Rowan, Brad and I are now proud owners of a chook. Her name is Lottie. I named her after the first Australian pirate, Charlotte Badger, because she only has one eye. (And that’s how I imagine a successful pirate to be…)

We rescued Lottie. She was living at a primary school which has the wonderful Stephanie Alexander kitchen garden program. Lottie lived with five other chooks, cared for by the school’s environment captains and fed from a productive vegetable garden.

Unfortunately, due to chook pecking order disputes, Lottie was being victimised by the other chooks, which could have ended very badly… When we brought her home, her eye was very sore and she was very scared. She would barely come out of a corner of her pen.

Three weeks later, Lottie is a lot happier. She pecks around our garden free-range all day, and she runs to meet us at the back door whenever we go out. (I think she’d come inside if we let her.) She has even been as brave as to spend a recent barbecue pecking hairy toes under the table! AND, she is laying some beautiful eggs!

Rowan is very interested in Lottie, and I’ve started to introduce him to some gorgeous Australian books about chooks.

Here are four favourites:

1. Queenie the Bantam (Bob Graham)

The wonderful Bob Graham tells the story of Queenie, another hen who is rescued, this time from a lake. Graham’s inimitable illustration style is a joy, his simple style conveys so much expression in his characters, and such a strong sense of family. In this story, Queenie’s life becomes intertwined with that of Caitlin’s family; this is the tale of one determined chook, not afraid to assert her place in the world.

2. A Nest for Kora (Claire Saxby)

Kora is preparing to lay her first egg, but where? This is the story about striving for independence, but discovering that sometimes granny knows best. Bold illustrations in bright colours take us on a tour of the farmyard, as Kora looks for the perfect spot to lay. The rhythm and repetition in the text make this one ideal for toddlers.

3. Hattie and the Fox (Mem Fox and Patricia Mullins)

This story picks up the traditional story of the hen and the fox, rejuvenated by Mem Fox’s rhythmic text, which in this case lends itself to an exuberant read-aloud rendition: ‘Good grief!’ said the goose. ‘Well, well!’ said the pig. ‘Who cares?’ said the sheep… Hattie spots different body parts lurking in the bushes, which furthers the appeal to little ones. Beautiful tissue paper collage illustrations will be appreciated by the mums…
4. Bear and Chook (Lisa Shanahan & Emma Quay)

This is not the story of a farmyard or garden chook, so it’s not as relevant as the others, but I just love the relationship drawn in this story. When Bear grows up, he wants to be a builder, a sea captain, a pilot… he always has a new idea. When Chook grows up she wants to be… an old chook. Rowan doesn’t love this one, but I read it to Brad because I knew he would appreciate it. He said: ‘I’m more like Chook. You’re like Bear on steroids.’ Hmmm… Have to say I do feel a bit like a headless chook (bear) this week, must slow down a bit.

And one final one to add, Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins. This one’s not Australian, but it takes me right back to my childhood. Published in 1968, it has such gorgeous retro 70s illos. Rosie the chook goes for a walk, unaware that she is being followed by a fox. A book of few words, the illustrations are all that’s needed to show the mishaps of the fox. Kids love to see what happens to the baddie!