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David Ezra Stein
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Interrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise Hardcover – Picture Book, September 11, 2018

by David Ezra Stein (Author, Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 615 ratings
See all formats and editions
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Surprise! The little red chicken is back — and as endearingly silly as ever — in David Ezra Stein’s follow-up to the Caldecott Honor–winning Interrupting Chicken.

It’s homework time for the little red chicken, who has just learned about something every good story should have: an elephant of surprise. Or could it be an element of surprise (as her amused papa explains)? As they dive in to story after story, looking for the part that makes a reader say “Whoa! I didn’t know that was going to happen,” Papa is sure he can convince Chicken he’s right. After all, there are definitelyno elephants in “The Ugly Duckling,” “Rapunzel,” or “The Little Mermaid” — or are there? Elephant or element, something unexpected awaits Papa in every story, but a surprise may be in store for the little red chicken as well. Full of the same boisterous charm that made Interrupting Chicken so beloved by readers, this gleeful follow-up is sure to delight fans of stories, surprises, and elephants alike.
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    4 - 7 years, from customers
  2. Book 2 of 3
    Interrupting Chicken
  3. Print length
    40 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  6. Lexile measure
    AD540L
  7. Dimensions
    8.94 x 0.41 x 11.06 inches
  8. Publisher
    Candlewick
  9. Publication date
    September 11, 2018
  10. ISBN-10
    0763688428
  11. ISBN-13
    978-0763688424
  12. See all details
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From the Publisher

father's day, read aloud, gifts for dad, mornings, mother goose, reading to kids
humor; Apple+; story time; read aloud; imagination; fairy tales; funny kids books
humor; Apple+; story time; read aloud; imagination; fairy tales; funny kids books
Apple+; books for dad; fathers day gifts; read aloud; fairy tales read aloud; story time; funny; fathers day gifts; imagination; funny gifts read aloud; mornings; waking up; funny; fathers day gifts; imagination; funny gifts
Interrupting Chicken Interrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
2,438
4.8 out of 5 stars
615
4.8 out of 5 stars
176
Price $4.59 $6.99 $7.99
Read the entire award-winning series! It’s time for the little red chicken’s bedtime story — and a reminder from Papa to try not to interrupt. But no matter what the story is, she jumps in to save its characters. When it’s her turn to tell a story, will her yawning papa make it? It’s homework time for the little red chicken, who's just learned every good story should have an elephant of surprise. Or could it be an element of surprise (as her papa explains)? After all, there are no elephants in “The Ugly Duckling,” — right? It’s bright and early on Saturday morning, and the little red chicken wants cookies for breakfast. What better way to persuade Papa than by jarring him awake and gleefully interjecting cookies—and herself!—into every nursery rhyme they read together?

Editorial Reviews

Review

Stein’s art is rich, textured and varied. Like ‘King Alice,’ this book features stories within stores. All with elephants. Lots and lots of elephants, each of them, as advertised, surprising.
—The New York Times Book Review

Stein contrasts the richly colored, comfortable scenes at home with the pale, restrained traditional storybook illustrations, which are in turn jolted by the addition of the colorful, comical Elephant of Surprise and Chicken herself. Following the same basic structure as the original story, this sequel is fresh, funny, and satisfying in its own way. A treat for Interrupting Chicken fans.
—Booklist (starred review)

Stein masterfully builds suspense with each imbedded story, for a gag that only gets more fun with each reveal.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

The prose matches the vibrancy of the illustrations with humorous dialogue between Chicken and her patient Papa. Multiple award-winning author and illustrator Stein has created a noteworthy title for library shelves in addition to his already beloved collection of picture books. A terrific choice for one-on-one and small group sharing.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Stein’s mixed-media illustrations allow the narrative styles to bounce back and forth between silly and serious, showing both wacky and cozy moments and honoring the warm, loving relationship between Chicken and her caregiver. Like its Caldecott Honor–winning predecessor Interrupting Chicken, this story centers on one extended gag; but many will enjoy giggling at it again and again, likely with a grownup of their own.
—The Horn Book

