by Jo Renfro
Illustrations by the author
Beaming Books
2024
32 pages
ISBN: 9781506492070
Peg is an egg, and is quite happy to be an egg. It's safe inside her shell surrounded by all the other eggs, but one morning Mama says it's time to wake up and get out in the world. Peg is afraid. There might be danger lurking out there in the world.
She hears cracking all around her as the other chicks bust free. Then it's scary quiet. She wonders what to do next. She stays in the egg, safe. Soon Peg begins to outgrow her shell. Suddenly it's not comfortable, she's squished. She has no choice but to break free.
The world is bright, the sun is shining, Peg has LEGS! She's excited to see what the world is all about. She searches for her mama and the other chicks while enjoying freedom and the outside. Peg is no longer afraid to be outside her shell.
Colorful and joyful illustrations bring Peg's personality to life. Readers will love Peg and empathize with her struggle to be safe or to take a risk. Savvy children may realize that Mama chicken would not put her babies in danger, and even savvier children will point out that Peg becomes brave when left alone. The mama chicken doesn't coddle Peg nor baby her. Parents may learn a lesson from Peg Gets Crackin'.
The fun story told with heart and gorgeous illustrations are stand-outs.
Highly, highly recommended ages 4 and up.
