Book Review: Never Touch the Grumpy Chicks
As a mom, bedtime can often feel like a chaotic circus—especially when you’re wrangling a toddler and a preschooler who are more interested in wrestling than winding down with a book. So when I stumbled upon Never Touch the Grumpy Chicks by Make Believe Ideas, I felt a flicker of hope. A touch-and-feel book? With grumpy chicks? Count me in! The promise of a fun tactile experience and a chance to learn numbers while navigating snack-fueled chaos felt like a parenting win waiting to happen.
The book opens with a playful warning: “You must never touch the grumpy chicks . . . except in this book!” This lighthearted touch immediately caught my kids’ attention. Designed for little hands and curious minds, this spring-themed counting book gently invites children to count down from five while experiencing delightful textures on each page. My kids loved feeling the bumpy silicone touches that depict each chick as they gradually disappear, their giggles echoing through the room as we counted down.
The illustrations are vibrant and charming, matching the humorous tone of the narrative perfectly. I found it was the kind of book that colors itself in playful banter. My daughter pointed at the cheeky chicks with their grouchy expressions and exclaimed, “Why are they so grumpy?!” That sparked a delightful conversation about emotions—who knew bedtime reading could be educational and spark curiosity?
I must say, the tactile elements truly elevated our reading experience. Each turn of the page felt like an adventure, with my little ones putting their fingers on each grumpy chick’s bumpy feathers. They squealed with glee, and unexpectedly, we even took a few moments to discuss textures and how they reminded us of different animals. This kind of engagement is what I cherish most about reading together—those moments when the book becomes a springboard for other discussions.
One of my favorite pages featured a chick with an expressive pout, and my son couldn’t contain his giggles, declaring, “He looks like he’s about to cry!” This book doesn’t just prompt laughter; it nurtures empathy, allowing kids to explore feelings in a safe space.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Never Touch the Grumpy Chicks for any parent with children aged 1 to 3 who might be facing bedtime battles or looking for new playful reads to encourage counting. It’s perfect for those who love tactile experiences or need a bit of humor in their day-to-day. This book has quickly become a beloved staple on our shelf, one we often reach for when we want to unwind after a long day. It’s more than just a one-time read; it has nestled its way into our hearts, and I have a feeling it will be passed down to little siblings for years to come.
So, if you’re looking for a delightful story that combines learning with laughter and a sprinkle of grumpy charm, definitely give this book a try. You never know; it might just transform your bedtime routines into moments of joy and connection that you can cherish.
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