A NEW CHICK FOR CHICKIES

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.