The Chicken Without a Coop

Kathleen Cameron

1 A True Story
REVIEW FROM ForeWord Magazine, May/June 2003:

Children love hearing true stories. They are often more surprising than fiction. In this embellished true story, a homeless chicken and a black cat meet, become friends, and find the chicken a coop.
Columbus the cat brings Henrietta the chicken home to his family-a mother and her daughter, Katy. Although Katy's mom allows the chicken to stay, they have no coop, forcing the distraught chicken to roost in the trees. "If I survive the night," Henrietta wails to the cat, "where will I lay my egg in the morning?" Columbus tells her not to worry: "In the morning, I'll show you my secret passageway, which will lead you into a new world."
Columbus shows the chicken how to use the cat door and invites her onto Katy's bed, where she lays her egg. Katy hides the eggs at first, fearing her mother's reaction, but the story twists again, concluding with Henrietta getting her very own quilted coop.
The author is an educator and animal enthusiast; this is her first children's book. The story follows the true experiences of her neighbors in Northern California who had a pet chicken that actually used the cat door and laid her eggs on the little girl's bed. Told in a casual way, the story is more believable and entertaining because it is based in reality.
The illustrator lives and works in the Scottish Highlands but captures the lush colors and landscapes of the rainy California area. Using details such as printing "Mendocino Children's Choir" on the back of Katy's pink jacket, he brings the story to life. His patchwork paintings offer a memorable picture of a family learning to include a chicken.
Animal lovers will enjoy the friendship between the cat and the hen. All readers will appreciate the creative problem-solving skills of the animals and the warm welcome Katy and her mom gave them. Sometimes true stories really are the most amazing.
Anna Stewart

2 A charming picture book about the plucky Henrietta the Hen
Based on a true story of a girl's pet hen who would sneak into the family home through the cat door and lay an egg on the child's colored quilt, The Chicken Without A Coop by Kathleen Cameron is a charming picture book about the plucky Henrietta the Hen who, when left behind by her human family, befriends Columbus the Cat and his young owner Katy. Simple and inviting color illustrations by John Wilson add a special touch to this heartwarming story of acceptance.

3 classroom must
I am a teacher so I am always looking for new books to add to my collection. This is my new favorite and my students too! I look for engaging stories that spur discussion, "Chicken Without a Coop" definetly foots the bill. Just the title got my students going. I think it is a classroom must for any teacher who likes books that can easily support critical thinking skills,it's great for prediction skills too.

4 The Chicken Without a Coop
We had fun with this book, my daughters are 6 and 11.
Firstly, I felt the bookcover created a cozy, old-fashioned
flavor and is good for reading aloud. We enjoy the story of Henrietta the chicken as well as the illustrations and have
had good conversations of how it might be if a chicken started using our own cat door and moved in with our family!

5 A wonderful book for children
This is a unique, engaging children's book that crafts a tale of discovery that is sure to capture the imagination of kids everywhere. Buy this book for a child close to you!

6 A chicken with heart
A gentle, and very human, tale of a chicken who loses its "family" and gains a special place in the hearts of a new family. A chicken, a cat, and a little girl make a new life together. This one doesn't "talk down" to children as so many kid's books do. Upbeat. Cute. Fun. Has the feel of a "classic".

7 A Gentle Tale For Children
In a era where our children are often bombarded with violence and scary stories at a very young age, The Chicken Without A Coop offers a gentle yet adventurous tale for kids 4 to 8 years of age. Columbus the cat helps his new friend, Henritta Hen, find a cozy home. A chicken using a cat-door? Humorous and touching...I recommend it!