Note: I received an unbound proof of this book from the publisher. ( )

This charming book about pysanky eggs is a bit like Frederick with chickens. ( )

Living amid a group of hens and one rooster, whom everyone thought was female until he developed into a male, P. Zonka is an artist among hens. Rather than laying eggs like her companions, she would rather study the sky, the clouds, the blueness of it all, and the green glow of the grass. Seeing life in nature and patterns, P. Zonka is happy.

Yet, being nagged by others can be annoying. When she is goaded into trying to lay just one egg, she does so. And, what an egg it is. It is not white, or brown -- it is multicolored, swirling like the clouds and sky, blue and green like the sky and earth.

Noting an inspiration for this book based on the Ukrainian tradition of pysanky, or the decorating of eggs, the author/illustrator weaves a magical tale of independence, or appreciation of nature and fitting in by following examples, yet, while staying true to oneself.

Highly recommended both for the story and the illustrations.

beautiful illustrations; wonderful story ( )

An amusing story about an unusual hen who lays even more unusual eggs. Beautiful, colorful folk art illustrations. ( )