As special events go, March is Women’s History Month, following upon Black History Month in February and preceding National Poetry Month in April. Taking the view that all history makers and writers should be studied and celebrated every month of the year, I enjoy the special notice given to the above three groups.

This March, Kate DiCamillo is the writer I choose to represent women and girls, one with a lighthearted and humorous touch who speaks to the strength and spirit of females, as demonstrated in the wonderful book about Louise.

Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken, is a children’s picture book that would resonate with any of us. Seeking more excitement than the humdrum business of laying eggs on the farm, Louise runs away to sea, where her ship is soon attacked by pirates who view her only as their next meal.

Fortunately, the pirates drown in a storm when their ship goes down, and Louise paddles her makeshift raft to safety and returns to the farm to sleep “the deep and dreamless sleep of the true adventurer.”

Then it’s off to a circus and ultimately to the bazaar in a far-off land, where she is captured once again but taken prisoner. Resourceful Louise picks the lock, frees all the caged chickens, who seem bewildered in their free range, and returns home.

As she shares her adventures with her coop-mates, they find their hearts beating wildly in their breasts, for not only does Louise experience that dreamless adventurer’s sleep, she awakens a desire in the others to see the outside world.

For a more serious take on this month’s honorees, check out the Web site of the National Women’s History Project at NWHP.org. Discover what makes your heart flutter so you can sleep the adventurer’s sleep.