About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is learning about responsibility, especially the kind that comes with caring for a pet. It’s a wonderful story for any child who is persistent, creative, and loves animals. Starla Jean is a girl who knows her own mind. When a chicken unexpectedly lands in her hair, she decides it's meant to be her pet. The story follows her determined and humorous efforts to convince her mom and learn how to care for her new friend, Opal. This charming early chapter book beautifully illustrates themes of resilience, family support, and the joy that comes from taking on a challenge. Its short chapters and sweet illustrations make it perfect for newly independent readers, modeling how to solve problems with creativity and a can-do attitude.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
This book is free of sensitive topics. The central conflict is extremely low-stakes (whether Starla Jean can keep the chicken) and is resolved with warmth and support. The family dynamic is positive and loving. It is a secular story with a universally accessible theme.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 6 to 8-year-old who is transitioning to chapter books. Specifically, it's for an animal-loving child who might be asking for a pet, or a child who has just been given a new responsibility and needs a model for perseverance when things get tricky. Kids with a quirky sense of humor and a determined personality will see themselves in Starla Jean.
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