The Trouble With Chickens

Jonathan Joseph Tully, or J.J., is the protagonist of the novel. J.J. is a former search-and-rescue dog and reveals he has all the right qualities for the job: strength, perseverance, and obedience. At the beginning of the book, J.J. is often grumpy and cynical. His inner thoughts and dialogue reveal that he has a low opinion of his life on the farm and of the other animals he shares it with. He considers his retired life boring and mundane.

J.J. dislikes his chicken neighbors, who he finds irritating and silly. He refers to Moosh as “that crazy chicken” and describes Dirt and Sugar as “crazy chicks” and “two feather balls” (4, 6). J.J. frequently expresses his dissatisfaction with them. For instance, he admits that the chickens get on his nerves or that Sugar reminded him of a splinter: “It bothered me, and I was in a much better mood when it was gone” (19). In spite of his bitterness toward the chicken family, J.J. feels compelled to help Moosh find her missing chicks. His dedication to solving this mystery shows his strong sense of responsibility and perseverance.

In addition to his integrity and sense of responsibility, the author depicts J.