Big bright pictures and big bold print tell the story of the first day of life for the title characters. The first two chicks are just breaking out of their shells as the text declares, “Once there were . . . ” and continues in a style reminiscent of “Over in the Meadow.” This and subsequent illustrations provide ample opportunity for chick-counting by young listeners. It’s a day of discovery for the five chicks, a worm, a ladybug and a butterfly (fluttering by), as well as a vine of strawberries and a shiny trout in a clear stream. Then Mama Hen leads them through a scratching lesson in the corn patch. Finally, all snuggle and soundly sleep on a bed of hay, a full moon shining above. Tafuri’s oversized illustrations make this an attractive if unexceptional adventure, especially for the lower end of its targeted age range. (Picture book. 2-5)
