Mem Fox’s Early One Morning is a charming and whimsical picture book that delights in the small adventures of a determined little boy—and the hen who trails behind him. As a reader, I was immediately drawn to the lighthearted tone and the playful journey that unfolds with each page turn.

The story follows a young boy sent out to find something for breakfast. He sets off “looking everywhere,” crossing fields, climbing hills, and circling ponds—all while completely unaware that what he’s searching for is actually right back at the house in the chicken coop. The humor builds gently, with the hen following behind, growing more confused as the boy searches for something that lays eggs, all without ever mentioning the word egg throughout the book.

The joy of this book lies not only in its clever storytelling but also in its artwork. Christine Davenier’s pen and ink wash illustrations are soft, expressive, and filled with energy. The loose, flowing lines and gentle color washes perfectly capture the whimsy of the narrative and mirror the wandering, curious spirit of the young boy. The illustrations bring a sense of movement and personality to both characters—especially the hen, whose growing bewilderment adds a hilarious undercurrent to the story.

I especially love how this book combines the ordinary with the imaginative. The idea that a simple task—finding breakfast—can turn into a grand, looping adventure speaks to the way children explore the world: with open hearts and boundless curiosity.

Early One Morning is a delightful read-aloud with humor, heart, and just enough repetition to invite young readers to join in. It’s a wonderful choice for storytime, early readers, or any child who has ever taken the long way around to find something right in front of them.