Chicken Man by Michelle Edwards

From the Publisher

Rody is in charge of the chicken coop on the kibbutz where he lives in Israel's Jezreel Valley. He loves his job so much and makes the work seem so delightful that everyone wants a chance to tend the brood. When they do, Rody is transferred elsewhere. But as Rody moves from job to job, the kibbutz learns it's not what you do, but how you do it that makes a difference. Chicken Man is the winner of the 1992 National Jewish Book Award, with delightful illustrations by author Michelle Edwards. The book offers a glimpse into the real life of Israel's kibbutzniks, and this reissued edition includes an updated afterward by the author, discussing modern changes in kibbutz life.

Publishers Weekly

Edwards's first picture book combines a lighthearted tale about a kibbutznik with what PW called ``stylized paintings . . . dotted with diverting detail.'' Ages 5-8. (Mar.)

School Library Journal

K-Gr 4-- Flat cartoon drawings are exactly right to add dimension and humor to this tale based on the author's experiences on an Israeli kibbutz. The summer Rody works in the chicken coop at Kibbutz Hanan, the hens lay more eggs than ever; he is so happy with his job that the other kibbutzniks call him Chicken Man and believe his to be the best job around. But while Rody is cheerful regardless of his assignments in the customary job rotation, the chickens miss him so much they stop laying eggs. All is well after he convinces the work committee to assign him permanently to the coop. Edwards presents a glimpse of life unknown to many American children; an author's note gives additional facts about life on a kibbutz. --Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NB

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