A very cute, very fun series for young readers. The plot is easy to follow and the characters are charming. It will encourage newly independent readers to engage with text.

Party Animals is the second book in the Cranky Chicken series written and illustrated by Katherine Battersby. It is currently scheduled for release on June 28 2022. Cranky Chicken is super high on the crank-o-meter! And hungry. A hungry, hangry chicken is never fun, so Speedy races to cheer Cranky up. It’s Cranky’s birthday, so how about a surprise party? But Cranky hates surprises. So Speedy plans an unsurprise party, a day filled with all Cranky’s favorite un-cranky things. After, Speedy wants to go to the beach, which Cranky absolutely does not like (too sandy, too hot, not to mention sharks). Can Cranky learn to try something new? Find even more reasons to fall in love with Cranky and Speedy in these three new stories about friendship, communication, and facing things that seem scary!

Party Animals is made up of four short stories perfect for new and emerging readers. I love the art style, it is fun and just feels welcoming and friendly. The stories acknowledge that sometimes we are cranky, hungry, and not really interested in trying new things or changing our minds- but once we do things tend to get better. I am a big fan of the mismatched friend dynamic, a grumpy one and an enthusiastic one, in all kinds of stories and I think it really works well here. I just love that Cranky and Speedy accept each other for exactly who they are, not trying to change each other's personalities while still trying to help each other grow and enjoy things. I thought it was a fun read, with a good balance of learning moments and giggles. Just perfect for the target audience, and enjoyable for the adults in the room as well.