Beaky Barnes: Egg on the Loose - by David Ezra Stein

About the Book

Beaky Barnes, a no-nonsense chicken who's determined to save her desirable egg, must outwit a hungry inspector, a desperate chef, and an entrepreneurial woman on her tail to make her escape.

Book Synopsis

Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein takes readers on a slapstick journey in his debut graphic novel series, featuring Beaky Barnes, a no-nonsense chicken who's determined to save her desirable egg. But with a hungry inspector, a desperate chef, and an entrepreneurial woman on her tail, Beaky has to use every tool in her chicken coop to make her grand escape.

All the inspector wanted was an egg to go in his sandwich, so he heads to the cafe. The problem? The town is entirely out of eggs, and the local chef is panicked. Luckily, he spots a lovely duo having lunch: a woman and a chicken named Beaky Barnes. It's his lucky day. But when the woman and Beaky have a fight over an offensive business arrangement (chicken-pulled coach service, anyone?), chaos ensues. With a chicken on the run, and an inspector and woman in hot pursuit, three stories emerge with hilarious results!

With laugh-out-loud madcap comedy on every page, David Ezra Stein's (Caldecott Honor winner of Interrupting Chicken) signature humor is on full display in this debut graphic novel!

Review Quotes

"Stein's instantly recognizable illustrations, rendered in ballpoint pen and digitally enhanced watercolor, are alive with color and action, bringing this dramedy to its satisfying conclusion. Readers will be pleased to know this is not the last they'll see of Beaky Barnes."--Kirkus, starred review

"Readers will find new gags to giggle at with repeat viewings and will look forward to future comic encounters with Beaky and friends."--The Horn Book Magazine

"Increasingly hilarious high jinks that ultimately culminate in a delightful conclusion. Stein's signature watercolor and ink illustrations burst with humor and action on every spread, coupled flawlessly with clever wordplay and amusing dialogue. Readers will be eager for more of Beaky's adventures. Highly recommended."--School Library Journal

"In inky cartoon panels that cross the narrative irreverence of the Marx Brothers with the breakneck silliness of French farce, Stein's story affirms the folly of pigeonholing anyone--even a very big chicken."--Publishers Weekly

"Full of ridiculous characters, zany antics, and tongue-in-cheek humor, this rollicking tale's absurd storyline and wry humor calls up classic cartoon comedies such as Rocky and Bullwinkle or Looney Tunes and will keep even reluctant readers turning the pages."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A madcap tale, drawn with strong kinetic lines and jolts of color. Young readers ages will be glad to know that Egg on the Loose is the inaugural title of a planned series"--The Wall Street Journal

About the Author

Award-winning children's author and illustrator David Ezra Stein (he/him) was born in Brooklyn, New York. His works include Interrupting Chicken, Leaves, Monster Hug!, Tad and Dad, Pouch!, and Ol' Mama Squirrel. In addition to winning the Ezra Jack Keats award in 2008 and a Caldecott Honor in 2011, Stein's books have been named to several major book lists, such as Publishers Weekly's Best Book of the Year, Kirkus Reviews' Editor's Choice, and School Library Journal's Best Book. He lives in Kew Gardens, New York, with wife, Miriam, and their son, Sam.