It’s Chicken’s second birthday today, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that my first feathered picture book protagonist is still out there, trying to take naps and avoid smelly barnyard cows.
There’s been so much to be grateful for these last two years as an author – including my wonderful editor on Chicken Wants a Nap, Amy Novesky, the beautiful art of Monique Felix, the whole team at Creative Editions, and the response from both child and adult readers! (Yes, I still have my two first pieces of Chicken fan mail, Melody and Joy!)
The critical reception has also been lovely, and I’m so humbled by the starred Kirkus review, a lovely review in School Library Journal, the inclusion of Chicken on Fuse #8’s 2017 Picture Book Round Up by Betsy Bird and the 2019 nomination for the Bridge to Reading Picture Book Awards by the Youth Services Subdivision of the Iowa Library Association.
I also want to thank all my fellow picture book authors and readers who have hosted me on their blogs, or retweeted/shared about Chicken. And of course my #TeamMarchini clients, who have been so supportive of me and each other as we all write and publish for young readers!

Signing copies of Chicken Wants a Nap at Trident Books
So to celebrate, I’m giving away a signed copy of Chicken Wants a Nap, along with some of my wonderful #TeamMarchini books as an agent (including a surprise bonus book!)
To Enter the Giveaway:
Leave a comment on this post by midnight EST on August 31st. (If you’ve never commented on this blog before, don’t worry if it doesn’t show up at first. I moderate, but check back again as I review.) One comment/entry per person, please.
Librarian/teacher bonus: If you are a teacher or librarian entering on behalf of your classroom library, please note that in the comments for an extra entry!
I’ll randomly draw a winner using the old name in a hat method. Because of shipping, this contest is limited to the continental US. (I wish I could expand, I really do.) Prize cannot be redeemed for cash or other books, etc.
Good luck, and thank you so much for your interest in Chicken and my clients’ books!
For a personalized, autographed copy, you can pre-order from The Silver Unicorn!
"A surprising gem." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Chicken Wants a Nap is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and your favorite independent bookstore!
Congrats! Love all the fun with chicken!
I’m not at all chicken to jump in and scratch my comments on the blog. So happy for you and your success! Keep cluckin’ Lynne Marie
That’s great!! Congrats on the success!
That’s awesome! Congratulations!!!
Congrats to Chicken and to all the #TeamMarchini books. I am an elementary librarian in Reading, PA. May you continue to have these literary successes!
Strut, Strut, Strut! All the way to the pillows! Congratulations to you and to Chicken! What wonderful news and a fabulous nighttime read! So tickled for you with ruffled feathers galore!
I’ll feeling a bit “peckish” for birthday cake after seeing this great news. Congratulations!
Two years! Definitely something to crow about! Congratulations.
Congratulations to you, Tracy, to Chicken and to all your #TeamMarchini books. I am not a teacher but my daughter is a lower elementary teacher in a Montessori school in South Carolina. We both wish you success in all your future endeavors. Forward…read!!!
Love your books
Live your site
Congratulations
Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing what other great books you and your clients put out!
Congratulations on 2 years! I remember the book launch, and I’m glad it’s been successful for you. As a teacher, I’m always looking for fun, imaginative books to read to students.
Happy 2nd Birthday, Chicken! Congrats, Tracy! Now excuse me – I need a nap!
Congrats on your second anniversary for Chicken Wants A Nap. You’re blessed to have a great team.
Congrats!! Your books are all so fabulous!
Dear Chicken, I want a nap, too. From another chicken-loving writer, author of “Book! Book! Book!” If I win, I’ll send you my book,
Congratulations, Tracy! And Happy Birthday, Chicken! I am an elementary school librarian, and I know my students would love this fabulous collection of books!
I love the illustrations! Would love to add these to my Art/Media classroom!
Hi! I am 2nd grade teacher and would loveeee to win the book my classroom! The whole 2nd grade is participating in the “Picture Book a Day Challenge” and I would love to add this to our list and share with my grade level!
Congrats and Happy Birthday, Chicken!
2 years is lots to crow about! Congratulations! I love your newsletter with lots of hints for writers.
Congratulations! The students that come to my school library would love this.
Congrats on 2 yrs!! How exciting! Thx for the fun giveaway
Happy Birthday Chicken!!
If I am lucky enough to win, the books will be shared with my granddaughter and children in my neighborhood who know I am a “Children’s Book Lady.’
Oh, congrats! Your book is now a toddler! 😊 I’m a Media Specialist in a Pre-K to 2nd grade school who would love these titles!
Yay! So much love to you and #teammarchini- an amazingly talented group of writers and a fantastic set of books.
Happy Book Anniversary Tracy!! Cheers to many more…for everyone:>
Congratulations on 2 years and an amazing reception! I’d love any of these lovelies for my classroom library (I teach 2nd-5th therapeutic special ed). I’m also keeping my fingers crossed that you reopen to queries soon!
Congratulations on your book birthday! This is such a great collection of PBs. I hope I win! 😉
Happy 2nd Birthday, Chicken!
*Cluck Cluck cluck cluck. Cluck Cluck cluck cluck. Cluck Cluck cluck Cluck. Cluck Cluck cluck cluck!* (sings Happy Birthday in 🐔)
Congratulations on Two Year Anniversary of this Blog. I look forward each month to read about new books for my classroom’s library. Please, put in an extra ticket for my kiddos. THANKS!
Happy 2 year anniversary! What fun being part of the Quacktory. Thank you for this opportunity and congratulations!
I love a good Chicken book! Happy birthday.
Congratulations on your anniversary and many successes. Chickens are great characters for books. I’m working on one now. My entry is for my son’s school library. Thank you for the opportunity.
Yes please put my name in the hat. Thanks!
Happy second birthday, Chicken! Wishing you naps and other good things.
Happy hatch day chicken!