What do you think?
Rate this book
Wings: A Tale of Two Chickens – A Clever Picture Book About Rescuing a Foolish Friend From a Sly Fox for Children
Sensible Harriet has to rescue silly Winnie from the clutches of Mr. Johnson, who Winnie fails to recognize as a fox. Never were two chickens more different than Harriet and Winnie. Harriet kept busy with many hobbies, while flighty Winnie was often bored. So when that sly fox Mr. Johnson happened by Winnie’s garden, she couldn’t resist the chance to live a little and climbed into the basket of his balloon. Now it’s up to Harriet to save her foolish friend from Mr. Johnson’s fricassee pot—and there are chases galore, hairsbreadth escapes, clever disguises, and lots more tomfoolery before she does. James Marshall’s clever wit and lively sense of the absurd keep this hilarious romp rollicking along from start to cliff-hanging finish.
32 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 1986
About the author
James Marshall
152 books145 followersJames Edward Marshall (October 10, 1942 – October 13, 1992), who also wrote as Edward Marshall, was a children's author and illustrator.
His father worked on the railroad, was a band member in the 1930s, and his mother sang in the local church choir. His family later moved to Beaumont, Texas. Marshall said: "Beaumont is deep south and swampy and I hated it. I knew I would die if I stayed there so I diligently studied the viola, and eventually won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory in Boston."[1] He entered the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, but injured his hand, ending his music career. He returned to Texas, where he attended San Antonio College, and later transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he received degrees in French and history.
It is said that he discovered his vocation on a 1971 summer afternoon, lying on a hammock drawing. His mother was watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and the main characters, George and Martha, ultimately became characters in one of his children's books. Marshall continued as a children's author until his untimely death in 1992 of a brain tumor. In 1998, George and Martha became the basis of an eponymous animated children's television show.
In addition to George and Martha, the lovable hippopotami, James Marshall created dozens of other uniquely appealing characters. He is well-known for his Fox series (which he wrote as "Edward Marshall"), as well as the Miss Nelson books, the Stupids, the Cut-ups, and many more. James Marshall had the uncanny ability to elicit wild delight from readers with relatively little text and simple drawings. With only two minute dots for eyes, his illustrated characters are able to express a wide range of emotion, and produce howls of laughter from both children and adults.
His father worked on the railroad, was a band member in the 1930s, and his mother sang in the local church choir. His family later moved to Beaumont, Texas. Marshall said: "Beaumont is deep south and swampy and I hated it. I knew I would die if I stayed there so I diligently studied the viola, and eventually won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory in Boston."[1] He entered the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, but injured his hand, ending his music career. He returned to Texas, where he attended San Antonio College, and later transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he received degrees in French and history.
It is said that he discovered his vocation on a 1971 summer afternoon, lying on a hammock drawing. His mother was watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and the main characters, George and Martha, ultimately became characters in one of his children's books. Marshall continued as a children's author until his untimely death in 1992 of a brain tumor. In 1998, George and Martha became the basis of an eponymous animated children's television show.
In addition to George and Martha, the lovable hippopotami, James Marshall created dozens of other uniquely appealing characters. He is well-known for his Fox series (which he wrote as "Edward Marshall"), as well as the Miss Nelson books, the Stupids, the Cut-ups, and many more. James Marshall had the uncanny ability to elicit wild delight from readers with relatively little text and simple drawings. With only two minute dots for eyes, his illustrated characters are able to express a wide range of emotion, and produce howls of laughter from both children and adults.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Read
October 14, 2021This book is about two chickens that are totally different in everything, one likes to read and has a lot of hobbies but the other one didn’t like doing a lot of things and was always bored. Then one of the chickens gets kidnap by a fox and the other chickens do a lot to save her. After the chicken shows the other chicken how to read and learn more about the dangers out in the world. The two main characters are chicken Harriet and Winnie that are different and have different ways of thinking. Then we see the Fox that is selfish and mean, all he does is want to eat the chicken. The structure of the book is easy to follow, there is also a beginning where they introduce the characters and their interest. Then we have the conflict where the chickens have a problem then they solve their problems. The illustrations are water-based so the colors are more light and calm. I like the whole storyline of the book and why they used classic jokes (chicken crossing the road.) Even this book is funny and has an exciting storyline, we do see the chicken leaving with a stranger that could have hurt them. So we can use this book to talk about how we should never leave with strangers because something bad can happen.
February 26, 2020
Wings is about 2 chickens, one who enjoys reading and painting, and one who is easily bored. The easily bored chicken walks outside and is tricked by a fox to get into his hot air balloon. The chicken who enjoys reading creates a plan to get his other chicken back and out smarts the fox in the long run.
