The best feel-good Christmas book for chicken lovers: "Cinders - A Chicken Cinderella".

What's it about?

It's the classic Cinderella story, but with a delightful twist.

Set in a snow-covered Russian winter, "Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella" reimagines every character as a feathered friend.

There's Tasha, the kind young girl who cares for the chickens (and spoils them with oatmeal – sound familiar?!), her father, and a barnyard full of birds. The elegant Prince Cockerel rules the roost, while the "ugly sisters", Pecky and Bossy, strut about under the watchful eye of their mother, Largessa.

And then there’s the Fairy Godmother: a Silkie, naturally!

If you keep chickens, you'll recognise every personality: the bossy one, the dreamer, the peacemaker, the pullet who always gets left out.

It’s a witty, heartwarming retelling that’s perfect for reading aloud or curling up with on a winter’s evening.

Isn't this just another Christmas book?

Not at all: this one's pure magic.

What sets "Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella" apart are three things: the details, the characters, and the illustrations.

Right from the first line: "Snow on the outside, feathered friends on the inside…", you know you're in for something charming.

The humour is gentle, the wordplay spot-on, and the chickens behave exactly like the ones in your own flock. Each chicken is different, and you'll notice many different breeds, different sizes, different featherings, even their different coloured eggs.

Each page bursts with character and colour. The author's travels through Russia inspired the richly detailed backdrops: snowy barns, onion-domed buildings, candlelit palaces.

The illustrations are exquisite, and the fold-out "ball at the palace" page is so beautiful it practically glows.

This really isn't just another Christmas picture book. It’s a keepsake – one of those rare stories that brings a smile every time you open it.

Who would like it?

Honestly? Almost anyone who loves chickens.

Whether it's a child who collects eggs every morning, or a grandparent who dotes on their backyard flock, "Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella" is the kind of story that brings generations together.

Although the original fairy tale may appeal more to girls, this version, so full of feathers, wit, and charm, works for everyone. I even know a few grandads who read it aloud every Christmas!

If you have children who keep chickens, especially Silkies, they'll be absolutely enchanted by the Fairy Godmother's role. And for grown-ups, it's a beautifully crafted hardback that feels special to hold. A real "keeper" to pass down the years.

In short: this isn't just a book. It's a gift, and it's one that will delight any chicken lover at Christmas.

What are other reviewers saying?

Readers love "Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella" just as much as I do.

There are now nearly three hundred reviews on Amazon, almost all of which are five stars. The comments are full of the same words: beautiful, funny, magical, and charming.

Parents and grandparents especially praise how much fun it is to read aloud. The illustrations earn constant admiration too: people love the richness of the colours and the way each chicken looks like a real breed, complete with accurate personalities and feathering.

A few reviewers seem slightly baffled by the idea of turning Cinderella into a chicken story (clearly not chicken people!), and one person thought the book wasn't "bound", though mine has survived nearly twelve Christmases of small, sticky hands and still looks perfect.

In short: readers call it "a joy from start to finish", "a treasure for every chicken keeper", and "a Christmas tradition in the making".

How many Golden Eggs does it deserve?

If you've read my other reviews, you'll know I rate products by "Golden Eggs": one for "wouldn’t recommend" all the way up to five for "absolutely fabulous, don’t miss this!"

So how does "Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella" score?

Without a doubt, it earns the full basket...

A Fabulous Full Five Golden Eggs!

It's beautifully written, gorgeously illustrated, and heartwarming in every way.

Whether you’re buying it for a child, a friend, or simply for yourself, it's one of those books that becomes part of your Christmas tradition.

Does it have a happily-ever-after ending? 

Well, it follows the Cinderella story, so you can probably guess. But I'm not giving away the details. You'll need to read it to find out!

What I will say is this: "Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella" ends with exactly the kind of glow you want from a Christmas story: hopeful, magical, and full of heart.

Just don't wait too long. It sells out quickly every year, and once it's gone, it's gone until next Christmas.

PS: Want some chicken themed wrapping paper for your Christmas gifts?

I found some seriously cute Christmas chicken-themed wrapping paper on Amazon!

I love it! And I think you will, too.

Looking for more ideas for gifts to give to chicken peeps at Christmas? 

This page will give you some much-needed inspiration.

They're all inexpensive chicken-themed Christmas gifts and ornaments that I've either got myself or have bought for other people, or both!

Just click on the pic.

Do you have a Silkie? Or would you like one?

But they don't do well in cold, muddy places and unfortunately that's exactly what my part of Italy is like in the winter.

If you're looking for a cuddly, friendly, fluffy fairy-godmother of a chicken who's great for children, the Silkie may be ideal for you.

Click on this pic to go to the page which will help you decide.

These useful chicken-related products would make a great gift, too!