Big Fat Hen: One-Poem Book

The poem book big fat hen by Keith Baker is a spin-off of an old nursery rhyme that incorporates counting and illustrations of big colorful hens, baby chicks, and bugs. The words and numbers are in a big bold text but it is the illustrations by Baker that really grab the attention of the reader. On the first page, the only text is "1, 2. . ." and the rest of both pages is taken up by a by a big hen chasing a dragon fly and two eggs. The coloring is very bright and holds the readers eye. The second page reads "buckle my shoe" and is accompanied by a big teal shoe and two baby chicks buckling it up. The rest of the book follows the nursery rhyme
"1.2.....
buckle my shoe
3, 4.....
shut the door
5, 6...
pick up sticks
7, 8...
lay them straight
9, 10...
a big fat hen
and her friends
1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6,
all their eggs...
and all their chicks!"

All of the pictures also have bugs in them that the hens and chicks are eating. The illustrations are my favorite part of this book, I also think they are a very important part of the book. The rhyme is good to use for rhyming and counting. Students can read the book or sing it. The fact that the numbers are not written in word format but at 1, 2, 3 and so forth is very beneficial for young students. This book can be used for poetry, math, counting, and literacy. It has won the New York Times Best Illustrated Book award and it is obvious why when looking at the illustrations.

Baker, Keith (1994). big fat hen. New York, NY: Harcourt Brace & Company.