Our Princesses came to visit recently, from far, far away. It’s always fun when they are here because they LOVE, LOVE, LOVE books! They go through our bookshelves like wildfire! They also love our chickens. Odd, I know. But it is what it is. They don’t have real, live chickens where they live. At least I’ve never heard tale of such a thing. So, when they are here at the 7 Acre Wood, they want to feed the chickens and play with the chickens and read all the chicken books.
They also like jokes. They are always knock, knock, knocking. I came up with the perfect book for my chicken loving comediennes —
Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?
This is a collection of 14 picture book artists’ answers to that age-old question.
Contributors include:
Jon Agee
Tedd Arnold
Harry Bliss
David Catrow
Marla Frazee
Mary GrandPre
Lynn Munsinger
Jerry Pinkney
Vladimir Radunsky
Chris Raschka
Judy Schachner
David Shannon
Chris Sheban
Mo Willems
This book was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in 2006
Each two page spread is given over to each artist to answer the big question in their own unique way. This page above is from Tedd Arnold, of Fly Guy fame, who says — “To show the possum that it could be done.”
This page belongs to Marla Frazee, of Boot & Shoe fame, and shows one side of the road experiencing a terrible storm while the other side is Paradise. Her answer – “duh.”
Most of these were hilariously funny. Some were cute. Some had to be explained to me and the Princesses. Like the chicken who was not just free range, but de-ranged. Or the Sphinx who says “You tell me.” All the “answers” are thought provoking and make use of some outstanding artwork. Some talented individuals came together for this book.
At the end of the book is a spread titled – “Why did the artist cross the road?” Here we have little bits about each of the artists and a listing of some of the books they have illustrated.
The Princesses read this book over and over. They found something new every time. Their laughter made for a fun time for me!
Clicking on the names of the artists above will take you to their websites or some other link with more info about them. Please check them ALL out!
Now for a little science behind the famous joke —
Now go enjoy your weekend – Have a picnic, eat some chicken, read a good book, tell a few jokes and be careful crossing the road!
Your wondering friend
Rhythm
Reading With Rhythm 
I never knew joking around was such a serious science!
Really!!
Great video! Great book! WOO!!!
And why do YOU think the chicken crossed the road?
I bet your princesses LOVE visiting with you!!! My 3 year old grandson just told me his first joke. Guess what it was??? 😉
Knock, knock! who’s there? Orange …….. Or some variation thereof!
No…it’s “Why did the chicken cross the road???” Thought for sure you would get that one. 🙂 🙂
hahaha! For my Princesses it’s all about the knocking! 😀
What a fun book for some fun princesses. Jokes and chickens – what’s more fun that that? Yeah – that would be jokes and dogs! Hello? Is this thing on?
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Looks like a book that my kindergarten chicken loving kids would enjoy.
WHat a great idea for a book! And that Sphinx…pfft…he thinks he’s so philosophical…
And what would the Gargoyle say?
To perch on the bookshelf 😉
So lovely that your princesses visited you! Looks like they had a grand time. Love your book choice as it sounds very entertaining! Love the pictures.
Thanks Ms Tilton! The book did create some excitement! Those Princesses are very entertaining! 😀
That chicken must be ExHaUsTeD from all of that crossing! Thank you for a fun post and the darling pictures of your precious princesses!
I’m coming to Dallas this month … check your “other” box on FB for a message from me.
Barbara
The old ones are the best, unless they are eggs, I draw the line at that!