Description
When dreamy hen P. Zonka starts laying eggs, the other chickens are in for a spectacular surprise! This springtime delight from Julie Paschkis is inspired by Ukrainian pysanky.
★ “Charming, unusual and sure to induce smiles.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
★ “A lyrical and lushly illustrated allegory about creativity and taking time to notice beauty.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
★ “A first-rate selection.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“If every picture book is a little world unto itself, P. Zonka Lays an Egg is a place where the skies are forever bright and all things radiate delicious hues.” ―The Wall Street Journal
Extraordinary hen P. Zonka spends her time taking in the beauty around her: the shiny green of the grass, the buttery yellow of the dandelions, the deep blue of the sky. The other hens can’t understand why she never lays eggs like they do―they think she’s just plain lazy. But when P. Zonka finally decides to give egg-laying a try, the other chickens are in for a spectacular surprise!
Award-winning author and illustrator Julie Paschkis is sure to delight readers with this lovely story, inspired by the Ukrainian tradition of pysanky, about enriching the imagination and appreciating the beauty of the world
Reviews
★ “[A] tale of the dividends of daydreaming, beautifully enhanced by colors and designs that shout “Spring!” to a winter-weary world. Charming, unusual and sure to induce smiles.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
★ “A lyrical and lushly illustrated allegory about creativity and taking time to notice beauty.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
★ “Vibrant watercolor illustrations… burst from the pages to draw viewers in to share P. Zonka’s delight with the colors and patterns of her world. A first-rate selection” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“If every picture book is a little world unto itself, P. Zonka Lays an Egg is a place where the skies are forever bright and all things radiate delicious hues.” ―The Wall Street Journal
“This ranks along books such as Leo Lionni’s ‘Frederick’ (1968) that celebrate artistic dreaminess over conformity and remind us that good things are worth waiting for.” ―Booklist Online
“P. Zonka’s lesson is gently delivered: take time to produce something you will be proud of.” ―The Horn Book Magazine
“Every charming page…is awash in cheerful watercolors, decorative folk-art patterns and kinetic black like work worth crowing over.” ―Shelf Awareness
Awards
Parents’ Choice Recommended Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2015
Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2016
CCBC Choices (Picture Books for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2016
Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens ―Capitol Choices, 2016
Texas 2×2 Reading List ―Texas Library Association, 2016
Georgia Children’s Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―University of Georgia, 2016-2017
Red Clover Award (Honor List) ―Vermont Department of Libraries, 2016-2017
More Details
AR Level: 2.6
F&P: GRL K, Gr 2, Genre TL
Lexile: AD500L
Themes: Artistic Process, Creativity, Imagination
BISAC 1: JUV002090 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Farm Animals
BISAC 2: JUV019000 JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories
BISAC 3: JUV002280 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Ducks, Geese, etc.
