The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure
#1 of 6 in Chicken Squad Series
on Goodreads (2,782)
What’s inside...
They're darling. They're daring. They know their shapes! They're chicks on a mission, and on this, their first (mis)adventure, the Chicken Squad launches a galactic backyard expedition. Meet the Chicken Squad: Dirt, Sugar, Poppy, and Sweetie. These chicks are not your typical barnyard puffs of fluff, and they are not about to spend their days pecking chicken feed and chasing bugs. No sir, they're too busy solving mysteries and fighting crime. So when Squirrel comes barreling into the chicken coop, the chicks know they're about to get a case. But with his poor knowledge of shapes ('Big' is not a shape, Squirrel!) and utter fear of whatever it is that's out there, the panicky Squirrel is NO HELP. Good thing these chicks are professionals. But even professionals get worried. Especially once they see that round, shiny, green, BIG thing in the yard. What if it's a UFO full of aliens who want chickens as pets? It's up to the Chicken Squad to crack a case that just might be out of this world.
Character compass
Dirt
Tail
Sweetie
Poppy
Sugar
J.j. Tully
Discussion points
What do you think makes Dirt, Sugar, Poppy, and Sweetie unique as characters? How did their different personalities help them solve the mystery?
If you were a member of The Chicken Squad, what role would you choose and why?
How did the chickens work together to overcome challenges? Can you think of a time when you worked with others to solve a problem?
What do you think is the most important lesson The Chicken Squad teaches us?
How would you feel if you were in a similar adventure like The Chicken Squad? What would you do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the characters to people they know or to themselves to deepen their connection with the story. Ask them which character they resonate with the most and why. Discuss the concept of teamwork portrayed in the book and relate it to real-life situations at school or at home. This can help reinforce the value of collaboration. Highlight the problem-solving aspects of the story, and encourage your child to come up with alternative solutions to the challenges faced by The Chicken Squad. This can enhance their critical thinking skills. Use the misadventures from the book as a starting point for discussing the importance of courage and adventure in life, asking your child how they might handle new or unexpected situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, the members of the Chicken Squad work together to solve the mystery. Each chicken brings its own strengths to the table, showing that collaboration is key to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or projects, learning how to value each other's input and work together effectively.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The chicks face their fears to find the missing piece of important evidence. Their bravery in a challenging situation underscores the importance of facing fears.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to confront their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of the class, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The squad uses critical thinking and problem-solving skills to follow clues and unravel the mystery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of using logical thinking to solve everyday problems, whether it’s dealing with a puzzling homework question or resolving a disagreement with a friend.
Example Lesson: Humor and Joy
Explanation: The interactions among the squad are filled with humor, teaching children that laughter and fun can be part of any endeavor.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to approach tasks with positivity, finding joy and laughter in their daily activities and interactions.