Five fuzzy chicks

Baby-Toddler--All the work on the farm is done for the day, night is on the way, and the farmers and animals are all ready to settle down--except for five little fuzzy chicks who just want to run and play. But very soon, one by one, each chick falls asleep amongst the animals, and ultimately Mama Hen rounds them all up and puts them to bed properly with a soft "Goodnight" cluck. The rhyming text has a wonderful poetic cadence, and the soothing, full-bleed pencil illustrations featuring friendly farm animals envelop readers in a visual hug. VERDICT This is a delightful storytime or bedtime read-aloud. Highly recommended.--Jessica Marie, Salem Public Library, OR

These fluffy chicks are ready for actionor are they?The day is about done on this busy farm. The sun has nearly set, and everyone is tired from a good day's workexcept for five smiling, different-hued chicks who want to go for a run. "Five fuzzy chicks / run past the plow, / into the grass, / and under the cow. / The cow says, Moo! Moo!' / The chicks say, Cheep! Cheep!' / But the grass is so cozy // one chick falls asleep." Four chicks run on and meet the pigs. After a dance, three are ready to proceedbut one falls asleep on a mossy rock with the pigs. The three play with Rover, a smiling terrierbut one finds the pooch too cozy to leave, and a snuggle occurs. Another finds the horse's hay too comfy to pass by, and the last falls asleep in the sheep's fleece. A determined "Mama Hen hurries / to gather her troop. / She scoops them all up / and runs back to the coop." And finally those five fuzzy chicks settle down in their cozy nest. Murray and Hanson have created what feels like an old classic that's simultaneously fresh and sweet. The watercolor-and-pencil illustrations, all full-bleed, are soft and just realistic enough to ensure recognizability. These fuzzy-edged farm animals sport big eyes and anthropomorphic smiles; the farming family, seen in only one scene, is white.A bedtime countdown rhyme for every little farmer. (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.