Tag: chicks

Let’s Hatch Chicks!: Explore The Wonderful World Of Chickens And Eggs (Lisa Steele)

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Hello, friends! Our book today is Let’s Hatch Chicks!: Explore The Wonderful World Of Chickens And Eggs, written by Lisa Steele and illustrated by Perry Taylor, an adorably informative instruction book for young poultry enthusiasts.

The book begins by introducing Violet, a Lavender Orpington chicken (based on Steele’s real-life hen) who lives on a sunny farm with a happy herd of chickens in a lovely coop. Violet is ready to become a mommy chicken, and there’s lots to do to prepare for little chicks of her own. The reader follows through the process of egg laying, brooding, hatching, and the early and adolescence of young chickens, and soon, they will be more than prepared to help care for chickens and chicks of their own.

Very cool! The many, many elements of breeding and raising chickens are simplified down to a kid-friendly format, then laid out in a pseudo-story, allowing children to learn as they invest in Violet and her chicks. The information is formatted especially well, making each new piece of information it’s own self-contained section, so as to educate without being too overwhelming or dry. The illustrations also do a great service here, visualizing the animals in a darling yet realistic style that provides engaging visual aides. This isn’t a true storybook, and not for reading in one sitting (though JJ still loved the art), but is a perfect book for families introducing their little ones to chicken farming. A wonderful resource for aspiring chicken fanciers and/or farmers, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Peep And Egg: I’m Not Taking A Bath (Laura Gehl)

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Hello, friends! Our book today is Peep And Egg: I’m Not Taking A Bath, written by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Joyce Wan, a delightful little tale about a stubborn little chick and his patient big sister.

After playing in the mud with the pigs, Egg the chick is positively filthy. He needs a bath, but simply refuses to take one! His big sister Peep tries her best to convince him: they can bathe in the river or the duck pond or even the dog’s water bowl if he wants! But no, no, no. Egg will NOT be taking a bath today. Peep’s not worried though – she knows her little brother well enough to know exactly how to convince him that bath time will be worth his while.

This is the third book in the Peep And Egg series, but the first we’ve read, and we enjoyed it so much! The classic theme of a stubborn little one refusing an activity – only to find it can be a lot more fun than they had anticipated – is tried and true kid’s comedy, and it’s wonderfully warm and lighthearted here. Peep is a sweet, patient big sister, and it’s a nice example for older siblings on how to act theme their little brothers or sisters are being stubborn. Wan’s art is as whimsically adorable as always, and immediately endears the reader to every creature on the page. The length is good, and JJ and I both enjoyed it. A fun book about siblings, stubbornness, and bathtime for little readers, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved! 

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by a representative of the author in exchange for an honest review.)

Tough Chicks (Cece Meng)

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Hello, friends! Our book today is Tough Chicks, written by Cece Meng and illustrated by Melissa Suber, a wonderful allegory for choosing to be who you are instead of who people think you should be.

From the day Mama Hen hatches Penny, Polly and Molly, she can tell that they are different. They’re not content to fluff their feathers or peck quietly like chicks are supposed to do. Instead, they are filled with the urge to explore, learn, create and, yes, occasionally get into a bit of trouble. And while everyone on the farm insists that Mother Hen teach her daughters to be proper, “good” chicks, she insists that her girls are good – just different. And when Farmer Fred accidentally sends his broken tractor careening towards the barnyard, the tough chicks will have the opportunity to show everyone that being brave, intelligent and resourceful can often save the day.

Loved this one! Obviously, the story has a strong feminist message, using the double meaning of “chicks” to show how little (and big) girls are often expected to quiet, unobtrusive, and even meek. I especially loved how the three chicks show wonderfully well-rounded personalities: they’re not causing trouble by being cruel or disrespectful, instead being shown building, creating, experimenting, tinkering and learning (while still occasionally being a raucous just for the fun of it). The illustrations are great, playful and bright but full of personality, and the length is good too. JJ and I both really enjoyed this girl-power tale, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!