I think this book is a fun little book that can actually get kids into reading. It has a very low reading level, but the two characters, chick and chickie, would keep kids entertained and invested into what would happen next. The book even gives you tips and tricks to reading at different levels. I could definitely see myself recommending this book to a child who is learning to read, but nothing really besides that. ( )

"Chick and Chickie Play All Day!" by Claude Ponti is a comic book that uses and emphasizes sight words for students who are learning how to read. I enjoyed the simplicity of the text and illustrations in the book. The sight words used in the book were always bold and emphasized from the other words in the text. The book's simplicity is helps beginner readers understand the story and what they are reading. On the last page of the book, there is a chart on how to read the comic book with kids. The book provides an analysis on how much the children should be able to read based on their skill level. I thought that the back suggestions would be helpful if creating a lesson plan. The back suggests to guide young readers, "ham it up", let them guess, talk about the pictures and to enjoy the book while reading aloud. ( )

The only reason why I seemed to like this book were for the illustrations. I was lost halfway through and then realized that it was teaching young readers about the letter A. However, the illustrations were brightly created and could grasp the attention of readers who are just starting out. The colors in the story can also serve as a form of teaching young readers about their colors as well. There was not much of a plot, nor the main idea. I guess, if there had to be one, it was teaching the concept of the letter A. The setting is imaginative with two young ducks learning the letter A.As for reflecting on what it means to be human, I do not believe this book achieves this. ( )

Chick and Chickie play hard with the letter A. ( )

I confess that I was expecting the cartoonish Chick and Chickie to be a little cuter in appearance. But at least they are different colors so you can tell them apart. The concept of them playing with the letter “A” is very original. I liked the way the story led us through actions and consequences. For example, “When we are nice…” says Chick, “He is happy,” responds Chickie. Meanwhile, the letter “A” shows his feelings with expressions and body posture. Simple sight words are highlighted in bold italics to help children recognize them. Short sentences are used, mainly describing the actions of Chick and Chickie and the responses of the letter “A”. This helps children guess the words based on visual and context clues. I thought it would be a bit better if the letter “A” said other “A” words and sounds besides “Ah”, for example some simple sight words that begin with “A”. Overall, however, this would be a good book to keep in an early elementary library for partner reading or read to self, especially if first introduced to the students through read aloud.