Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Book (Summary)
“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” is a classic children’s book that has delighted young readers for over 30 years. Written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault and illustrated by Caldecott Honor recipient Lois Ehlert, this rollicking alphabet chant is a must-have for any child’s bookshelf.
Join in on the fun as the letters of the alphabet race to the top of the coconut tree in “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.” As more and more letters pile up, it becomes clear that there may not be enough room for all of them. But, just in the nick of time, the capital letters come to the rescue and save the day.
This rhyming tale is entertaining and educational, as children can follow along with the alphabet listed in order twice throughout the story. The illustrations, while abstract, are bold and colorful, making the letters memorable and easy to identify.
The book is 40 pages long and ideal for children ages 1-4 and pre-kindergarten to 3rd grade.
Parents love “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” for its ability to keep their children engaged and entertained. The familiar words of the alphabet rhyme make it easy for children to learn and recite, while the bright and colorful illustrations keep them visually engaged. The story is also perfect for reading aloud, as the rhythmic text and catchy refrain make it easy to sing along.
The book also teaches the concept of working together, as the letters help each other when they fall off the tree. It also teaches children about the different letters and their shapes.
Lessons for children that can be gleaned from the book include:
Recognizing the alphabet in an enjoyable and interactive way.
The importance of working together and helping one another. Even when your characters are letters in the alphabet!
Understanding that sometimes things can get chaotic, but in the end, everything will fall into place.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Song
In addition to the book, we have a sing-along video below. A fun and catchy tune that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. The video is a great way to enhance the reading experience and make it even more enjoyable for children.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Lyrics
Chicka chicka boom boom!
Chicka chicka boom boom!
Chicka chicka boom boom!
Chicka chicka boom boom!
Chicka chicka boom boom!
A told B, and B told C
“I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree!”
“Whee!” said D, to E, F, G
“I’ll beat you to the top of the coconut tree!”
Chicka chicka boom boom!
Will there be enough room?
Here comes H up the coconut tree
And I and J, and tag-along K
All on their way up the coconut tree!
Chicka chicka boom boom!
Will there be enough room?
Look who’s coming, L, M, N, O, P!
And Q, R, S, and T, U, V!
Still more, W, and X, Y, Z!
The whole alphabet up the-
Oh no!
Chicka chicka
Boom! Boom!
Skip-ska-skoodle-doot
Flip-flop-flee!
Everybody running to the coconut tree!
Mamas and papas, and uncles and aunts
Hugged their little dears, then dust their pants
“Help us up!” cried A, B, C!
Next from the pile-up, skinned-knee D!
And stubbed-toe E
And patched-up F!
Then comes G all out of breath!
H is tangled up with I!
J and K are about to cry!
L is knotted like a tie!
M is looped!
N is stooped!
O is twisted, alley-oop!
Skip-ska-skoodle-doot
Flip-flop-flee!
Look who’s coming; it’s black-eyed P!
Q, R, S, and loose-tooth T!
Then U, V, W, wiggle-jiggle free!
Last to come, X, Y, Z!
And the sun goes down on the coconut tree
But chicka chicka boom boom
Look, there’s a full moon!
A is out of bed, and this is what he said
“Dare, double dare, you can’t catch me!”
Chicka chicka boom boom!
Chicka chicka boom boom!
“I’ll beat you to the top of the coconut tree!”
Chicka chicka boom boom!
Chicka chicka boom boom!
“Dare, double dare, you can’t catch me!”
Chicka chicka boom boom!
Chicka chicka boom boom!
“I’ll beat you to the top of the coconut tree!”
Chicka chicka boom boom!
Chicka chicka boom boom!
About Children’s Book Author Bill Martin Jr
Bill Martin Jr, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 88, was a renowned children’s author and educator. He began his career as a teacher and later transitioned into writing, creating some of the most beloved children’s books of all time. Martin’s career spanned several decades, and his books continue to be popular with children and adults alike.
