From School Library Journal
Gr 3-6-In this zany graphic novel, a two-headed chicken learns the basics of multiverse travel. One of our hero's heads is a stand-in for "you," the reader. The other is a science whiz who creates an Astrocap, a blue-and-red-antennaed beanie that allows its wearer to hop from world to world. Two-Headed Chicken launches across time and space to avoid being devoured by Kernel Antlers, a wily, chicken-hungry moose. However, obstacles and surprises await on every stop of this mission. Two-Headed Chicken travels through many universes-a pencil-drawn one, one where chickens drive cars, one in which our hero is the Mona Lisa, and so on. At each destination, Antlers is still in hungry pursuit. Will Two-Headed Chicken ever find a place to rest? In addition to the main story, this book has mazes, puzzles, activities, and various philosophical asides from a fish with a mustache. There is something fun for every reader! Ellis's colors are distinct and add much to the excitement. Angleberger writes the first chapter as a humorous primer on the concepts of the multiverse. The entire plot rests on what would be an incomprehensible stew of ideas in another creator's hands; however, Angleberger explains these ideas in a manner accessible to younger readers. The drawings and page layouts are frenetic, capturing all the excitement of this hilarious journey. VERDICT Readers who enjoy Aaron Blabey's "Bad Guys" series and Dav Pilkey's various universes will love this first book in what is sure to be a beloved series.-Jennie Lawα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
As deliciously original and absurdly wacky as any Angleberger creation. The digital artwork combines off-kilter, hilarious, and wonderfully disruptive graphic novel animation with old-fashioned multimedia collage. . . It is knee-slappingly funny and utterly original at every level. . . as quick and easy to devour as fried chicken.
—Booklist (starred review)
Quizzes, puzzles, and even an affidavit give readers a chance to catch their breath while taking in punch-line pile-ups and fourth-wall smackdowns, which together offer all the pleasures of gulping from a comic firehose.
—Publishers Weekly
You cannot go wrong with a book that has a chicken in it. This book has a two-headed chicken, so it is better. The only thing that could possibly improve such a book would be if it had a moose. This one has a moose. There is other stuff, too, but I am not going to tell you the whole thing.
—Daniel Pinkwater, author of Kat Hats and Crazy in Poughkeepsie, neither of which has a chicken, but they’re still good
Tom Angleberger brings his trademark cleverness and good-natured silliness to the graphic novel format. Never a dull moment with a chase across the multiverse—this book will keep you on your toes!
—Jen Wang, New York Times best-selling creator of Stargazing
All Raul the Thirds in all possible universes love this book, and so will you. I guarantee it!
—Raul the Third 2.0
About the Author
Tom Angleberger is the author and illustrator of many children’s books, including the Origami Yoda series, which has sold millions of copies worldwide. He lives in Virginia with his wife, Cece Bell.
