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Robbie, The Grumpy Bumpy Rooster: Part 1 of the Rooster Series
In Robbie, the Grumpy Bumpy Rooster, little Lucy, a delicate blue pysanka chicken with a painful foot and a gentle spirit, is learning how to find her voice in a busy Ukrainian chookyard when Robbie, a vain and angry rooster, storms in and frightens the smallest chickens. The flock rallies around her, especially Sofia, Hapka, Boris, and the Babas, and the story becomes less about one rooster’s tantrum than about safety, courage, and the deep comfort of being protected by your people.
I found the heart of this children’s book tender and surprisingly intense. As a parent, I really responded to the way Lucy’s vulnerability is handled. She isn’t written as fragile in a way that evokes pity, but as a childlike creature who needs extra care, gets tired, plays tricks, struggles, and still belongs completely. The writing has a slightly old-fashioned storytelling feel, with repetition, big sounds, and emotional directness that would work well read aloud. It feels like the author is making room for a child’s fear to be taken seriously.
The ideas in the book are what stayed with me most. Robbie’s anger is frightening, but the story doesn’t pretend children can simply out-brave a bully on their own. Instead, it shows help arriving from all sides: a mother, an elder, a protector, and trusted adults. I appreciated that. The artwork adds a lot of personality, especially Robbie’s colors and expressions, Lucy’s soft yellow-blue sweetness, and the warm domestic details of the Babas, the lemon tree, the tea, and the poppyseed cake.
This is a heartfelt and emotionally honest picture book with a strong protective instinct at its center. It’s an educational story, and Robbie’s bullying has real bite. The story opens the door to meaningful conversations about fear, anger, difference, and asking for help. I’d recommend it for families with young children who are learning how to name big feelings, especially kids who’ve felt picked on, overwhelmed, or in need of reassurance that someone will come when they call.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0FL7KH4DG
The Pysanka Chicken: We Are All Born Different
The Pysanka Chicken: We Are All Born Different, penned by Lesa Melnyczuk, introduces young readers to the important topic of children born with rare conditions or diseases in a thoughtful and engaging way. Set on Easter Sunday in the village of Bukavel, Ukraine, the story begins with Baba Helen, Baba Stefka, and their grandchildren waiting outside the church for the priest to bless their Easter baskets. As they make their way home, a surprising sound of cracking comes from one of the baskets. Curious, the children open it and discover a remarkable egg, painted in gold and blue. From this egg hatches a Pysanka Chicken, a special chick that looks different from the others. The children learn that, just as some chicks are born unique, so too are some babies, leading to a deeper and meaningful conversation about differences.
Lesa Melnyczuk weaves a heartwarming tale that touches on a complex subject with care and compassion. Her storytelling gracefully blends the charm of Ukrainian customs and traditions with the tender message of acceptance. The village setting feels inviting and warm, and Melnyczuk handles the topic of rare conditions with great empathy, making it accessible to young minds. While the story doesn’t point to any specific illness, it skillfully conveys the experience of being different and highlights the love and support needed from family and friends. The narrative also touches on how children born with unique conditions may need extra care, such as doctor visits or medical attention, but ultimately emphasizes unity, respect, and the power of love to overcome challenges. This is an ideal read for introducing young children to the concept of physical diversity and health differences.
The story’s brevity, coupled with its tender tone, makes it both digestible and heartfelt. However, the use of Ukrainian terms might pose a slight challenge for some readers, even though most are explained within the context of the story. I feel that the inclusion of a glossary at the beginning would have been a helpful addition, providing readers with a clearer understanding of these rich traditions upfront. Despite this, the story shines with its lovable characters and its magical touch, which brings the message of acceptance to life in a captivating way.
The Pysanka Chicken: We Are All Born Different, written by Lesa Melnyczuk and illustrated by Veronica Rooke, is a beautifully told story that uses a bit of magic to encourage children to embrace and understand physical and health differences in others. It’s a thoughtful and uplifting tale, perfect for sparking important conversations about diversity and empathy.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 978-0975658024
