THE GREAT CHICKEN ESCAPE by Nikki McClure.  Petaluma, CA: Cameron Kids, 2018. 32p. ISBN 978-1-94490322-0 hc. $16.99     PreS-K     E PIC

McClure describes a single adventure from her time living in Alaska with monastic nuns.  She says that "Island life makes small events huge."  Her wordless story begins and ends with chickens in the fenced-in yard.  When the gate is left open, "Chickens run!" and prove themselves to be efficient escape artists.  They find interesting new landscapes and some danger, but seem to know that the setting sun means it's time to head home.  The stark illustrations were made by placing cut black paper over white for a striking visual experience.  It echoes her 2010 book, MAMA, IS IT SUMMER YET?, which incorporates a few shades of color, but stays true to the black and white art -and has now been printed as a board book.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI