Synopsis
It's the day before Christmas, and a family of chicks is busy getting ready. There are snow angels to make, gingerbread cookies to decorate, a tree to trim, and don't forget to hang the stockings. Then it's off to bed…and early to rise on Christmas morning! With a sweet rhyming text and irresistible 3-D art that looks like it came straight out of Santa's toy shop, this is a book the whole family will enjoy.
Children's Literature
The adorable, terrycloth chickens created by Stiegemeyer and Baicker-McKee in Cheep! Cheep! are back in this cute book about Christmas. Using simple examples of how the chickie family prepares and celebrates the season, the text is part repetition and part rhyme. As we see them decorate the Christmas tree, we read: "shiny, shiny, bright Place a golden star on top twinkle, twinkle, night." All of the brightly-colored items populating the pictures are handmade from a variety of fabrics, papers and clay. The exuberance of the chicks' faces and their body postures will make this book appeal to a variety of ages. Reading the text aloud will provide many moments of shared fun for readers and lap listeners alike. Early readers will be able to develop confidence in their newfound abilities while sharing the pleasure of the chick family. This cheerful board book includes a recipe for "Christmas Cheeps Christmas Treats." Reviewer: Sheilah Egan