At the time of writing this blog, it’s exactly one week before Halloween. Spooky season. The best time of year for things that go bump in the night. And if you like horror novels, there is no better time of year to read stories that heebie your jeebies.
So, naturally, I decided to read a picture book about an vociferously enthusiastic chicken who just wants to reassure their friends that they’re doing a great job.
Picture books have a universal quality about them that make them accessible to anyone, at any age. Most may be designed and illustrated with children in mind, but the stories they portray and the messages they share can read and appreciated by anyone who reads them. And while some picture books are quite sophisticated in how they deliver their themes, this book, as you can probably tell, is not subtle at all. And that’s a good thing. There’s no need to bury it’s message of encouragement to us readers beneath metaphors and symbolism. As the back cover reads, surely what you need in our lives is an overenthusiastic random chicken cheering you on. Hard to argue with the author on that point.
Sandra Boynton’s WOO HOO! You’re Doing Great asks you to reflect on your feelings. Have you ever felt over-extended? Kinda down? Slow on the uptake? Like everything is just too much at the moment? We all have. Perhaps you’re kinda feeling something like that right now. Well, the chicken in this book will not let you wallow in those feelings. You’re doing great at whatever you’re doing right now. It’s a silly premise, being told you’re awesome by a chicken, but there is a twist near the end of the book that made me want to write a blog about this book. The chicken makes a mistake, and even the most supremely confident chickens have moments of doubt. It’s what you do when you make a mistake that matters. So, don’t fret about that too much, you’re doing great.
If you’re looking for a book that work as an emotional pick-me-up story for you or someone you know, give this book a shot. Great for all ages.
You can place a hold on WOO HOO! You’re Doing Great at Heights Libraries.