Author(s): Joy Cowley

Children & Young Adult

A feel-good story about Josh, and his cantankerous pet hen, Semolina. Semolina can talk and in return for prawn crackers and the odd beer, she tells Josh all the animal gossip. The problem is that no one believes she can talk and Josh's warning about a fox on the loose in the chicken house is laughed at - until it is too late. Underscored by the drama of Josh's mother having to stay in hospital until her new baby is born. 'Son, we're not good layers.'this story has an appealing humorous, folksy feel.