Silly Chicken activity guide
Silly Chicken by Rukhsana Khan | Children’s books by Pakistanis
Not many Pakistani children’s authors depict the soul as beautifully as Rukhsana Khan. Silly Chicken is heartwarming, ironic, with bright and delicate illustrations.
Rani’s mother loves her pet hen, which follows her around all day. But Rani is incredibly jealous of the hen, and finds it silly. Rani just wants to cook and eat the hen! One morning the hen suspiciously goes missing and Rani’s mother is very upset, giving way to feelings of guilt within Rani. Suddenly- a miracle happens! Rani and her mother find a baby chick in their house, and Rani simply cannot separate herself from it. Rani’s mother thinks that Rani loves the chick more than her, and Rani thinks “that’s just silly!”. Yunmee Kyong, the illustrator, breathes life and humour into the characters with her subtle expressions.
Discussion points
There’s a lot to learn from young Rani’s character. She experiences intense jealousy, but overcomes it by finding a new joy in life. She shows compassion by helping take care of the hen even when she didn’t want to, and consoles her mother when the hen goes missing. Help children identify these feelings from the story by asking prompting questions.
Change is a part of life all children have difficulty grasping - and often times they are faced with situations they cannot control, such as the arrival of new siblings and budding rivalries, or moving to a new school or group, or starting a new activity. As adults we can listen and discuss ways to deal with and accept these new experiences. Open discussion creates space for children to think out loud, process their feelings and practice sharing them with others. This back and forth fosters positive personal development of empathy, stronger communication and collaboration skills. Readers may use this book to foster conversation or thought.
The story takes place in a Pakistani village showcasing Rani’s home and life- giving readers sweet and enjoyable insight to a world not often represented in children’s literature.
Pakistani children’s book activity guide for toddlers, preschool and kindergarden
Learn how to make a wheel from primarybrain.com
Why did Rani feel that way about the chicken?
Have you felt how Rani felt about the chicken?
Why does Rani love the baby chicken so much?
What do you think happened to Ranis moms chicken?
How do you think Ranis mother feels after the chicken goes missing?
Make a pakistani rug out of a paper collage
Make a nest for a chicken
Make a 3-D model of a barn of Chickens
Learn about how chickens lay eggs
Learn about the egg hatching process
Visit the blog section for more children’s books by for and of Pakistanis.
Visit Rukhsana Khan’s website to learn more about her adventurous life or to purchase the book.
Reading level: Ages 4+
Grade level Preschool to 3rd Grade; Language: English
Stay tuned for more author biographies, book reviews of picture books by Pakistani authors available in North America, and material on reading, writing and self development of young children.
