Michael Parkin grew up in the countryside around Hampshire and Surrey. He graduated from Kingston University with a first-class degree in 2014 and has since been working as a freelance illustrator for clients including; Ladybird Books, The Natural History Museum, The NY Times and Magic Cat. Narrative and humour have always shone through in Michael's work, leading to him getting shortlisted for the AOI Awards multiple times and winning 2nd prize in the Jonathan Cape/Observer/Comica graphic short story prize.

Make time for this giggle-worthy barnyard tale.A rooster encounters on-the-job stress.Farmer Tony presents Ronnie, the new rooster, to an assembly of cheerful animals. Though Ronnie's friendly and eager to join the farm, his timing is off. He crows during dinner but is silent early the next morning, and the other animals sleep in. "WRONG TIME, ROOSTER!" the others cheer when Ronnie cock-a-doodles at inopportune moments. Farmer Tony has a talk with Ronnie, who confides that he's been fired from every job he's ever had and then blurts out: "Nobody ever taught me how to tell the time!" His revelation will resonate with anyone who's ever felt out of their element. Ronnie's sure he'll be let go, but the supportive cast swings into action, teaching him how to tell time and, more importantly, making him feel part of the team. Though Parkin covers familiar ground, the narrative flows well, and vulnerable, angsty Ronnie will soften hearts. An especially endearing image depicts him nervously holding a cup of coffee, surrounded by ticking clocks, as the light-skinned, white-haired Farmer Tony approaches. Chunky illustrations that rely on pleasant primary colors match warm, playful text. Opportunities for call and response abound with the refrains "Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!" and "WRONG TIME, ROOSTER!"Make time for this giggle-worthy barnyard tale. (Picture book. 4-7)