CHASING NEW YOLK

A chicken dreams of singing on stage in New Yolk City in Talplacido’s picture book.

When Ashley was just a chick, a “mysterious and kind BROWN GIANT” would sing to her flock each morning. Now that she’s grown, her main job is to lay eggs, but she still dreams of singing stardom: “In her dream, Ashley is on the stage….she’s surrounded by bright lights and adored by a mesmerized flock.” However, the leader of Chickaville, Carlos the Rooster, tells her to stop dreaming; the “MEAN CHICKS trio,” including Penelope, bully her when she practices. One day, Lawrence, a “sophisticated gray-feathered silkie,” arrives and announces that he’s searching for a star to take to New Yolk City. Penelope sabotages Ashley’s audition, but a storm delays Penelope and Lawrence’s departure, and when a hawk attacks Penelope in the hubbub, Ashley steps in. Makasiar’s full-color illustrations have a feel that recalls the style of comic books, combining pen and pencil lines, angular character features, and textured backgrounds. The deadpan prose and dialogue in speech bubbles further add to the comic book sensibility. Overall, the sprightly images give the whole story a frenetic energy that suits its highly eventful story, which has a little of everything: a dream, a hero, a bossy boss, a stranger sweeping into town, and a chance at stardom.

An offbeat animal tale with timeless themes.