Review by Ross Christopher Fairbairn
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (February 4, 2025)
Length: 116 pages
ISBN13: 9781665951296
Ages: 6 – 9
Category: Early reader graphic novel / illustrated chapter book
Cost: $16.99 CAD
In the energetic fourth installment of author/illustrator, Katherine Battersby’s, Cranky Chicken chapter book series, Cranky Chicken and Speedy the worm return! The Cranky-Verse will have readers wondering how Cranky and Speedy will work through meeting a new friend, what Cranky will do when Speedy becomes the cranky one, and if a camping trip will be the solution to all of their troubles and woes.
For those who have yet to read the first three books, fear not! Battersby seamlessly brings you up to speed (pun intended) in the opening pages. Speedy the worm literally zooms onto the first page right past Cranky, and from there, the ‘best friends ever’ nature of their friendship is evident. Right off the bat, their playful debate over silly nicknames sets the stage for the kind of banter and problem solving that defines their friendship.
The story starts with Cranky and Speedy introducing themselves to a new turtle friend and follows their quest to determine just what it is that make turtles tick or, in this case, what makes turtles beep. From there, we move into a look at what happens when Cranky and Speedy have their roles reversed. Speedy is suddenly unable to speed after hurting himself, and Cranky is tasked with being the cheerful one – and the speedy one as it turns out. The story is rounded out with Cranky and Speedy heading to the lake for a camping trip as a means to cheer themselves up.
As they were in her three previous Cranky Chicken books, Battersby’s illustrations share just as much responsibility for telling the story as the dialogue does. Every shift in paneling, from the familiar three panel strip to the sudden full-page spread or vertical sequence, supports the story’s pace and tone. Every panel propels the story forward while helping shape how the story is experienced. The pastel palette softens the world, making it approachable, while the character’s exaggerated expressions and animated gestures burst with energy and humour.
The magic of this world lies in the balance between its playful silliness and genuine emotional beats. Young readers will laugh alongside the banter, humour and word play, but they will also see familiar challenges of friendship and understanding as Cranky and Speedy learn, trip, and grow, in spite of it all. Battersby captures these moments with a deft touch that keeps the story accessible without losing momentum in the narrative. It’s a story that invites re-reading, both for the jokes tucked away into the illustrations and for the gentle lessons woven into the antics.
Together, these three latest adventures are a must-read expansion into the Cranky Chicken series. Its blend of humour, heart, and high energy will not only leave readers satisfied, but also eager to see where Cranky and Speedy head off to next.
This series is an excellent choice for kids aged 6-9 who are moving into graphic novels and for readers who love quirky animal characters and odd-couple friendships. Fans of Ben Clanton’s Narwhal and Jelly and Aaron Blabey’s The Bad Guys will feel right at home here.
Ross Christopher Fairbairn was born and raised on a semi private island just off the south coast of Vancouver, BC, called Lulu. Most people called it Richmond. He usually does, too.
Ross is a Canadian songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and educator based in New Westminster, B.C. With more than two decades of experience performing and recording, he is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia, where his work spans lyric writing for musicals and children’s writing for picture books. Alongside his academic and musical projects, he teaches ukulele, guitar, banjo, bass and piano to students of all ages. His debut EP, Finally, At Last was released in June 2025, and now he’s preparing a full length follow up, Up To Now, for a 2026 release.
YOUNG ADULTING 