Chicken Chicken (Goosebumps #53)
#53 of 55 in Goosebumps Series
on Goodreads (3,354)
What’s inside...
Everyone in Goshen Falls knows about Vanessa, the weird lady who dresses all in black and supposedly puts spells on people. When siblings Crystal and Cole accidentally spill her shopping and don't apologize, Vanessa vows to make them sorry in a peculiar way. Soon after, Crystal's lips turn as hard as a bird's beak, and Cole begins to grow ugly white feathers all over his body. As they struggle with their bizarre transformations, the children must find a way to reverse the spell before it's too late.
Character compass
Crystal
Cole
Vanessa
Discussion points
What do you think Crystal and Cole learned from their experience with the mysterious Vanessa?
How did Crystal and Cole's behavior change throughout the book, and why do you think it changed?
If you were in Crystal and Cole's situation, what would you have done differently and why?
How do you think the characters felt when they were turned into chickens? How would you feel in their place?
What is the importance of being careful with wishes or spells, as shown in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes, which fosters empathy and better understanding of the character's decisions and feelings.
Discuss the consequences of the characters' actions to help your child understand cause and effect.
Ask open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and allow your child to express their interpretations and feelings about the story.
Use the transformation theme in the book to discuss important life values such as responsibility and the importance of understanding others.
Highlight the humorous elements of the story to make the discussion enjoyable and keep your child engaged.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The consequences of mischief
Explanation: In 'Chicken Chicken', the protagonists' misbehavior leads to a witch's curse, transforming them into chickens. This drastic change serves as a literal representation of consequences following actions.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of thinking before acting and being aware of the consequences their actions might have on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the siblings experience life from a chicken’s perspective, they gain a new understanding and empathy towards others who are different from them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of putting themselves in someone else’s shoes, fostering a more compassionate approach to differences among peers.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and problem-solving
Explanation: To break the curse, the siblings must work together and find a solution, which underscores the importance of collaboration in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to work cohesively with others, enhancing their problem-solving skills and the ability to cooperate to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and accountability
Explanation: The book shows the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions as the characters work to rectify their mistake to break the curse.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand the significance of accepting responsibility for their actions and learning from their mistakes.