Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
#1 of 9 in Chicka Chicka Series
on Goodreads (167,641)
What’s inside...
The rhythmic, rhyming story of how lowercase letters help a coconut tree recover after the uppercase letters have climbed up its trunk and caused it to bend. It's a lively introduction to the alphabet with a memorable tune. There is always enough room on your child’s bookshelf for this Classic Board Book edition of the rollicking alphabet chant that has been a children’s favorite for over thirty years! A told B, and B told C, 'I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree.' In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no—Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom! Countless children—and their parents—can joyfully recite the familiar words of this beloved alphabet chant. Bill Martin, Jr., and John Archambault’s rhythmic text keeps the beat with Caldecott Honor illustrator Lois Ehlert’s bold, cheerful art. This winning combination has made the Chicka Chicka series an enduring classic.
Discussion points
What do you think happens when all the letters climb up the coconut tree?
Can you describe how the letters felt when the coconut tree bent?
Why do you think the letters keep climbing up the tree even after they fall?
Which letter would you want to be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to think of alternative endings for the book.
After reading, involve your child in a fun activity like creating letter crafts or drawing their favorite scene.
Discuss the emotions of the letters to help your child understand and express their own feelings.
Use the rhythmic and rhyming aspects of the book to play word games, enhancing both phonetic skills and enjoyment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Alphabet Learning
Explanation: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom offers a rhythmic and colorful approach to learning the alphabet. As the letters climb up the coconut tree, the book introduces each one in a fun and memorable way.
Real-World Application: This playful introduction to the alphabet can encourage children to recognize and remember letters, aiding in early literacy skills both in academic settings and daily life.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the letters work together to climb the coconut tree, showcasing how teamwork can achieve shared goals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of working together, whether it's during group projects at school or cooperative games at play.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: After all the letters tumble from the tree, they pick themselves up and start to climb again, demonstrating resilience in the face of setbacks.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it’s okay to make mistakes and important to try again, reinforcing resilience and perseverance in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Support and Care
Explanation: The uppercase letters, representing the elder characters, come to help the lowercase letters after their fall, showing themes of care and support within a community or family.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of helping others who are in trouble and the value of having supportive relationships in their lives.
Example Lesson: Sequencing
Explanation: As the story progresses, the letters climb the tree in an alphabetic sequence, providing a natural lesson in ordering and sequencing.
Real-World Application: This helps children grasp the concept of sequences, which aids in logical thinking and organization skills useful in everyday tasks and learning activities.