In just a few hours, I’ll be interviewing Jan Brett about her newest book “Cinders – A Cinderella story.” As anyone who even lives on the periphery of the chicken world knows, Jan, besides being an incredible artist and author (she’s sold over 38 million books) also raises award winning Black Polish hens.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jan (you really should click on that link to read that story of meeting Jan) and seeing her chickens in action at the Northeastern Poultry Congress.
All are stunning.
Jan always brings birds to sell at the event and she has a few requirements if you want to purchase any. First, she only sells them in pairs – a male and a female. Second, she sends you home with documentation on how to take care of your newest flock members (complete with her own illustrations.)
And she talks to you. Jan is very gracious at all the poultry shows I’ve ever seen her at. She allows photos, she talks to anyone who has questions about her birds or chickens in general, and she always pays particular attention to the kids.
One year I even met a young girl who had raised and was showing a “Jan Brett Polish Hen.” Jan had helped this young girl out and had coached her on raising Polish hens. The youngster couldn’t have been prouder of her show entry.
You don’t become a beloved children’s author/illustrator if you don’t have a huge heart.
And the fact that Jan has been able to use her talent in a way to depict chickens is nothing but a joy. Next time you are in a book store, just pick up a copy of Cinders and you’ll know what I mean.
She’s captured shy chickens, bossy ones, and even the pride of roosters.
Jan, whose flock includes several breeds of chickens, understands, truly understands that chickens have different and distinct personalities, and that chickens are gentle creatures.
It’s quite obvious that not only has Jan noticed this, but she respects and honors it as only an artist can.
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Wendy Thomas writes about the lessons learned while raising children and chickens in New Hampshire. Contact her at [email protected]
Also, join me on Facebook to find out more about the flock (children and chickens) and see some pretty funny chicken jokes, photos of tiny houses, and even a recipe or two.
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