Chocrotes and the World Without Question

by Steve Berkowitz

In a world of chickens, one chicken fights for the right to question.

The setting for this book is a fantasy world inhabited strictly by Chickens. In this far off world, the Chickens live in fear of an evil King: Doodle Doo. This evil king, having usurped the throne from a Queen and King who believed in the power of questions and love, Doodle Doo turns the Chicken world upside down and destroys thousands of lives in the process.

Chocrotes is born during Doodle Doo’s reign and is raised by a scientist and professor of roostory, who believe in the power of questioning. Chocrotes believes strongly that his peaceful world has been uprooted by a fascist regime. Throughout his life Chocrotes asks questions, even though he is warned not to.

This is his story.

33 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 18, 2012

About the author

I am a teacher, storyteller, writer, photographer, gardener, and food enthusiast. I studied Mandarin Chinese at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst while pursuing an undergraduate degree in marketing. After graduating, I taught and studied in Mainland China and Taiwan for three years.

I returned to Boston in 2010, where I decided to build upon my passion for teaching and writing. In May of 2013, I earned a Masters in Elementary Education and Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. After graduating, I moved across the country with my wife and am currently teaching 5th grade in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Reviews

[Erik This Kid Reviews Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chocrotes is a chicken. He lives in a far away world inhabited by only chickens. In his world questions are illegal, but the problem is Chocrotes likes to ask questions. In fact Chocrotes’ parents named him after a famous chicken philosopher who asked all sorts of questions. Chocrotes parents allow him to ask questions at home, but tell him not to ask questions anywhere else. The evil Rooster king, Doodle Doo, has anyone who asks a question arrested. Chocrotes may be a chicken, but he is no… umm… turkey? He asks a question in school and for it he is banished by King Doodle Doo to another land. After five long years, Chocrotes returns to try to overthrow King Doodle Doo.

I really like the message in this book – asking questions is good for everyone. It also has the message of standing up for yourself when you believe in something. I thought that it being set in a world of chickens was great. I think chickens are funny and I love the idea of a world of chickens. I am not fond of the artwork in the book. Chocrotes is a good main character and he helps to get the message of the book to the reader. I like the play on the name Socrates and the idea of a chicken philosopher. :) Because the story idea is really good, I was wanting more out of the book. I thought it was to short (only 31 pages) for the ages it is meant for (ages 10-13) and more details could be given. Even though I think the story needs to be added to, I am glad I read it and it is a story that makes me think.
**Note - I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chocrotes and the World Without Question by Steve Berkowitz is a thought-provoking story that instills the importance of standing up for what you believe in instead of letting others decide for you.

A young rooster is born in a time when a ruler, King Doodle Doo is in power. King Doodle Doo forbids any chickens or roosters from asking questions. The young rooster is very inquisitive and can barely contain himself. His parents decide to name him Chocrotes after a great chicken philosopher who taught chickens to question everything. As Chocrotes grows he can no longer hide his inquisitiveness and is soon banished from the Kingdom of the Chickens. However, banishment cannot stop a curious chicken.

Read Chocrotes and the World Without Question and find out what Chocrotes has planned for King Doodle Doo and the Kingdom of the Chickens.

I enjoyed Chocrotes and the World Without Question. I found the chicken names comical, but the lessons learned are significant. And above all if you want to know something ask questions!

[Catrina Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good:

Mr. Berkowitz did a wonderful job of blending "Chicken World" with the elements of Socrates. I grew up reading about Socrates, Aristotle, William Shakespeare, ect. So, I was surprised by how well he included Socrates.

I found the play on names entertaining, adding a touch of humor to the overall story.

The Bad:

Some of the bigger words such as "plethora" might confuse young readers, especially the little ones just learning to read. Since this is a children's book, I'd expected most terms to have remained simple, or easy to follow.

I also feel the exclamation points were a bit over used. I noticed some other editing mistakes, but nothing that would stand out to children.

Overall Impression:

It was an enjoyable book and I'm glad I read it. I would recommend this book to families with small children that are curious about the world around them.

[Lynxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chocrotes is an interesting character! Obviously aimed at children, this book teaches kids the importance of asking questions and being inquisitive. Some of the initial language might be a bit too adult for littlies, but still a good choice.

The fairy tale feel of the story brings the rather serious message of the book back into kid territory, I believe it would be a hit with most kids.

NOTE: I receieved a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review

[Monica H at The Readathon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this modern-day fable. It brings a modern-day lesson to children growing up today. You may read my full review on my book blog: www.the-readathon.blogspot.com

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had very high hopes for this story. Good concept, some good characters, but the ideas could have been very much more expanded upon and subtlety would have made it a lot more intriguing.

But Marco Pollo had me laughing. Hard.

3/5 stars.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but serious and dull. Children need a fun factor in their reading, something to keep their attention. The addition of pictures or a character that makes us laugh would go a long way.

[Kayti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a fun read for children and adults. The story is interesting and teaches kids to be accepting if others opinions and to always question.