Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast
#3 of 3 in Interrupting Chicken Series
on Goodreads (564)
What’s inside...
It's bright and early on a Saturday morning, and the little red chicken from the Caldecott Honor Book wants cookies for breakfast. In her efforts to persuade Papa, she gleefully interjects cookies—and herself!—into every nursery rhyme they read together. Though the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe supports the little red chicken’s plan, Papa has his own idea for a sweet breakfast. Featuring the same riotous charm and bright, bold art as previous books, David Ezra Stein’s third installment in the series will delight fans with a sweet tooth and a love of meta rhyme.
Discussion points
How did you feel when the chicken interrupted and changed the stories?
Why do you think the chicken wanted cookies for breakfast instead of something else?
What might happen if we always interrupt others when they are speaking?
How do you think the other characters felt when the chicken kept interrupting?
Can you think of a time when you interrupted someone? What could you do differently next time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone when asking questions to make your child feel comfortable in sharing their thoughts.
Relate the chicken’s experiences to your child’s daily life to make the themes more relevant and understandable.
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of interrupting by asking them to reflect on how it affects others.
Emphasize active listening and patience by modeling these behaviors during your discussion.
Praise your child for their insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: In 'Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast', the little chicken repeatedly interrupts Papa while he tries to read stories, showcasing a lack of patience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to wait for their turn to speak and listen attentively when others are talking, essential skills in school and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The young chicken’s interruptions lead to unfinished stories, which teaches that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions affect not just themselves but others around them, promoting a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Importance of a balanced diet
Explanation: The humorous title and the chicken’s quirky ideas about having cookies for breakfast serve as a fun way to discuss why a balanced diet is important.
Real-World Application: Parents can use this story to talk about healthy eating habits and why certain foods are better for breakfast, helping children make healthier food choices.
Example Lesson: Respect for others’ opinions and stories
Explanation: Through the chicken’s interruptions, the book highlights the importance of respecting others’ words and the value of listening to their stories without interfering.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value others' opinions and stories, fostering a respectful attitude towards their peers and elders in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Encourages creativity and imagination
Explanation: The chicken creatively alters the stories, sparking imagination and showing the joy of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination in storytelling, arts, and other creative activities, enhancing their cognitive skills and creativity.