TILLIE LAYS AN EGG

Golson’s picture-book debut is a merry introduction to a rural slice of life—the social lives of the chickens on Little Pond Farm. The seven inhabitants of the henhouse take turns laying their daily eggs in the three nesting boxes. All except for Tillie, however, who cannot wait around for a turn when there are so many interesting things to see and juicy worms to eat. Her eggs wind up in the unlikeliest of places, giving readers a chance to tour the farm and search for them. All the while, children are treated to a running commentary of the chickens’ thoughts. Fink’s cleverly designed photographs have an old-time nostalgic feel to them, thanks to the author’s flea-market finds. Tongue-in-cheek chicken-and-egg props fill the backgrounds and are sure to amuse observant older readers. But topping it all is the chance to view the real deal via HenCam in Golson’s chicken run. A great way to show children where eggs come from and that animals also have a “human” side. (Picture book. 4-8)