Just So Stories

Allen & Unwin

October 2023

ISBN: 9781760878276

Publisher: A&U Children’s

Imprint: A & U Children

RRP: $24.99

Mr Chicken never gets tired. That is to say, the kiddos never get tired of Mr Chicken. I have been waiting for this one quite eagerly and only just yesterday, had read Mr Chicken All Over Australia on a library gig day. I tantalised the Smalls by telling them that Mr Chicken’s new adventure was imminent, and invited them to guess where he might be going next. “America!” “Africa” “Spain!” were some of the suggestions but NOBODY was expecting ‘outer space’. The gasps of awe and the numerous ‘Cool’ responses were quite gratifying really.

So here is Mr Chicken, world traveller now interplanetary explorer, going where no chicken has ever gone before. Unafraid, and not particularly technically minded I would think, but with an excellent rocket ship builder, who fortunately lives just down the road it seems, who has not only everything necessary built into the space vehicle, but remembers to include a very handy guidebook.

Unfazed by the many switches and dials, Mr C is off through the atmosphere cruising through the universe and enjoying the view – and a nap. After passing a friendly Martian who is on its way to Earth, he pops into a space station to pass the time of day/night/whatever and share some lunch and anti-gravity frolics with other space explorers. Then it’s on to the red planet where he is thrilled to meet and greet many Martians who instantly become friends – after all, who wouldn’t leap at the chance to be the friend of such a stunning example of poultry splendour?

Leigh’s work is never a ‘hard sell’. Just today with another group of children and a little spare time, I picked up Old Tom’s Holiday and the kids were hooting with laughter and loving pointing out Tom on each page. All in all, you just know they’re going to love this and I, for one, am already looking forward to getting some fabulous drawing done with Mr Chicken and goofy Martians. Be prepared for more pics, Leigh!! We can talk about the fact that Mr Chicken is happy to be himself, and doesn’t worry about the perceptions of others, but we know for sure that the kids just love this for the rollicking good fun of it all.

And you know what is even more exciting folks?? Leigh is working on a short animated film of Mr Chicken Goes to Mars, as we speak! The kiddos are going to LOSE THEIR MINDS!! Do I actually need to say I highly recommend it to you??