Sonya’s Chickens by Phoebe Wahl
“Winner of the 2016 Ezra Jack Keats award, this exquisitely illustrated picture book is the story of Sonya who is given three chickens to look after by her papa. “Sonya was a good mama to her chickens” caring for them, protecting them and loving them. When a fox kills one, Papa explains that the fox needed to feed and protect his young. The fox was doing what came naturally. Sonya is very sad and creates a grave where she can mourn for the loss of her chicken but as she cries she also thinks of the “happy baby foxes living deep in the wood”. A wonderful introduction to caring for animals, where our food comes from and the food chain. I loved the family setting – a patient, caring dad and a warm, family home – perfect for telling a story that involves grief."