Parents' Guide to

Max's Chocolate Chicken

By Karyn Wellhousen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 2+

Kids with siblings will relate to the tension.

Book Rosemary Wells Picture Book 1989
Max's Chocolate Chicken Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

What begins as an egg hunt ends as a quest for Max and the delicious prize--a chocolate chicken. Ruby competitively searches for hidden eggs, while Max peacefully explores the scenery. The age differences played out between the two will have kids and parents laughing.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The age and personality differences between bunnies Max and Ruby are again illuminated, and children with siblings will relate to the tension and humor of this charming story. Young Max does not see the point of hunting for eggs when the prize is already within his literal grasp. Instead of arguing with big sister Ruby, he simply takes the first opportunity to snatch and eat the prize chocolate chicken.

Rosemary Wells' rabbit caricatures of brother and sister reveal quite human elements. For example, Ruby's facial expressions divulge her feelings of confidence, self-satisfaction, and surprise. The reader becomes privy to Max's hiding place as the illustrations expose him munching on the chocolate chicken. A mysterious character (made known only through the illustrations) plays an important role.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Max takes the chicken. Did he know it was the wrong thing to do? Do you think he would have done it if he were as old as Ruby? Would Ruby have shared the prize with her younger brother?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate