1 / 2What the Chicken Knows: A New Appreciation of the World's Most Familiar Bird — Illustrated Edition
Appreciation World's Most Familiar Bird: What the Chicken Knows is Sy Montgomery’s short, illustrated exploration of chickens, combining personal stories about her flock with observations about chicken behaviour and communication. At 96 pages, it is a compact read for curious readers, rather than a practical guide to raising poultry.
At a glance
- Pairs the author's personal experiences with her chickens and natural-history observations.
- The listing describes chicken personalities, social relationships, memory and distinct calls.
- A short illustrated edition with a listed length of 96 pages.
Reference price: $26.99
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact length makes it a manageable choice for readers seeking a brief natural-history book.
- Its mix of personal narrative and science offers more than a practical poultry-keeping manual.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Atria Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | Nov. 5 2024 |
| Edition | Illustrated |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 96 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1668047365 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1668047361 |
| Weight listed | 204 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.7 x 1.52 x 18.1 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in animal behaviour and the relationship between people and chickens.
- Fans of Sy Montgomery's nature writing.
- Those looking for a short illustrated book about chickens rather than a husbandry handbook.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking detailed step-by-step instructions for raising or caring for chickens.
- Readers looking for a long or comprehensive scientific reference.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
71% 71% - 4 stars
19% 19% - 3 stars
6% 6% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback describes the book as compelling, well-written and insightful, with appreciation for examples of chickens' curiosity and the author's work. This fits the listing's combination of personal narrative and natural-history observations. Aggregate ratings lean positive, but they do not reveal what prompted less favourable ratings or establish that the book suits readers seeking a practical care manual.
Positive themes
- Readers describe the writing and content as compelling and well-written.
- The customer summary highlights real examples of chicken curiosity and an informative approach.
- Readers express appreciation for the author's work.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a practical guide to raising chickens?
The listing presents it as a personal and science-informed exploration of chickens, not as a step-by-step poultry-keeping manual.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 96 pages, and the edition is identified as illustrated.
What topics does the book cover?
The description discusses chickens' personalities, social relationships, memory and communication, alongside the author's experiences with her flock.
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