William Boniface

Learning the alphabet and some basic shapes takes a holiday chant direction for Christmas, learning fun.

This book is great for those wanting to revisit (or discover) the alphabet and basic shapes, and that in a bright and cheerful, holiday style. The author takes the much-enjoyed Chicka Chicka Boom Boom rhyme and twists it into a cute tale about a string of alphabet letters making their way as decorations on a Christmas tree. The presents, of course, can't be forgotten, and their shapes add show more the extra, learning touch.

This is a shiny book with lots of foiled glisten to reflect the holiday shimmer and shine. In general, the illustrations take a more simple, shape and color direction, though, letting the letters come across distinctly and remain front and center. The text is easily readable (great for read-alouds) and the letters are in bolder font to make them clear in the rhyme. It fits the well-known chant nicely and will add a bit of zest and fun.

While the letters are revisited and listeners can strengthen their alphabet skills, there's also silliness built in. The letters try to take their positions on the tree but end up with a bit of a problem. This will, no doubt, bring some giggles. There's also a message about working together, and the entire thing ends on a positive note...and leaves with Christmas excitement, too. show less

First sentence: A told B,
and B told C,
"I'll meet you in the branches
of the Christmas tree."
"Whee!" said D to E F G
"We'll be the decorations
on the Christmas tree."
Chicka chicka boom boom!
Everbyody zoom zoom!

Premise/plot: A holiday themed addition to the Chicka-Chicka series of books. The original Chicka Chicka Boom Boom was written by Bill Martin Jr. THAT book is a classic. This one features the letters of the alphabet having adventures/misadventures in a Christmas tree.

My thoughts: show more Predictable for sure. I am conflicted between three stars and four stars. I think adults who grew up on the original may react differently than actual children who may just see this as a joyful way to continue the fun of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. It can never be the original, but it can be fun or lean towards fun. And the good news of it being holiday-themed is that it is just around for a few weeks. show less

This book definitely tickled the funny bone of my 6 year old grandson who is pretty obsessed with superheroes. There is plenty of slapstick humor and adventure, and some clever word plays for adults to enjoy when reading aloud. (One of the characters has a speech problem as a humor device, and that seems like an unnecessary and unkind cheap shot)

The first in a three part series (or are more coming?) about a crazy place called Superopolis. Everyone, except the narrator, has a super power that is revealed during childhood. Many powers are pretty useless, and since this book is aimed at boys, lots of the powers are designed to entertain readers. Super smells, for example. Ordinary Boy, the protagonist, is the only person in Superopolis without a power, though the reader quickly realizes that his power is that he's smart. He and his show more friends go on a hunt for the one trading card they don't have, and while on this quest learn that their hero isn't really such a hero after all. A fun read. show less