"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.