Chicken Man

Rody is in charge of the chicken coop on the kibbutz where he lives in Israel's Jezreel Valley. He loves his job so much and makes the work seem so delightful that everyone wants a chance to tend the brood. When they do, Rody is transferred elsewhere. But as Rody moves from job to job, the kibbutz learns it's not what you do, but how you do it that makes a difference. Chicken Man is the winner of the 1992 National Jewish Book Award, with delightful illustrations by author Michelle Edwards. The book offers a glimpse into the real life of Israel's kibbutzniks, and this reissued edition includes an updated afterward by the author, discussing modern changes in kibbutz life.

Publishers Weekly

Edwards's first picture book combines a lighthearted tale about a kibbutznik with what PW called ``stylized paintings . . . dotted with diverting detail.'' Ages 5-8. (Mar.)

Michelle Edwards has written and illustrated over thirteen books for young readers including Stinky Stern Forever, winner of the 2006 Gryphon and Patterson. Michelle was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and grew up in Troy, New York. She studied at the Bezalel Art Academy in Jerusalem and later earned her MA and MFA in Printmaking from the University of Iowa. She now lives in Iowa City, Iowa.