Literary Executive Review: Danna Southwell, “Bertha the Ordinary Chicken”

by ReadersMagnet | December 8, 2025 | Literary Executive Review | 0 Comments

Bertha the Ordinary Chicken by Danna Southwell is a charming and touching story that honors bravery, kindness, and the beauty of individuality.

It appears to be the tale of a little-known girl discovering her role in the world. But beneath the feathers and farmyard setting lies a universal message for readers of all ages — that every individual, no matter how ordinary they may seem, holds a spark of extraordinary purpose.

This charming children’s book arrives as a tender reminder in a noisy world that often overlooks the quiet, the humble, and the kind. Southwell’s storytelling doesn’t just entertain — it uplifts, inviting families to slow down, gather together, and rediscover the value of gentleness, bravery, and belonging.

A Story that Begins with the “Least Likely” Hero

At the heart of the story is Bertha, a small chick born into a brood of more glamorous and confident siblings. She’s named last, often ignored, and quietly left out of the pecking order — a metaphor every child (and adult) can understand. While her brothers and sisters strut and preen, Bertha observes, dreams, and does her best to help.

But the beauty of Bertha the Ordinary Chicken is how Danna Southwell transforms the ordinary into the unforgettable. When danger arrives — a raccoon threatening the safety of the flock — it’s not the boldest or loudest bird who saves the day. It’s Bertha, with her unshakable kindness and courage, who rises to the occasion. Her once-overlooked voice, her loud and startling cackle, becomes the very thing that protects everyone.

In one powerful moment, the story reveals what Southwell has been gently teaching all along: sometimes the qualities that make us feel invisible are the ones that can change everything.

A Moral That Resonates Beyond the Barnyard

Every children’s story carries a lesson, but few do it with such grace and simplicity. Southwell’s message is clear but never heavy-handed: our worth is not defined by how others see us, but by what we carry within.

For young readers, Bertha’s courage offers reassurance. For parents, it’s a poignant reminder of how important it is to nurture every child’s individuality — even when it doesn’t shine right away. And for educators, it’s a powerful starting point for discussions about empathy, inclusion, and valuing every voice in the room.

In a world where social comparison starts younger and younger, Bertha the Ordinary Chicken becomes more than a bedtime story — it becomes an emotional compass.

The Heart of the Story: Writing with Warmth and Wisdom

From a writer’s perspective, Danna Southwell’s prose has the cadence of a classic storyteller — clear, rhythmic, and emotionally attuned to her audience. She doesn’t rely on exaggerated humor or complex phrasing; instead, she uses warmth, pacing, and sincerity to draw readers into the barnyard world.

Each page flows naturally, making it ideal for read-aloud sessions between parents and children. The narrative voice has the comforting tone of a grandparent recounting a beloved family tale — calm, vivid, and full of heart.

Southwell’s language feels musical, which comes as no surprise considering her background in music education. The rhythm of her sentences almost mimics a gentle lullaby, carrying the reader forward with a sense of safety and familiarity. Her storytelling reflects a teacher’s patience and a mother’s heart — qualities that infuse Bertha’s journey with authenticity.

The Cover: A Picture of Charm and Symbolism

The cover of Bertha the Ordinary Chicken is instantly endearing. Against a soft, pastel backdrop, Bertha stands front and center — a plump, golden-feathered hen with a humble expression and bright, curious eyes. There’s nothing ostentatious or over-stylized about her appearance, and that’s exactly what makes the artwork so effective.

The illustrator has captured the essence of Bertha’s character in a single glance: she’s ordinary, yes, but she radiates warmth. Her feathers are textured in gentle strokes, and the surrounding details — the barnyard hints, the faint sunlight, the simple layout — create a visual language of simplicity and sincerity.

Even the color palette tells a story. The use of warm yellows, soft creams, and muted reds evokes feelings of comfort and homeliness. It reminds readers of sunny farm mornings and the innocence of childhood curiosity. The typography complements this aesthetic perfectly: friendly, rounded letters that invite young readers without overwhelming the design.