Little Chicken is back, and her metafictive editorial impulses are as strong as ever...fans of the two loving characters will be delighted to see them again. Unsurprisingly good.
—Kirkus Reviews

The father’s amused exasperation [in Interrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise], the child’s delight, the wordplay and the exuberant artwork all combine to make this picture book at once a celebration of love and language and an entertainment that will stand up to many, many bedtime readings. Some jokes never get old.
—The Wall Street Journal

About the Author

David Ezra Stein is the author-illustrator of many picture books, including Interrupting Chicken, which was awarded a Caldecott Honor, I’m My Own Dog, Ice Boy, and Dinosaur Kisses. He lives with his family in Kew Gardens, New York.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick; Illustrated edition (September 11, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0763688428
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0763688424
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD540L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.04 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.94 x 0.41 x 11.06 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 615 ratings

About the author

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David Ezra Stein

David Ezra Stein

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David Ezra Stein is the Caldecott-Honor illustrator and author of INTERRUPTING CHICKEN, DINOSAUR KISSES, I'M MY OWN DOG, and many other award-winning picture books, including LEAVES, winner of an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. He lives in Kew Gardens, New York.

Learn more at davidezrastein.com

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
615 global ratings
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Top reviews from the United States

akw
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2024
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I loved Interupting Chicken, and I love the sequel. Made my fourth grade students and me laugh outloud.
One person found this helpful
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Melissa
5.0 out of 5 stars Great sequel to the first book
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2021
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My daughters love the first book, so when I saw this book, I had to get it. It’s a cute book and I like how they simply explain what an element of surprise is so the kids who are a little younger get why this book is hilarious.
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amb123
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Book!
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2023
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Not sure the kids really get the joke, but this book is hilarious. Such a fun read. Would highly recommend this series for kids to read with their parents.
One person found this helpful
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Casey Lutton
5.0 out of 5 stars Kid loves the Interrupting Chicken
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2023
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These books are fun. We read them as a couple, grandpa and the kid. "Playing the part of Papa today is Grandpa. The chicken will, of course, be played by the kid." On another day we can reverse the roles.
One person found this helpful
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EE
5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious!
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
I read this story to my husband and 16 year old daughter and they cackled. I do storytimes and practice on them.
This book is perfect for children who already are familiar with fairy tales. Although, it could help introduce them too. I would use this for children who are in elementary school because while preschoolers might enjoy the enthusiasm, it will be more appreciated by a slightly older audience. (Like me!)
2 people found this helpful
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Joymle
4.0 out of 5 stars Decent read aloud
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2018
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Even though I personally asked the author for a sequel to the Interrupting Chicken, I am disappointed finally getting the 2nd book. It's derivative. Maybe that's why he rolled his eyes when I asked him.
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Tomas Milo
5.0 out of 5 stars The elephant of surprise makes for a funny, great story!
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2018
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I was surprised by this sequel, which is quite fitting based on its topic. I really enjoy the first interrupting chicken book and didn’t realize a sequel had come out. Then, I thought it was funny because it’s about the element of surprise. This book is delightful and funny. Definitely lives up to its predecessor, and it made me laugh out loud.
5 people found this helpful
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Amy
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a cute book
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2020
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I love this book. It’s such a cute book with an upbeat attitude. My kids love it when I read it to them in voices.
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Top reviews from other countries

Em and Kay
5.0 out of 5 stars My daughters favourite series
Reviewed in Canada on November 22, 2018
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This book came in perfect shape and is a wonderful book
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Eve
5.0 out of 5 stars Better than the original! Love it!
Reviewed in Australia on December 16, 2018
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Absolutely love this book! We were introduced to the author’s work at the library with the original Interrupting Chicken book. I went to purchase it and then realised the author had made a sequel, so took a chance. I think my 4 year old likes the sequel better than the original! The illustrations are engaging, the book is funny and enjoyable (my son loves it and always laughs!) but it also provides a valuable lesson in interrupting and what you can miss out on.

Really, really well done! Highly recommended!
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