Chickens on the Loose - by Jane Kurtz

About the Book

Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text follow a flock of chickens that gets loose and runs rampant through a city, causing mischief and mayhem. Includes information about keeping chickens in an urban environment.

Book Synopsis

A happy-go-plucky rhyme adventure of chickens frolicking in an urban environment as they run rampant all around town!

"Urban backyard chickens go on a madcap tour of the city in this rhyming romp. . . the narrative bounces off the tongue. The marker-bright illustrations are frenetic and filled with humorous details."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Hysterical rhyming book about chickens escaping from their yard. Funny shenanigans ensue with each towns-person and animal they encounter. This will appeal to lots of kids around here whose families own chickens!"
--Buttonwood Books & Toys, bookseller recommendation

"Reading this out loud was so much fun! The rhyming and rhythm added a musical element to reading the book. And within the rhymes there are great vocabulary moments, too! . . . The backmatter of the book gives information about keeping urban chickens and some fun chicken facts. It is a great way to connect the story to science."
--Unleashing Readers

Chickens on the loose.
Chickens on the lam.
Zipping from the yard,
As quickly as they can.

Chickens don't just live on farms--they're in the city too! In the store, on the street, they bring mayhem and excitement to all the surprised people. See where these mischievous chickens go in this brightly illustrated picture book told in verse. Also included at the back are fun facts and tips for the urban chicken farmer.

Review Quotes

"The human pursuers are a multicultural and diversely abled bunch, and the chickens themselves have lots of personality. The art perfectly conveys the humor and energy of the chase. . . Perfect for chicken-themed story time and for any family who wants a funny read about keeping chickens in the city."
--Youth Services Book Review

"Using repetition to structure the book in a predictable way, illustrations full of chicken antics, and nonstop action, this picture book is fun to read aloud both to a group and to a kid on your lap."
--My Storytime Corner

"If you're looking for a fun storytime read-aloud and your town enjoys chickens, urban or rural, this is a silly and enjoyable choice."
--Jean Little Library

"Author Jane Kurtz wows us again with another read-out-loud tale perfect for youngsters. Her infectious rhymes and zippy rhythm propel the story with wit as quick as those runaway chickens. . . Chickens on the Loose is a perfect edition to home collections, classrooms, and libraries. One that is sure to make readers laugh out loud, and maybe even inspire a round of the Chicken Dance!"
--Celebrate Picture Books

"Just the right amount of silliness to bring out the giggles."
--Sincerely Stacie

"Absolute fun, and I can't wait to read this at my next storytime, most likely while wearing a chicken mask."
--Mom Read It

"It's chickens gone wild, y'all! Jump in and join the fun!"
--Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor Winner

"In jaunty pitch-perfect rhyme and splendiferous, chaotic color, Jane Kurtz and John Joseph combine forces to tell the story of recalcitrant urban chickens who burst forth from forced chicken coopery to explore a lively, diverse neighborhood rich with thrift shops, yoga studios, food carts, pet shops, and street art--all free for the pecking. At the end of an energetic day, the chickens-on-the-loose return to their henhouse, bedraggled but with plans for a rerun! Prepare for a rambunctious reading experience."
--Toni Buzzeo, author of the 2013 Caldecott Honor Book, One Cool Friend

"Chickens on the Loose is a rollicking, rhyming, race through town that will have young readers giggling, and wishing for feathered friends of their own!"
--Liz Garton Scanlon, bestselling children's book author

"Frolicking to the lively text, this flock of escapees nearly flap right off the page! Hilarious!"
--Tara Nickerson, writer, (VCFA), contributor Chicken Soup for The Kid's Soul

"Before reading comes rhyme as it attunes the child to sing-songy nature of language itself. There is no shortage of rhyme nor feathery fun in this book. Cooped up (or, now, uncooped) chickens have a playful day on the loose and the colorful illustrations make this an engaging read aloud for young children."
--Joan Kindig, Ed. D., Children's Literature & Reading Specialist

"Tricky chickens, hungry chickens, arty chickens--yoga chickens? Yes, indeed. Kurtz and Joseph deliver hilarious fowl play in the city with smart rhymes, zippy rhythms, lovely visual details, and the sigh--and surprise--of a satisfying ending."
--Uma Krishnaswami, author of Bright Sky, Starry City and Out of the Way! Out of the Way!

"A thoroughly delightful laugh-out-loud romp! This story with its super-curious, extra-playful chickens (along with delicious, energetic rhyme) begs to be read aloud--over and over again."
--Jennifer Jacobson, award-winning author

"A joyful journey of mischief and word-play, Jane Kurtz brings a piece of the farm to the city in a tale of whimsical mishaps, grand adventure and enduring delight."
--Deborah Marcero, bestselling author/artist, In a J