Chook Doolan: Un-happy camper by James Roy

Ill. by Lucinda Gifford. Chook Doolan series. Walker Books Australia, 2017. ISBN 9781925381573
(Age: 5-7) Recommended. Themes: Worry, Family life, School stories, Camping, Self-confidence. Author James Roy's Chook Doolan stories are easy to read; they explore real life situations, emotions, family problems and school dramas. He understands the need for accessible stories with simple sentences, short chapters, with large font and black and white illustrations to support the emergent reader.
Simon Henry Doolan is a chicken, a real worrier, and his nickname of course is Chook. He worries about things at home, going to sleep at night and when things change at school. When Mum reads the school newsletter announcement about Mr Rashid's class camp Chook is horrified. His imagination runs wild, and he stresses about many concerns - over liking the food, snakes, homesickness, and is the hospital close to the campsite? His Mum even packs his bag while Chook watches a movie at his best friend's house. He is adamant he is not going camping with his class. Luckily, for this young boy, there is a surprise waiting for him at school!
Chook Doolan: Un-happy camper is a relatable and fun story for young boys and girls. James Roy's Chook Doolan chapter book series are a great reading resource for Junior Primary classes, with their realistic characters dealing with relatable situations.
Rhyllis Bignell