From a design standpoint, the cover achieves something rare — it visually reinforces the very theme of the book. It’s not flashy, but it’s unforgettable. Like Bertha herself, it wins you over quietly and completely.

Lessons Wrapped in Feathers

What makes Bertha the Ordinary Chicken so special is its universal emotional reach. Children may see themselves in Bertha’s struggle to be noticed; adults may recognize their own past feelings of invisibility or self-doubt.

The story opens doors to meaningful conversations:

• How do we treat those who seem different?
• What does it mean to be brave when no one expects you to be?
• How do small acts of kindness change entire communities?

These are not just questions for children — they are questions for families, teachers, and even workplaces. Southwell’s ability to weave these themes into a light, engaging story is what elevates Bertha the Ordinary Chicken from a simple picture book to an enduring parable of self-acceptance.

From an Educator’s and Family Perspective

As an experienced educator herself, Danna Southwell brings an instinctive understanding of how children learn moral lessons through storytelling. She doesn’t preach; she invites reflection. The narrative gently guides young readers to conclusions they can discover on their own — that kindness is strength, that differences make communities richer, and that bravery doesn’t always look like what we expect.

For families, this book becomes a wonderful tool for connection. It’s the kind of story parents will read aloud at bedtime, perhaps smiling knowingly at Bertha’s small triumphs. Grandparents will find in it echoes of the fables they once loved. Even teachers will see its classroom value — it encourages discussions on empathy, courage, and recognizing self-worth.

It’s also a story with longevity. While written for children, its message continues to resonate with teens and adults. It reminds us that we all, at one point, have been Bertha — hoping to be seen for who we truly are.

The Author Behind the Story

Danna Southwell’s background enriches every page of her book. A mother of six and grandmother of fifteen, she writes from a lifetime of nurturing hearts and minds. Her degree in Elementary Education and her decades of experience teaching piano reveal her deep understanding of rhythm, patience, and creative expression.

Her life story mirrors the compassion and courage she writes about — from serving humanitarian missions in Turkey and Serbia to directing school choirs that once performed at the Medal of Freedom Ceremony for President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. These experiences reflect the same spirit that animates Bertha the Ordinary Chicken: humility, service, and the quiet power of doing good.

Southwell doesn’t just tell stories; she lives the lessons she imparts. That authenticity shines through in every word she writes.

From a Brand and Market Perspective

From a publishing standpoint, Bertha the Ordinary Chicken is a standout in the children’s literature market. Its core themes — kindness, self-discovery, and acceptance — align with current educational and parenting priorities that emphasize emotional intelligence and inclusivity.

Marketing opportunities for Bertha the Ordinary Chicken extend beyond retail sales. It’s well-suited for classroom readings, storytime programs in libraries, children’s ministry lessons, and even motivational sessions in schools that teach empathy and inclusivity.

Because of its positive message and family appeal, it also fits beautifully in gift bundles for holidays, Easter baskets, or back-to-school seasons — moments when families reflect on values and renewal.

Why “Ordinary” is the New Extraordinary

At its heart, Bertha the Ordinary Chicken challenges the idea that being special means standing out. Southwell’s story teaches that greatness often grows quietly — in small choices, in acts of love, in standing firm when it matters most.

In today’s fast-paced culture that celebrates visibility and perfection, Bertha’s quiet heroism feels revolutionary. Her courage doesn’t come from being loud or flashy; it comes from being herself. That is the kind of story children remember — and adults need.

Conclusion

Bertha the Ordinary Chicken isn’t just a children’s story — it’s a gentle reminder to every reader that kindness and courage are never wasted. Danna Southwell has crafted a modern fable that will sit comfortably alongside the great moral stories of our time. It’s a story about seeing the value in what’s simple, celebrating what’s ordinary, and discovering that the most powerful voices sometimes begin as whispers.

Families will cherish it, teachers will recommend it, and children will carry Bertha’s lesson in their hearts: that they, too, can make a difference — even if they don’t feel extraordinary.

Buy this book:

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