Review: Catch That Chicken! by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank

Little Lami loves chickens. She’s the speediest and bravest chicken catcher in her village. That's until, one day, a super-fast chicken gets the better of her, leading to a high-speed chase and a sudden mishap that stops her in her tracks. Will Lami ever work out how to catch that chicken?

Originally released in hardback last summer, Catch That Chicken! will be available in paperback this week, and I'd say it's definitely worth getting hold of a copy. 

Created by Nigerian author Atinuke and illustrator Angela Brooksbank, this funny, sweet story follows their popular, early-years titles, B Is for Baby and Baby Goes to Market (both published in 2019). 

The book contains a lovely, large and chunky font which makes it great for shared reading with a group. The text is rich and memorable, full of joyous alliteration and comforting repetition that's spot on for beginner readers in nursery and reception. Atinuke's mastery of oral storytelling comes through in her writing — as she plays around with sounds and pacing — making the story a pleasure to read aloud.

It's not revealed why Lami likes to catch chickens, leaving her motives open to interpretation and providing excellent opportunities for talk about caring for pets and farm animals, choices and consequences, and problem-solving (UW, PSED, CAL). Some children may enjoy retelling the story through small-world play with culturally appropriate toys and a sand tray, or having their own speedy races outside (EAD, CAL, PD). Older children may express feelings of empathy for Lami (or even for the chicken) or may want to draw, say or write simple 'I love...' statements about their own special skills and interests (CAL, PSED, UW, L).

Brooksbank's detailed, eye-catching spreads provide a more nuanced portrayal of a busy, West African village, the juxtaposition of modern and traditional elements brought into focus with verve, colour and texture. 

Alongside rural agriculture, we see a motorbike and a jacked-up car being repaired, suggesting a connection with outside, industrial cities. We also see villagers dressed in a combination of Western jeans, baseball caps, traditional wrappers and dashikis — their homes are stone-built with sheet-metal rooves rather than the straw huts often used in an overgeneralised way in books. Uncles play Ayo Olopon under a sprawling baobab tree while the children attend school, enjoy reading books and making-up wholesome games. Nana Nadia does cook on an open fire while the aunties hand-wash clothes, but the water for such chores is collected from installed, clean-water pumps. 

Even more delightful are the six, comic-strip scenes in the centre-page spread that zoom in on various aspects of village life. Children will enjoy picking out Lami and her runaway chicken in each of the illustrations, as they steam-roll through the various scenes creating a whole load of commotion!

Along with her special skill in catching chickens, young Lami is fearless, tenacious and impulsive but she's not the only talent in the village. Sister Sadia is a whizz at spelling, best friend Fatima is a hair-weaving pro and Brother Bilal is boss when it comes to herding bulls.

A beautiful marriage of text and illustrations, this highly enjoyable picture book provides a wonderful snapshot of a rural, West African childhood as well as the strength of love, teamwork and patience within a nurturing, intergenerational community. It would make a wonderful addition to all early-years settings and school libraries.

Catch That Chicken! by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank, is available in paperback from Bookshop on 1 July.

Notes for teachers and parents

Sannu sannu — comes from the Hausa proverb 'sannu, sannu bata hana zuwa' which means 'going slowly does not prevent you from getting there'

Check out my Black Children's Books directory for suggested suitability of all the books I review.  All the books that I read are also checked against my Jericho Benchmark.