Our Next Book Project with a Chicken’s Perspective

Pearl has been quite eager to begin on this next book project. After all, being the last of my backyard chickens, she is now the Editor-in-Chief and she rules the roost!

Let’s begin with a look at our working cover and a bit of an explanation from Pearl.

Pearl had strong feelings about getting this book out to people. It felt like a natural follow up to the other books that she has worked on such as “The Great Gardener’s Son” and “A Curious Garden of Angels.” She originally wanted to call it “Parables of Jesus for Chickens,” but she thought that it might be considered as impolite and calling people “Chickens” or saying that they were afraid.

“But some people become afraid, much like chickens can be when they try to read The Ancient Words, especially The Ancient Words of Jesus,” Pearl insisted. “The words seem too long and difficult and many of those words are ones that you have to go to school to understand.”

“Pearl, I think people will enjoy whatever you have to say about the stories called parables that Jesus told. If anyone can help them hear these stories with new ears and see these stories with new eyes, then that someone is YOU!”

“Will people wonder what kind of chicken a parabolic chicken is?” she asked. “I don’t even know what a parabolic chicken is, and I am a chicken!”

“Don’t you think that will only increases their curiosity?”

“Hmm…” she mused. “Bring me some fresh red grape quarters to munch on, and I’ll give it some thought.”

Pearl spoke after a considerable amount of time and fruit treats. “It does sound mysterious, but I will agree only if we can have titles with the words ‘hen’ and ‘rooster.’ Only then, will I want my name or any chicken’s name associated with the book.”

Trying my best to be considerate of Pearl’s feelings, I suggested, “What if we use two hens dressed up as a farmer and his wife on the cover? People might think ‘hen and rooster’ instead of reading those words. It might be just as good!”

And so that is the story behind this cover which is based on the famous painting titled “American Gothic” by American Artist Grant Wood. (Fun Fact: The Farmer is the artist’s dentist, and the Farmer’s Wife is the artist’s sister.)

Thanks to all of our Friends, Family, and Fans for reading, liking, and sharing! We will keep you in our prayers!

Sincerely,

John and Pearl, (with fond memories of Gracie, Bessie, Blanche, Emily, and Amelia) and our newest Little Buddy, Ernest (an orange ginger-colored stray cat)

Thanks for reading! Will I be able to keep my promise to have the word “chicken” at least once in every Medium story? Find out by subscribing to Medium today as a reader or writer — or both!

Medium membership is the best deal around. Not only do you have a chance to share and earn from your own stories, but you get the bonus of reading a wide variety of amazingly interesting authors. Here are two of our favorites: Lu Skerdoo (who always provides a perfect dose of “chicken soup for the soul,” from warm and sunny California) and Amanda Laughtland (who has a wonderfully unique way at looking at simple things — much the way that Pearl does!) There are many more that we could add to this list, but our space is short!

This story is part of a series. You can find more in this series as they become available by following my list for “The Parabolic Chickens.”