Book Review: Chicka Chicka ABC by Bill Martin., Jr.

Bill Martin Jr. is one of America's favorite children's author. He wrote for almost 60 years. He was the author of the classic text Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, which was illustrated by his friend Eric Carle. He was elected into the the Reading Hall of Fame by International Literacy Association. Bill Martin lived the last 11 years of his life in Commerce, Texas. A Kansas native, Bill graduated with a teaching certificate from Emporia State University (Go HORNETS!). He taught in Kansas and then was an elementary school principal in Chicago. In 1961, He moved to New York City where he worked with Holt, Rinehart and Winston, where he developed the literature-based reading programs Sounds of Language and The Instant Readers. He left the company seven years later and started his career of writing children's books and a consultant to teachers. He moved to Texas in 1993. He passed away in 2004.

Bill Martin Jr. 

John Archambault is a poet, journalist, and storyteller who worked with Bill Martin Jr. on several projects. He lives in Idyllwild, California.

Chicka Chicka ABC by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault is about a race to the top of coconut tree with a delightful alphabet rhyme. So begins the lively alphabet rhyme that children and their parents love to recite. This book has won Kentucky Bluegrass Award for K-3 in 1993, and Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor for Picture book in 1990.

Emporia State University 

I love books by Bill Martin Jr. and was sad when I found out he passed in 2004. My kids are just starting reading his many books that are on our own bookshelf at home. Also as a fellow Hornet, I am excited to keep his memory alive with my children. Chicka Chicka ABC happens to my children's favorite right now out of all the books. We love the rhyme and my kids will random say, "Chicka Chicka BOOM BOOM." So I am excited to share the joy in this book with you guys. We love the colors of this book from the amazing illustrations that Lois Ehlert has created. We love the rhyme of this story and how you could sing the words. It's one of those books that will forever be on our bookshelf even as the kids get older. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.


Tell me your favorite memory of one of Bill Martin Jr. books?



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