Somewhere between the therapy chickens, the backyard coops and the chicken themed everything, it became official: we love chickens. This is the book for everyone who has fallen, whether they keep a flock or simply admire one over a fence.

Jessica Ford tells the story of chickens from the beginning: where they came from, how they are put together, how to choose the right breed, what is actually happening with eggs, and the truly gorgeous breeds that stop people mid sentence, from the glamorous silkie onward. It is genuinely informative and never dry, the facts arriving with the delight of someone who finds hens as funny and beautiful as you do.

Amy Holliday's watercolors carry every page, hens and roosters and nests of eggs painted with real affection on a teal patterned ground, with gold foil lettering on the cover. A 144 page hardcover in a small giftable format, published by William Collins. The right present for the chicken person in your life, including when that person is you.