
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the 'green-eyed monster' of jealousy, particularly when a parent's affection is focused on a pet or a younger sibling. While the story centers on a young boy's rivalry with his mother's favorite hen, it provides a safe, humorous space for children to explore the guilt and confusion that come with complicated feelings. This story is an excellent choice for children ages 4 to 8 who are learning to navigate the messy reality of love and loss. Rukhsana Khan uses a light, funny touch to tackle the very real sadness of losing a pet. It normalizes the fact that we can feel annoyed by someone one day and deeply miss them the next, making it a perfect bridge for conversations about grief, empathy, and the enduring bonds of family.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals directly with the death of a pet (the chicken is taken by a 'beast' or predator). The approach is realistic and secular: the bird is gone, the mother is devastated, and the loss is felt tangibly. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in the reality of moving on.
A child who feels 'second best' to a sibling or a pet and feels guilty about their resentment. It is also perfect for a child in a South Asian household who rarely sees their specific domestic rhythms reflected in mainstream literature.
Parents should be aware that the chicken's death is sudden. The mother's grief is portrayed quite vividly (she cries for days and cannot be comforted), which might be startling for very sensitive children without prior discussion. A parent might see their child acting out or making mean comments about a pet or sibling who is getting a lot of 'lap time' or praise.
Younger children (4-5) will focus on the funny antics of the chicken and the 'yucky' parts of having a bird in the house. Older children (7-8) will better grasp the irony of Rami's changing feelings and the complexity of his mother's grief.
Unlike many 'pet loss' books that focus on a beloved bond, this book uniquely explores the perspective of someone who didn't even like the pet very much, offering a nuanced look at empathy and shared family grief.
Rami is jealous of Bibi, his mother's pet chicken. His mother treats the hen like a member of the family, even letting her sleep in the house and feeding her treats. Rami finds the chicken's behavior ridiculous and resents the attention she receives. However, when a predator takes Bibi, Rami is surprised by the depth of his mother's grief and his own unexpected sense of loss. The story concludes with the arrival of a new chick, bringing the cycle of affection and 'silliness' full circle.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.