New ArrivalsHealth & WellnessValentine’s DayClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesHomeKitchen & DiningGroceryHousehold EssentialsFurnitureOutdoor Living & GardenBabyToysVideo GamesElectronicsMovies, Music & BooksBeautyPersonal CareGift IdeasParty SuppliesCharacter ShopSports & OutdoorsBackpacks & LuggageSchool & Office SuppliesPetsUlta Beauty at TargetTarget OpticalGift CardsBullseye’s PlaygroundDealsClearanceTarget New Arrivals Target Finds #TargetStyleHanukkahStore EventsAsian-Owned Brands at TargetBlack-Owned or Founded Brands at TargetLatino-Owned Brands at TargetWomen-Owned Brands at TargetLGBTQIA+ ShopTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores
Interrupting Chicken Saves the Nutcracker - by  David Ezra Stein (Hardcover) - 1 of 1

Interrupting Chicken Saves the Nutcracker - by David Ezra Stein (Hardcover)

$13.99 was $16.89
New lower price save $2.90 (17% reduction)

In Stock

Eligible for registries and wish lists

Sponsored

About this item

Highlights

  • "Stein's metafictive narrative is sidesplittingly funny, capturing with aplomb young children's endearingly exasperating tendency to speak up when it's least convenient.
  • 4-8 Years
  • 8.8" x 10.8" Hardcover
  • 48 Pages
  • Juvenile Fiction, Holidays & Celebrations
  • Series Name: Interrupting Chicken

Description



About the Book



"It's winter vacation for the little red chicken and, with promises of best behavior, she's on her way to see The Nutcracker with Papa. She can't wait! In fact, she's so excited that Papa is worried she might get a little carried away. Take your seats and get ready to giggle as a certain irrepressible audience member dances onstage at key moments, determined to save the nutcracker from that bully Fritz and the sword-wielding Mouse King. But what happens when a revered classic has its storyline turned on its head? In this special holiday tale for loyal followers and new fans alike, David Ezra Stein moves the meta from page to stage as Chicken gleefully breaks the fourth wall"--



Book Synopsis



"Stein's metafictive narrative is sidesplittingly funny, capturing with aplomb young children's endearingly exasperating tendency to speak up when it's least convenient." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

At her first ballet ever, can an excitable little Chicken resist helping the story along? Fans will cheer as their favorite interrupter puts her spin on a beloved holiday classic.

"Hi, Clara! Like my tutu?"
"Ahem," said the narrator.
"Chicken!" said Papa. "You can't go onstage!"

It's winter vacation for the little red chicken and, with promises of best behavior, she's on her way to see The Nutcracker with Papa. She can't wait! In fact, she's so excited that Papa is worried she might get a little carried away . . . Take your seats and get ready to giggle as a certain irrepressible audience member dances onstage at key moments, determined to save the nutcracker from that bully Fritz and the sword-wielding Mouse King. But what happens when a revered classic has its storyline turned on its head? In this special holiday tale for loyal followers and new fans alike, David Ezra Stein moves the meta from page to stage as Chicken gleefully breaks the fourth wall.



Review Quotes




Stein's metafictive narrative is sidesplittingly funny, capturing with aplomb young children's endearingly exasperating tendency to speak up when it's least convenient. . . . Interrupt your holiday hustle-bustle for this delightful read.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

As in the previous books, Stein's high-energy mixed-media illustrations, created using pen and ink, watercolor crayons, and tea, reflect the tone of the narrative. A mischievous, ingenious, amusing take on the annual tradition of enjoying performances of The Nutcracker.
--Booklist

There'snever a dull moment with the Interrupting Chicken around. . . .Children who love other stories in the series, as well as those who are new to Interrupting Chicken, will enjoy this book.
--School Library Journal

Stein offers readers a taste of the ballet's story in between Chicken's interjections--some humorous (showing off her tutu), some with the best of intentions (saving the nutcracker from a bully)--which eventually get them kicked out of the theater. Luckily, her knack for storytelling saves the show, with her crayon-drawn version of The Nutcracker adding extra playfulness to Stein's bold and vibrant mixed-media illustrations.
--The Horn Book



About the Author



David Ezra Stein is the author-illustrator of many picture books, including the Caldecott Honor Book Interrupting Chicken and its sequels; I'm My Own Dog; Ice Boy; and Dinosaur Kisses. He lives with his family in Kew Gardens, New York.
Dimensions (Overall): 8.8 Inches (H) x 10.8 Inches (W) x .4 Inches (D)
Weight: 1.1 Pounds
Suggested Age: 4-8 Years
Number of Pages: 48
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Sub-Genre: Holidays & Celebrations
Series Title: Interrupting Chicken
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Theme: Holiday, Christian
Format: Hardcover
Author: David Ezra Stein
Language: English
Street Date: September 9, 2025
TCIN: 94465967
UPC: 9781536207798
Item Number (DPCI): 247-29-5495
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.4 inches length x 10.8 inches width x 8.8 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.1 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.

Related Categories

5.0 out of 5 stars with 2 reviews
100% would recommend
1 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
28 December, 2025

Unlike Any Nutcracker Performance You’ve Seen

Chicken goes to see The Nutcracker, but can’t help herself, and keeps interrupting the performance by jumping on the stage. Each time she does it bring hilarious results. First, she does it to show Clara her tutu. Next, she does it to save the nutcracker from Fritz. Finally, she interrupts to break up the fight between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker—and that causes them to be kicked out. But without Chicken, the show can’t go on. She saves the day with even more crazy, funny results. Children will love this story, it is very funny, and they just might see themselves in some of the things chicken does. If you are familiar with The Nutcracker, you will laugh even more. Her poor Papa is beside himself. The back of the book features Chicken's Nutcracker Game, it too, is hilarious! Children ages three through eight will enjoy this book. Thanks to Candlewick Press for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.
Tickmenot
Did you find this review helpful?

Get top deals, latest trends, and more.

Privacy policy

Footer

About Us

About TargetCareersNews & BlogTarget BrandsBullseye ShopSustainability & GovernancePress CenterAdvertise with UsInvestorsAffiliates & PartnersSuppliersTargetPlus

Help

Target HelpReturnsTrack OrdersRecallsContact UsFeedbackAccessibilitySecurity & FraudTeam Member ServicesLegal & Privacy

Stores

Find a StoreClinicPharmacyTarget OpticalMore In-Store Services

Services

Target Circle™Target Circle™ CardTarget Circle 360™Target AppRegistrySame Day DeliveryOrder PickupDrive UpFree 2-Day ShippingShipping & DeliveryMore Services
PinterestFacebookInstagramXYoutubeTiktokTermsCA Supply ChainPrivacy PolicyCA Privacy RightsYour Privacy ChoicesInterest Based AdsHealth Privacy Policy