Book 1: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom was one of my favorite stories as a child, so I certainly took advantage of the opportunity to discuss it in my journal. I am an education major wishing to teach preschool or kindergarten, so I immediately recognized the aspects of the story that I feel would appeal to young children and the characteristics of the book that will essentially benefit children in their futures. The story tells of the letters of the alphabet all attempting to succeed in one particular task: climbing to the very top of a coconut tree. However, to the letters' dismay, the tree is not large enough to accomodate all the letters which results in a chaotic tumble.

One important characteristic of the story that holds a child's interest (and certainly held my interest as a child) is the amazing use of pigment and vibrant colors utilized on each page in the story. The combinations of oranges, hot pinks, greens, purples, and yellows all make for irresistable images that seem as though they will jump right off the page. Little hands will reach toward the pages to feel the letters as the vivid colors help to transform the alphabet into "tangible" objects of obsession.

Another way that author, Bill Martin Jr. adds life to his story is that he personifies his alphabet. The letters speak to one another, and the lower case letters even act as children to the Capital letters (which is one of my favorite aspects of the story). The children who read this story identify with the letters who carelessly climb trees and then run to their Mamas and Papas when they encounter "skinned knees". It is undeniable that children perform these activities themselves on a daily basis. The reader comes to the conclusion that the letters represent children themselves.

Another advantage is that the book serves as an excellent tool for children who are learning how to read. However, Bill Martin Jr. manages to use a range of complexity in his vocabulary so that it is a "must read" for all ages. His diction ranges from simple letters to words like "coconut" and even the title, "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" .