Many kids are fascinated with chickens, and some may even have one as a pet or a small flock in the backyard. What they may not understand is the chicken's life cycle, which is where this entry in the Life Cycles series (6 titles) comes into play. Holmes first introduces the life cycle of a person and then proceeds to do the same for a chicken. From egg, hatchling, and fluffy chick to juvenile, adult, and elder adult, she reveals that a chicken may live as long as eight years. With numerous colorful photographs and spare, well-written text in an easy-to-read font, this book is divided into two-page topical sections that present chicken behavior and fun facts. Back matter includes a glossary and an index but offers no resources for further exploration.