Chicken Chickens

by Valeri Gorbachev

It is a big day for the little chickens. Mother Hen is taking them to the playground for the first time. It is very crowded and very exciting--but scary too. The little chickens watch the big dogs and cats and pigs playing on the seesaws, the merry-go-round, and the swings. But they are too afraid to try them. ""We're just little chickens,"" they explain. Then they see the little mice and frogs sliding down the sliding board. ""Come on!"" calls one of the frogs. ""Don't be such chicken chickens!""
Every child who has faced a challenging new experience will be rooting for the Chicken Chickens as they overcome their fear and become brave--and very proud--little chickens.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2001

About the author

Valeri Gorbachev is the author and illustrator of a number of children's books, both in the United States and Europe, including Nicky And The Big Bad Wolves and Where is the Apple Pie? Mr. Gorbachev immigrated to the United States from the Ukraine in 1991 and now lives with his family in Brooklyn, New York.

(from harpercollins.com)

Reviews

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Valeri Gorbachev is one of my favorite picture book authors. I'm keeping track here to make sure I've read all of his books that are available at my library.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

My personal reaction was where was this book when i was younger. I loved it very encouraging and relate-able. An example would be when Beaver said, "Everybody is afraid the first time they slide. But I have an idea." This story is about friendship and facing your fears.

The purpose of the book would be to read aloud for enrichment-related purposes. It would be appropriate for kindergarten. This is a great book for overcoming a fear you have not tried. The story starts with the chickens at the playground and do not want to play. Through encouragement the chickens muster up enough confidence to finally enjoy the playground and see there was nothing to be scared of in the first place. This book is relate-able and would read to them when starting a new project that may seem overwhelming.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a big day for the little chickens. Mother Hen is taking them to the playground for the first time. It is very crowded and very exciting-but scary. The little chickens watch the big dogs and cats and pigs playing on the seesaws, the merry go round, and the swings. But they are too afraid to try them. "We're just little chickens" they explain. Then they see the little mice and frogs playing on the slide. "Come on!" calls one of the frogs. "Don't be such chicken chickens!"

Chicken chickens? How cute is that??????????????

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute book that encourages little ones to try new things in life. When the little chickens first arrive at the playground they are too scared to try anything out for themselves, though all the other animals are having fun. After some friendly, heartwarming encouragement, they finally muster up the courage to try something new, and find fun at the playground. Our whole family really loved this book!

[Alyssa Ruehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a nice way to tell a story about bravery. Two chickens are afraid to go down the slide, but through the help of their friends, they find the courage to do so. This would be a good book for young children from the ages of 4-6 because the words are extremely easy to read. This book would be good if a student was afraid to try a new thing, a teacher could give it to the student to independently read to realize that friends and family can help scary times go smoothly.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cute story of two little chicks and their first time to the playground. The other animals encourage them to do new things but the chicks are too scared. Then one animal steps up and helps them in a big way. A cute story of fear and friendship.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Children ages infant to five attend our library story times. They all gave rapt attention to this story about two little chicks' first visit to the playground -- especially the part about going down the scary slide for the first time!

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

chickens go to the playground and are scared to do anything until a friend offers to help them go down the slide.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inspiring for children who are timid and fearful of new places, people, and experiences...

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps one to add to my chicken story repertoire...

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked making up funny voices for this story.

[Kyra Hahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conquering fear of the playground slide