Book Review: Chicks Run Wild

 I picked up Chicks Run Wild as a gift for my son while I was at the NESCBWI conference last weekend. I had taken a workshop with author Sudipta Bardhan Quallen a few years ago when this book was waiting for publication - and I knew I'd want it for my libary. Add in the colorful and humorous illustrations by Ward Jenkins and it's a double win.

The rhyming text is so fun to read aloud - I enjoy that Sudipta slides the occassional 'big' word in - young, fun rhyme doesn't always need to be so simple. My son and I have read this several times a day all week - a sure sign of a winner. There are so many little details that Ward Jenkins slipped into each page - making repeat readings fun for all. A drooling chick? Family portraits? Chicken toys? Not to be missed: the Facebook page for the book or Ward's blog.