Chicken Talk has such an interesting premise, it has very little middle ground for the “do I like it or not” category. It is one of those books you will love or hate. Therefore, if you like funny stories, or stories
about families or about farms and especially about chickens you will probably like this. And if you are a fan of Patricia MacLauchlan as an author you will love this as it is her signature style all over the pages. Now, do you like Jarrett J. Krosoczka as an illustrator? If yes, you will love this as it has his signature style all over the pages as well.
It has odd humor but also is oddly serious. In many ways, it is a slightly more sophisticated version of Click Clack Moo. There are farm critters that are not happy, a not-so-traditional way of getting the farmers attention and some antics ensue. The chickens have the center stage of the story. They each have their own unique personalities and do not mind letting you know. Yes, there is some chicken scratch with some strong opinions and demands behind it.
The main part of the sophistication comes from the fact the illustrations are not that quirky humorous illustrations of Click Clack Moo. This time the animals, while obviously not photographic quality, are much more realistic. There is more one theme going through the story and the farmer is a bit more in touch with what is going on. It is also more detailed with the illustrations themselves and the multitude of characters invoiced.