There’s a Chicken in the House (Sonya Hartnett, illus Lucia Masciullo, Puffin)

There’s a Chicken in the House by Sonya Hartnett (Blue Flower) and illustrator Lucia Masciullo (The Flower Garden) is a whimsical picture book about a young child whose day is disrupted when a chicken wanders into the house and refuses to leave. While the rest of their family remains largely indifferent to the chaos the chicken causes, the child develops an affection for this unusual new companion.

The developing friendship between the child and the chicken is one of the book’s strengths, reflecting the special bond that can exist between children and animals. Masciullo’s expressive illustrations enhance the humour and chaos of the chicken’s presence, bringing warmth and energy to the story through her beautiful watercolour style.

The book prioritises fun over instruction, offering an entertaining read that gently hints at the value of embracing unexpected experiences, which can often become the most meaningful. The child’s growing affection for the disruptive chicken reinforces this idea, showing how an initially unwelcome interruption can develop into a rewarding friendship.

Ultimately, There’s a Chicken in the House is a beautiful story that shows children aged 2 to 7 the fun you can have when you embrace new experiences.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Michaela Gallagher is a bookseller at QBD and a student at Griffith University, working towards her bachelor’s in law and arts. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews