Tough Chicks
Written by: Cece Meng
Illustrated by: Melissa Suber
Published by: Clarion Publishers, New York 2009
Ages: 4 – 8 years
Theme: Girl power, being unique
Opening Lines: From the moment Mama Hen’s eggs burst open, she knew she was dealing with some pretty tough chicks. Penny, Polly, and Molly shook out their wet fluff and immediately began to strut around the farm. Peep, peep, zoom, zip, cheep.
Synopsis: From Amazon – From the moment Penny, Polly, and Molly hatch from their eggs, the whole farm knows they are truly tough chicks. They wrestle worms, rope roosters, and are often found under the hood of the tractor. All the other animals and even the farmer himself tell Mama Hen to make her chicks good. “They are good!” Mama Hen replies. But could her chicks be too loud, too independent, and too tough? Lively language and bold illustrations capture all the fun and humor of this delightfully different farmyard romp that’s also a resounding endorsement for letting girls be girls (even if they’re loud and tough and like to play with tractors.)
Why I like this: Don’t we just love anything that shows what girls can do, who dare to be different? Yay for Girl Power! The picture doesn’t do it justice of the colourful illustrations of the farm animals and the cute expressions on the chicks faces even when covered in mud. (Reminds me of Julie Rowan-Zoch’s gorgeous works of art.) I noticed throughout the rule of three both in the text and even in the illustrations with cow, pigs and sheep. Even though from the moment they hatched everyone including the farmer were wishing the chicks weren’t so loud, independent and causing such trouble. Their mother still thought they were good, in their own way, (though she did have her doubts and worries.) But when a runaway tractor gets caught in the mud it is the girls wit, independence and smarts that come to the rescue. This is a delightful read with humour, that even the guys are gonna love. Where would they be without us “tough chicks” huh?
I love that saying:- Girls can do anything!
Resources/Findings: Can catch Cece Meng here…. https://twitter.com/iwrite4kids
I can think of a number of activities where both girls and guys can mix in, compete and even surprise. Such as a bake-off, tug of war, craft making, design a mini garden, etc. Many of these can be done in groups in the classroom. Whether it’s an indoor activity or outdoor, such as a nature trek, one can never assume girls are weak of stomach or body. These days many girls are interested in technical design, wood work, mechanics, even space, etc.
Here are some links to other activities … http://www.parents.com/fun/activities/unique-family-activities/
http://www.pinterest.com/desertrio/fun-activities-for-kids/
I’m so pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Oo, a great book to support the idea that some sass and bossiness may not be bad in girls!
Haha, you’re right there, Joanna! Don’t ya just love it?
Brilliant! My daughter sounds just like them. I bet she’d love this.
Ha, cool! Glad you liked this and can see a resemblance. Have a great weekend.
Ooops – lost my comment! You are too kind, Dianne! And I love a good girl-power book too. My favorite main character is Pippi Longstocking! I hope I can find this at my library!
Hello-ello! You suddenly appeared. 🙂 I just loved the expressions on these little chicks, and I thought of you. Soooo cute. The pics I mean, oh and you 😉 Hope you find it. Have a good weekend.
Tough chicks rule! Love it.
Right on! Ha! Glad you loved it too. Have a great weekend.
What a riot! A fun, creative book to be sure. Thanks for sharing it!
Ha, thanks, Jarm. Have a great weekend.
Like these chicks with flair and independence. Great book for girls. You gave me my chuckle for the day. Chicks rule. Enjoyed your review.
Glad I made you chuckle, Pat. It certainly is a great one for the girls. Boys would like it too. Thanks for commenting.
I have to read this one! I’m in it, after all! It sounds really cute. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Penny. yep, you’d enjoy this one.
Oops. I missed this one on Friday. It looks hilarious. Thanks.
No problem, I was a bit late. Thanks for your comment.
This sounds amazing! 😀
Thank you Erik! It is a great laugh.
Yay for girl power indeed!!! And chicks! It goes along with “Amazing Babes!”
Yay! Yes! Thanks Rhythm!