THE ALL TIME BEST BOOKS FOR TODDLERS: CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM
In this series I want to highlight some of the all-time best books for toddlers, starting with my current favorite, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM
Written by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
Illustrated by Lois Ehlert
The author of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Bill Martin, Jr. (1916–2004) has been called “America’s favorite children’s author.” He wrote more than 300 books for children, including another toddler favorite book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, illustrated by Eric Carle.
The book is about alphabet letters racing up a coconut tree, trying to all fit on the tree at the same time. What drew me to this book were the bright and beautiful colors. The simple illustrations and cheerful style are very appealing to small children and adults.
The book is illustrated by Lois Ehlert, who also wrote and illustrated the Caldecott Honor book Color Zoo.
And to be honest, what also attracted to this book was the name, which is the name of a very tasty cheesy chicken dish at the Tex Mex restaurant Chuy’s. No clue if they’re related.
This book has become so popular it has launched a number of spin-off books featuring the same rhythmic text and colorful art.
Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 follows the same basic plot as the original, but this time with numbers climbing an apple tree.
Chicka Chicka ABC is the abridged board book version and might be nice if you want a smaller, shorter book to take on the road or stuff in a diaper bag.
In my opinion, Words (a Chicka Chicka book) is more about the pictures than the story, so it’s my least favorite of the series (although still worth a read, Ava enjoys looking at the bright pictures).
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is recommended for children ages 1-4, although I would expand that to 0-6. I started reading this to my baby when she was an infant and we both enjoyed it. And once your child is older they will recognize and appreciate the letter characters more.
Stay tuned for more recommendations of the all-time best books for toddlers. For more book recommendations, check out my previous post Essential Books for your Newborn’s Library.