The overall theme of this book is that reading can make you smarter. In this case, the chicken who didn’t read was very gullible and didn’t know that it was a fox that had taken her, whereas the chicken who did read was able to devise a plan to get her back.
When I read this book, I was impressed with the chicken who knew how to read and how quickly he was able to outsmart the fox.
I would recommend this book, as I believe that it will encourage students to read more and learn more about things so that they will be able to understand situations and problem solve.
The overall theme of this book is that reading can make you smarter. In this case, the chicken who didn’t read was very gullible and didn’t know that it was a fox that had taken her, whereas the chicken who did read was able to devise a plan to get her back.
When I read this book, I was impressed with the chicken who knew how to read and how quickly he was able to outsmart the fox.
I would recommend this book, as I believe that it will encourage students to read more and learn more about things so that they will be able to understand situations and problem solve.
February 27, 2020
The book is about a fox named Mr. Johnson, who tries to deceive a chicken named Winnie. Mr. Johnson ticks Winnie in a balloon so he can eat her. After multiple attempts, he captures Winnie, but due to the rain has to seek shelter. The priest opens the bag to see the Winnie in it. At the end of the book the other chicken Harriet saves Winnie from Mr. Johnson. A theme of the book is deception with Mr. Johnson trying to kill Winnie. I would recommend the book for 5th graders because of the central theme being deception.
May 12, 2017
Harriett and Winnie were friends very different from one another. Harriett loved to read and had hobbies to keep her busy. Winnie was not interested in much so got bored. She went out for a walk and was tricked by a fox because she didn't read and didn't even understand about foxes.
This story is one mishap after another, with Harriett trying to rescue Winnie.
This story is one mishap after another, with Harriett trying to rescue Winnie.
February 5, 2018
This wasn't a favorite, but we loved the twist ending!
February 22, 2018
I'm not sure this book was crying out to be written.
September 17, 2018
Nice emphasis on the importance of reading.
November 2, 2020
Thank You
February 3, 2021
Cute and clever. Amazon prime video binge in quarantine.
April 7, 2022
This is a goofy, madcap story that brings to mind some of the early Looney Tunes adventures. It also emphasizes the importance of reading and paying attention to your surroundings!
July 26, 2022
Great book to read to children
September 12, 2023
This book has an amusing plot, which is realistic about people without common sense! It has fun illustrations.
November 6, 2024
Okay. CathyR
June 25, 2025
Witty and exciting with fun, expressive illustrations. I really liked this one.
April 12, 2010
“Wings: A Tale of Two Chickens” is a hilarious book about true friendship and throwing caution to the wind from children’s author and illustrator, James Marshall. This book is about how wise Harriet must save her friend, Winnie from a sly fox named Mr. Johnson who wants Winnie as her lunch. This book is an absolute delight that children will enjoy for many years.
James Marshall has done an excellent job with illustrating and writing this book. James Marshall’s illustrations are probably the true highlights in this book as he illustrates the two chickens with huge eyes and huge bodies, indicating that they are innocent beings who get into trouble with a sly fox. James Marshall’s writing is brief yet hilarious as he makes Winnie extremely oblivious to her situation of being with a fox who is trying to eat her, even though Mr. Johnson is somewhat outsmarted by Winnie when she left him at the store the first time and when Winnie, by some luck, caused the hot air balloon to come to them at the right time when she just left the balloon untied when she got out onto a water tower.
“Wings: A Tale of Two Chickens” is a humorous story about the power of friendship and how important reading is for the mind, if you want to survive from being eaten by a fox if you are a chicken. I would recommend this book for children ages four and up since the reading seems simple enough to read.
From my Epinions Review:
http://www0.epinions.com/review/Wings...
James Marshall has done an excellent job with illustrating and writing this book. James Marshall’s illustrations are probably the true highlights in this book as he illustrates the two chickens with huge eyes and huge bodies, indicating that they are innocent beings who get into trouble with a sly fox. James Marshall’s writing is brief yet hilarious as he makes Winnie extremely oblivious to her situation of being with a fox who is trying to eat her, even though Mr. Johnson is somewhat outsmarted by Winnie when she left him at the store the first time and when Winnie, by some luck, caused the hot air balloon to come to them at the right time when she just left the balloon untied when she got out onto a water tower.
“Wings: A Tale of Two Chickens” is a humorous story about the power of friendship and how important reading is for the mind, if you want to survive from being eaten by a fox if you are a chicken. I would recommend this book for children ages four and up since the reading seems simple enough to read.
From my Epinions Review:
http://www0.epinions.com/review/Wings...
