Gladys the Magic Chicken
What’s inside...
A picture book about a chicken named Gladys who finds herself on an epic journey during Ancient Times. As she encounters various characters, each has a wish granted - the Shepherd Boy wishes to be beautiful, the Brave Swordsman wishes to join the Royal Guard, the Purple Pooh-bah wishes for his daughter's happiness, and the Learned Princess wishes to escape the palace. Each wish comes true, leading readers to question whether Gladys is truly magic or if each character is creating their own fortune. This adventure raises questions about fate and self-determination.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Gladys the chicken is considered magical? What special qualities does she have?
Which character in the story did you like the most and why?
How do the different villagers react to Gladys? What does this tell us about people and beliefs?
If you had a magic chicken like Gladys, what would you wish for and why?
What lessons do you think we can learn from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own magical animal friend by asking them to describe what special powers it would have.
Discuss the moral of the story and how sometimes, unexpected things can bring joy and wonder into our lives.
Build empathy by asking how your child feels about the characters’ decisions and actions throughout the book.
Use the storyline to discuss the importance of community, sharing, and kindness with your child.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can help deepen their understanding and connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In the story, Gladys the chicken and her friends collaborate to overcome various challenges, showing that working together can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or in playing sports, to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter problems that they must solve using their creativity and wit, which highlights the importance of thinking critically.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply problem-solving skills to navigate through daily tasks or disputes with peers, fostering independence and critical thinking.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: Gladys the Magic Chicken interacts with various characters who are different from her, teaching that friendships can form regardless of backgrounds or differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be inclusive and open-minded towards classmates and neighbors from diverse cultures or backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Gladys faces many challenges, but her bravery in daunting situations inspires resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their fears and challenges bravely, understanding that courage is essential for personal growth.
Example Lesson: The power of kindness
Explanation: Kindness is a recurring theme in the book as characters exhibit compassion towards each other, resulting in positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the importance of being kind to others, which can lead to better relationships and a supportive community.