Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? is a series of illustrations by famous children’s book illustrators that give the punch line to the gag.  The list of illustrators is amazing with people like Marla Frazee, Mo Willems, David Shannon, Tedd Arnold, Jerry Pinkney and many many others.  Some of the spreads are wordless, others offer a punchline.  It is a book that showcases the breadth of talent and types of art happening in children’s literature today.  Anyone who loves picture books will find themselves happily turning from page to page, immediately recognizing the style of almost every illustrator.  The joy is seeing the art one after the other, like a visual who’s who of children’s artists. 

This was a joy.  It can be shared with children, especially those who enjoy art and will like looking at each piece slowly.  Children who have read a lot of books will also enjoy seeing their favorite artists next to others that they don’t know.  Pure children’s lit fun.