April 15, 2012
Sensible Harriet has to rescue silly Winnie from the clutches of Mr. Johnson, who Winnie fails to recognize as a fox. Never were two chickens more different than Harriet and Winnie. Harriet kept busy with many hobbies, while flighty Winnie was often bored. So when that sly fox Mr. Johnson happened by Winnie’s garden, she couldn’t resist the chance to live a little and clim...more Sensible Harriet has to rescue silly Winnie from the clutches of Mr. Johnson, who Winnie fails to recognize as a fox. Never were two chickens more different than Harriet and Winnie. Harriet kept busy with many hobbies, while flighty Winnie was often bored. So when that sly fox Mr. Johnson happened by Winnie’s garden, she couldn’t resist the chance to live a little and climbed into the basket of his balloon. Now it’s up to Harriet to save her foolish friend from Mr. Johnson’s fricassee pot—and there are chases galore, hairsbreadth escapes, clever disguises, and lots more tomfoolery before she does. James Marshall’s clever wit and lively sense of the absurd keep this hilarious romp rollicking along from start to cliff-hanging finish.(less)
August 3, 2013
Author James Marshall is known for his silly stories and this book is no exception. He is perhaps best known for his series featuring George and Martha, a pair of lovable hippopotami. This time he pairs up a couple of chickens, with a fox as the villain.
The narrative is short and the illustrations are colorful and cartoonish. We loved the ending and overall, we thought it was an entertaining story.
The narrative is short and the illustrations are colorful and cartoonish. We loved the ending and overall, we thought it was an entertaining story.
November 22, 2012
Wings is a great story about two chickens who are very different. When Winnie is kidnapped by a fox who wants to eat her for dinner, Harriet has to save her friend. I found this book to be very nice and I think that kids would really enjoy this story because of the unpredictable twist at the end. I did not expect Harriet to be the grey fox. The story also felt very fast paced because the characters were always on the move.
February 1, 2013
Harriet is sensible and well read, while Winnie is bored and looking for an adventure. When a fox in a hot air balloon offers Winnie the adventure she seeks she quickly agrees, not knowing her companion is thinking about the lovely chicken dinner he plans to have later. Harriet quickly devises a rescue plan in this funny read aloud.
Marshall's full color illustrations add to the story's humor and perfectly complement the surprise ending.
Marshall's full color illustrations add to the story's humor and perfectly complement the surprise ending.
September 15, 2010
Colorful and goofy, this book is great for promoting reading (that chicken needs to read more)! There is humor in this book that the children would easily get but some more subtle humor thrown in for older readers (adults too). Would definitely hold the attention of kindergarten and first grade students.
September 16, 2010
Two chicken sisters are spending their afternoons differently until a fox tricks one sister into going on a hot air balloon ride with him. The older sister sets out to get her back. Children will enjoy this book because it has a funny twist. The moral of the story is to read and become educated about the world.
November 6, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book because it has a true meaning to children and too adults. I think that children will find it interesting how the chicken didn't read books and she was bored a lot of the time and also that she was getting in to trouble by not being educated and reading. But then at the end it had a nice ending.
October 8, 2007
Summary:
Winnie hates to read and her naivity gets her into a lot of trouble. Harriet comes and saves her from a fox by dressing up like a fox.
Reflection:
Cute story with a great message. Kids will enjoy the characters and the storyline.
Themes:
chickens, reading, knowledge, friendship
Winnie hates to read and her naivity gets her into a lot of trouble. Harriet comes and saves her from a fox by dressing up like a fox.
Reflection:
Cute story with a great message. Kids will enjoy the characters and the storyline.
Themes:
chickens, reading, knowledge, friendship
June 26, 2013
This was a nice book. I liked the characters and the message on the importance of reading was just subtle enough to slip into the mind of the unsuspecting reader. I found all the plot twists entertaining and the result was just as satisfactory.
October 17, 2013
A great tale of how one chicken repeatedly becomes the target of a hungry fox and how her friend saves her from danger by outwitting the fox. Great story for the sophisticated reader as there are clever expressions throughout.
December 10, 2008
I loved this book! I enjoy James Marshall, but I'd never seen this one. The illustrations had me & my boss cracking up. Good story.
August 3, 2011
We check this out from the library at least once a season. Definitely my daughter's favorite audio book, and probably inspired her love of fox-and-chicken stories.
October 17, 2011
The story was pretty random and the illustrations are nothing special but I could see little kids liking this book. It has a clever little twist at the end and has some positives going for it.
October 25, 2012
funny, adventurous tale about the importance of knowledge and common sense
themes: books, chickens, cleverness, foxes, reading
themes: books, chickens, cleverness, foxes, reading
May 24, 2012
Had so much fun reading this - would love to use it with the 2nd grade "good-guy/bad-guy" unit. Poor Winnie is a clueless as can be, and never suspects that a fox might have devious intentions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews