School Library Journal calls K-Fai Steele’s LENA THE CHICKEN (BUT REALLY A DINOSAUR) “a unique and engaging blend of fictional storytelling and scientific education” in starred review
SLJ review for LENA THE CHICKEN (BUT REALLY A DINOSAUR) by K-Fai Steele:
Lena, a chicken who firmly believes she is a dinosaur, is distinguished by her bold character, which sets her apart from her easily scared chicken family. Her conviction leads her to guard the coop, attempting to deter egg collectors with “dinosaur” sounds. A human character, Madeline, appreciates Lena’s unique self-perception. The plot escalates when a weasel endangers the flock, prompting Lena to unleash a “dreadful GROWL” that swells to the sound of “A THOUSAND DINOSAURS,” a powerful move that drives the weasel away. This dramatic moment is enhanced by the narrative’s effective use of bolding and capitalization for emphasis, conveying Lena’s strong internal belief and the impact of her actions. Following this, the chickens accept Lena’s dinosaur identity, and she teaches them self-defense tactics. The book culminates with a scientific revelation, well-supported by excellent back matter: Madeline’s science fair project provides evidence that chickens are indeed modern-day dinosaurs, a fact consistent with recent paleontological discoveries. The illustrations, created with pencil and watercolor, effectively portray Lena’s world and emotions, contributing to the story’s charm and vibrancy and making this great for showing during read-alouds. By celebrating themes of self-identity, bravery, and scientific concepts in a fun, accessible way, this is valuable for young readers and for social-emotional learning.
VERDICT This book offers a unique and engaging blend of fictional storytelling and scientific education, making it an excellent addition to school library collections.
-SLJ