Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile

Bibliography

Paye, Won-Ldy and Margaret H. Lippert. 2003. Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile. Ill. by Julie Pachkis. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 9780805070477

Plot Summary

While taking a bath one morning, Mrs. Chicken was not pleased with the fact that she couldn’t see her entire refection in the puddle. Do get a better look at herself she traveled to the nearby river, only to be caught by Crocodile. To save herself from being the crocodile’s dinner, Mrs. Chicken came up with a plan to convince crocodile that they were sisters and eating her for dinner would be a bad idea.

Critical Analysis

The characters presented to the reader in Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile, two strong willed females, share the same characteristics as those found in traditional literature. Crocodile is a silly antagonist proving once again that good overcomes evil and smarts help the weaker to survive.

The plot follows the stories “good gal” as she is in search of a bathing spot where she can see her full reflection. With this vanity comes a price though and she is caught by a hungry crocodile. Presented with a problem, Mrs. Chicken comes up with a sly plan to trick the crocodile into thinking they are sisters by switching their eggs while she was sleeping. This unrealistic solution to Mrs. Chicken’s problem leaves the reader with a satisfying feeling knowing that the underdog once again comes out on top.

The African setting is represented beautifully in Julie Paschkis’ illustrations. The strong geometric patterns found on the animals against the strong contrast of the white and black backgrounds keep the reader’s eyes fixed on the story. The simplistic drawings also help with the comprehension of Mrs. Chicken’s plan for those readers who are too young to catch on based purely on text.

Review Excerpts

A New York Public Library "100 Titles for Reading and Sharing" title
An Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Medal Winner
A Riverbank Review Book of Distinction
A School Library Journal "Best Book

“…Told in straightforward language, this trickster tale is smart and funny…The stylized, gouache artwork is strong and streamlined, and not bogged down with detail. Curving lines depict the river, white backgrounds represent the outdoors, and glossy black delineates Crocodile's lair, which is decorated with geometric borders. The layout is effective, with parts of the reptile's body often extending off the page to insinuate size. The flat paintings recall folk art, and Crocodile's checkerboard skin reflects the patterns found in her home. This delectable offering will be a hit in storytime.” -School Library Journal

“Readers young and old will cluck with delight” – Publishers Weekly

Connections

Other books by Won-Ldy Paye:
-The Talking Vegetables
-Why Leopard Has Spots
-Head, Body and Legs: A Story From Liberia

African Folk Tale Unit
Won-Ldy Paye Official Website