The most important work of early childhood is play, as kids learn best when they are also enjoying themselves. In Huff’s fun-filled, rhyming picture book, very young learners will gain an introduction to numbers and counting while also having a good time. The story follows ten chickens as they play in their backyard, getting up to a variety of shenanigans such as running from bees, playing baseball, dancing, and even going on a date. One of the most humorous scenes shows two chickens using binoculars to search for Farmer Kevin, who is standing right behind them. At the end of the day, the chickens happily return to their pen.

This book’s appeal stems from the fact that Huff knows her audience. A retired early childhood educator, she has devoted her career to helping children and adults find the joy in learning through storytelling, music, and puppets. Kids will enjoy the onomatopoeia and rhyming, songlike cadence of the prose—particularly the chickens’ nonsensical refrain of “bakk baba bakk baba bakk bakk bakk”— which will help keep them engaged and wanting to return for another read. This is the type of story that can be elevated by the participation of an enthusiastic adult reader, especially one who is willing to get up and dance.

In keeping with the book’s lighthearted nature, Wendy Fedan’s expressive illustrations show the chickens wearing jewelry, playing instruments, and grinning enthusiastically with brightly colored plumes of feathers on their heads. In one scene, two chickens prank another by dangling a spider on a string, which kids will find amusing. The humorous pictures provide easily recognizable scenes that follow the rhymes, allowing even the smallest readers to enjoy a good laugh or two. Ultimately, this delightful story will create a fun bonding experience for adults and kids, who might even find themselves counting and singing along.

Takeaway: Fun-filled introduction to numbers, counting, and chicken chatter.

Comparable Titles: Cate Berry’s Chicken Break, Jo Ellen Bogart’s Count Your Chickens.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: B