EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken
Written by Sally Warner
Illustrated by Jamie Harper
Reviewed by Godswill E. (age 9)
Ellray Jakes is not a Chicken is written by Sally Warner. Ellray is the main character and he really wants to go to Disneyland. His parents will only take him if he behaves in school and does not get into any fights. Ellray is in 3rd grade and is on the shorter side. Jared is also in 3rd grade and is on the taller side. Jared makes jokes about Ellray’s size and that hurts Ellray's feeling. This causes lots of fights to happen between the boys. Kevin, another 3rd grader, tries to make Ellray and Jared get along. Will Kevin be successful? Will Ellray get to Disneyland? You will have to read this book to find out.
I think this book is excellent because it has really funny fights and the drama that happens in school and at home will make you laugh. An example of how this book is funny is when Jared dumps a jar of drippy mud on Ellray shirt and Ellray just laugh instead of fighting back. Ellray is thinking about his trip to Disneyland and does not want to get into trouble. The drama that happens at school and at home includes silly, funny, and unbelievable expressions that the illustrator captures in the pages of the book.
I recommend this book to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders who like to laugh. They will enjoy not only the story but the illustrations as well. It has a great message to be good in school and good at home and good things will happen to you.