Not only is Iceland known for its volcanos, geysers and glaciers, it is also known for its love affair with books.
It claims the highest number of book written, published and sold per capita in the world. Statistically one in ten Icelanders will be published during their lifetime.
I wanted to buy an Icelandic book while I am in the country of fire and ice.
I did - sort of.
It claims the highest number of book written, published and sold per capita in the world. Statistically one in ten Icelanders will be published during their lifetime.
I wanted to buy an Icelandic book while I am in the country of fire and ice.
I did - sort of.
The Problem with Chickens
author: Bruce McMillan
illustrator: Gunnella
publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (2005)
non-fiction
fun read for children 4-7
The sort of - it is sort of Icelandic.
The story takes place in Iceland, Gunnella, the illustrator, is an Icelandic artist, but Bruce McMillan is an American author. But he has written 9 books that take place in Iceland, and often spends the summer there.
beginning lines
In a small village on the far end of Iceland, there were plenty of eggs, even if there were no chickens.
summary
The ladies in a small Icelandic village have a problem - the birds lay eggs in nooks on the side of steep cliffs, and they cannot reach them. They solve this problem by getting some chickens. But soon the chickens decide that they want to be like the ladies and not like chickens. Eventually they stop laying eggs. The Icelandic ladies solve this egg conundrum in a fun and light-hearted way.
why I love it
I like Bruce McMillan's text; is is clean, light hearted and fun, if requiring significant suspension of disbelief. But I love Gunnella's illustrations.
It seems as if I am not the only one.
Author, Bruce McMillan saw a series of Gunnella's paintings, and made up the story around them.
The Problem with Chickens won a New York Time Best Illustrated Book Award.
The folk-art style oil paintings complement the story perfectly. Horn Book Magazine states that the paintings have "verve, vibrancy and humour". They made me laugh. The old Icelandic women are delightful, and the chickens - well, they are just plain old funny.
resources
Learn a wee bit about Iceland: Iceland facts for kids.
This handprint chicken from Crafty-Crafted does not seem to have any problems. And it's pretty cute.
Check out some other excellent (deliberately not "eggs-cellent") chicken books .
Learn a wee bit about Iceland: Iceland facts for kids.
This handprint chicken from Crafty-Crafted does not seem to have any problems. And it's pretty cute.
Check out some other excellent (deliberately not "eggs-cellent") chicken books .
Brush up on your Icelandic.
Why does your blog look so beautiful? Did our mutual friend make some fabulous detail changes? I noticed.
ReplyDeleteYour trip sounds so dreamy. If I didn't like you so much I'd be seething with jealousy. As it is, I shall soak up your fantastic ideas now that I can use them in my own classroom. So thank you. I do LOVE chickens.
Kimberley
The ever so talented Barb did some end of summer tweaking on my blog. Thanks for noticing.
DeleteSandi
Hey, this post is awesome- I want to do this next week! I am in need of some new ideas! :)
ReplyDeletexo
Learning With Mrs. Leeby
Have some chicken fun!
DeleteSandi
Yay our regional library has this book - will check it out.
ReplyDeleteThanks
I think you will love the art work, Maureen.
DeleteSandi
The illustrations are lovely. What a unique book!
ReplyDeleteIt was the illustrations that got me.
DeleteSandi
I must get this book. I have a chicken loving second grader that tells us funny stories about his chickens every morning! He'll love it!
ReplyDeleteJenny
See if he can beat dancing and tea drinking chickens!
DeleteSandi
Interesting info about Iceland! What a gorgeous folk-style illustrations! Sounds like a fun read for kids.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous art and fun to read. It's a winning combination.
DeleteSandi
The illustrations are gorgeous Sandi, have to get a copy or 2 next month.
ReplyDeleteAnd books about trolls ...
DeleteSandi
I'd almost forgotten about this delightful book, great pick!
ReplyDeleteI think it's worth a second look.
DeleteSandi
looks like a book I need to read - chickens? problems? definitely!
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun one - see if your library has it.
DeleteSandi
I love, love, love this book! I did a post about it not too long ago. I really want to get their other books to go with it! You have some fun craft ideas, as always! I wonder if I could make a pawprint chicken?! Thanks for sharing. I hope you had a fabulous trip.
ReplyDeleteoh - what a unique style of book - I love the Icelandic facts and links!
ReplyDeleteLove the Iceland info! I had no idea it was so book-loving! I so hope to visit there someday! The illustrations in this book are amazing. Thanks so much for sharing this on Booknificent Thursday!
ReplyDeleteTina
This looks very fun, Sandi!, although not very non-fiction! Love your activities and the chance to learn a little Icelandic :) So glad to have you back at PPBF :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful book and activities! This is a country I know very little about, so I'm glad to learn. Thanks for sharing at the Creative Kids Culture Blog Hop!
ReplyDelete