of a cumulative tale about a chicken who believes that the world is coming to an end.
What is the moral of the story of the chicken little?
Different versions of the story have different endings – in some all of the animals get eaten, in others the animals just escape that fate. No matter the ending, the moral of the story is the same, “Always check your sources!” Chicken Little: The Sky Is Falling! Chickens dream while they sleep!
What does the phrase “chicken little” mean?
Chicken Little in American English
Informal. a person who spreads baseless or exaggerated reports of danger; alarmist. Word origin. after the chicken in a children’s story who, after being struck by a falling object, warns that the sky is falling.
What does a little chicken mean?
A little chicken is a little chicken about a lot of things. But when she makes a mistake, she finds the bravery to go on an adventure to save a lost egg. She might still be scared, but “Sometimes a big hero is just a little chicken.” A little chicken is a little chicken about a lot of things.
Who is Chicken Little?
Grow, Play, Explore! Welcome to Chicken Little! We’re a cute little shop filled with an amazing selection of modern baby + kids goods located in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. VISIT US IN-STORE! We Love Our Customers! Great service and quality of products! Great brands and available sizes always in stock!
Is dot a little chicken?
This is the story of a little chicken (super sweet one), fear, and what happens when circumstances demand a hero no matter how much those bird legs might quiver. Dot was a little chicken. And Dot wasn’t very brave. Not at all.
What is a little chicken afraid of?
A Little Chicken by Tammi Sauer with illustrations by Dan Taylor is a light-hearted story for young readers. Chicken is afraid of a great many things: bears, butterflies, wolves, spiders, even garden gnomes.