A New Chick for Chickies

January 1, 2015
Trasler's bubbly Chickies are back (Bedtime for Chickies, 2014; Pottytime for Chickies, 2014, etc.), and their ranks are quickly growing. At first, the Chickies are not pleased by the attention their brand-new little brother is garnering from their caretakers, Pig, Cow and Sheep. They admonish the little guy: "Stop that dancing! Stop that jig. / Get your feathers off our pig." Pig takes their protest in stride, responding, "Don't be worried. This is fine. / Now we have a conga line." In the same vein, the Chickies warn their sibling not to play ball with Cow, who answers that they shouldn't worry because now they "have a beach ball team." They don't want him singing with Sheep either, but he placates them with the idea that they now have a five-piece band. The Chickies agree that this is all for the best indeed, until-"craaack"-they get another brother and then a few more in quick succession. The simple text effectively dispels jealousy with humor, and the illustrations-with the simply rendered yet expressive Chickies and their goofy guardians-increase its appeal. As with previous Chickie titles, the catchy rhythms, repetition and familiar topic will make this one a toddler favorite. Especially suited for those tots expecting a new little sibling (or two, or four!) of their own. (Board book. 1-4)

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