Six Little Chicks

PreS—A mother hen keeps a close eye on her young chicks while she sits and waits for the last egg to hatch. She's warned that the "big bad fox" is lurking around the chicken coop and she's torn between keeping her five offspring safe while awaiting her sixth, and children are sure to be concerned that there may be fewer than six little chicks by the end of the story. Told in rhyming couplets, this tale of vigilant neighbors and one particularly innovative hatchling will keep youngsters entertained with its lively repetition and captivating illustrations. The text varies in size and font, creating an exciting story that begs to be read aloud. Brightly colored gouache paintings from small vignettes to full spreads exude energy as the nervous hen and her naïve chicks deal with the threat. Plenty of action words, will encourage listeners to join in the action. A winning offering.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI