Review: Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3
As a busy mom of three, bedtime reading can sometimes feel like a high-speed race, especially when everyone is clamoring for their favorite books. One particularly chaotic evening, amidst the sound of toys being shoved under beds and sibling giggles escalating into giggles, I pulled out Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault. Just like its beloved predecessor, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, this colorful counting book promised to be a delightful diversion, and boy, did it deliver!
The story kicks off with a playful chant: "1 told 2, and 2 told 3, ‘I’ll race you to the top of the apple tree.’" With 101 numbers climbing that vibrant apple tree, each one fighting for their chance to shine, my children were instantly captivated. They love the thrill of counting up to 100, and this book made that journey feel like a playful adventure. Just like their giggles from earlier, the rhythm and rhyme echoed around our living room, transforming the mundane into moments of magical togetherness.
The illustrations pop with bright colors that hold my littlest one’s attention, usually a tough feat with the distraction of any nearby toy. The numbers come alive with a bouncy energy that sparks excitement; I often find myself swept up in the rhythm, almost performing it rather than just reading. The repetitive, rhythmic style encourages my kids to join in, and we often end up bouncing numbers off each other loudly—who wouldn’t want to shout “Buzz, buzz, bumblebee!” before the numbers tumble down?
One surprise moment for us came during one read-aloud session when my toddler, totally enthralled, pointed to the page with the number “0” and shouted, “Look, Mama! Zero must be a hero!” It was such a sweet instance of connection, and I couldn’t help but beam at how he was already learning not just to love counting, but also to find joy in the nuances of words.
As much as I adore this book, I found some parents sharing their thoughts about the flow not being perfect. However, I think the enthusiasm it generates far outweighs any minor stumbles. We’re all about engaging imaginations here, and it certainly sparked conversations about a numbers adventure that none of us wanted to end.
I wholeheartedly recommend Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 for parents of children aged 2 to 5 who are looking to turn counting practice into a joyous family affair. It’s perfect for little ones just beginning to explore numbers, and I suspect it’ll find a cozy spot on your bookshelf as a family favorite, too.
In our home, it’s become one of those cherished reads that often travels from bedtime to storytime and back again, and somehow, it feels like we all grow a little more each time. So, grab your little ones, cozy up under a blanket, and enjoy this rhythmic adventure that transforms the chaos of childhood into laughter and learning!
