The Odd Chick by Mary Esparza-Vela with artwork by Kevin Collier

The Odd Chick, by Mary Esparza-Vela, artwork by Kevin Collier, is one of those books you grab thinking this will be a fun and enjoyable read.  You do get that and more.  You get a cute story, with playful artwork, that also has important teaching points.

Parents and teachers will enjoy reading the book to children because it’s a delightful, cute story, a twist on the ugly duckling tale.  An ungainly chick, Buki, hatches from a stray egg in the barnyard and tries to fit in as best he can, but is shunned by Rooster Rooty and the other chicks.  Buki is sad that his Da Da doesn’t love him.  He is left to find his own way.

Parents and teachers will also appreciate the lessons.  It’s okay to be different.  And don’t judge a book by its cover.  Even though we look different from our family members, we have unique talents and abilities that are useful.  Our differences aren’t to be feared, but celebrated.  Buki’s differences set him apart, but also help him save his adopted family from Freddie Fox and gain their trust and love.  The other important lesson is that nature requires animals such as vultures to keep our environment free of carrion that could spread disease.

Kevin Collier’s lively artwork illustrates the story perfectly.  The story’s characters are funny and funny looking.  As depicted by Collier, the characters show their emotions and bring the action to life.  Little ones will be able to follow the story through the pictures, even before they learn the words to read it for themselves. 

Thank you, Mary Esparza-Vela, for an entertaining new look at the continuing problem of understanding and accepting our differences.

Available from Guardian Angel Publishing.