Bill Martin Jr’s Education
Martin received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Emporia State Teachers College in Kansas and later earned a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Denver. He began his career as an elementary school teacher and later worked as a curriculum specialist and school administrator. He also taught courses in children’s literature at the college level.
Bill Martin Jr’s Career
Martin’s journey to becoming a beloved children’s book author began in the 1960s when he wrote a song for his students. He then turned the song into a poem and, eventually, a children’s book titled “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” which was published in 1967. The book was an instant success and went on to become a classic in the field of children’s literature. This marked the beginning of his successful career as a children’s book author.
Martin wrote more than 300 books in his lifetime, many of which have become best-sellers and have been translated into multiple languages. He collaborated with illustrators such as Eric Carle, Ted Rand, and Lois Ehlert. He wrote in a variety of styles, from the simple, repetitive text of “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” to the more complex and poetic language of books like “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?”
Martin’s books often had a strong educational component, teaching children concepts such as colors, numbers, and the alphabet. His books are also noted for their use of poetic language and repetition, which makes them easy for young children to learn and recite.
Bill Martin Jr’s Personal Life and Legacy
Bill Martin Jr was married to his wife, Norma, for over 60 years. They had two children together. He lived in Texas for most of his life and continued to write and publish children’s books until his death in 2004. Martin’s books have sold over 30 million copies worldwide and continue to be enjoyed by children and parents alike.
His legacy is that of an author who made learning fun and accessible for young children. He is remembered for his ability to blend education and entertainment in a way that resonated with readers of all ages. His books continue to be used in classrooms and homes around the world, making him one of the most beloved children’s book authors of all time.
In conclusion, Bill Martin Jr was an accomplished author, teacher, and educational consultant who left an enduring legacy with his beloved children’s books. His simple, repetitive text and colorful illustrations continue to delight young readers, and his books are still popular with children and adults alike. Martin’s commitment to education and literacy lives on through his work, making him a beloved figure in the world of children’s literature.
Credit Sources: Wikipedia & Encyclopedia.com
For more information about author Bill Martin Jr, please visit his website at https://www.billmartinjr.com/bill-martin-jr
Bill Martin Jr Books
Bill Martin Jr was an accomplished author of children’s books, having written over 300 books during his career. He is best known for his engaging and educational stories that have captivated young readers for generations. Some of his most famous publications include:
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? This book is a classic children’s story that teaches young readers about different animals and their colors.
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: This playful alphabet book follows the letters of the alphabet as they race up a coconut tree and the chaos that ensues when there is not enough room for all of them.
- Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? This book is a fun and interactive story that teaches children about different animals and the sounds they make.
- It Looked Like Spilt Milk: This book is a classic shape recognition book that teaches children about different shapes and how to identify them.
- The Giving Tree: This is a heartwarming story about a tree that gives everything to a boy and the boy who takes everything the tree has to give.
Bill Martin Jr’s books are known for their simple, rhythmic text and bold, colorful illustrations. They often feature themes of nature, animals, and the alphabet. They are designed to be interactive, with repetitive phrases and catchy rhythms that young readers can easily pick up and repeat.
Additionally, they are all educational and teach children valuable life lessons. His books are beloved by both children and parents and continue to be popular choices for bedtime stories, school reading programs, and libraries.
A full list of Bill Martin Jr’s books can be found here on Amazon.
Lois Ehlert Illustrator
Lois Ehlert is a celebrated children’s book illustrator known for her vibrant, collage-style illustrations and her ability to bring stories to life through her art. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Ehlert has become a beloved figure in the world of children’s literature, creating illustrations for some of the most iconic children’s books of our time.
Lois Ehlert’s Education
Born in Wisconsin in the 1940s, Ehlert began her artistic journey at a young age, studying art education at the University of Wisconsin. After graduation, she worked as a teacher and graphic designer, honing her skills and developing her unique style. In the 1980s, she decided to pursue her passion for children’s literature full-time and began illustrating books.
Lois Ehlert’s Career as an Illustrator
Ehlert’s career as an illustrator began in the 1980s, and since then, she has illustrated over 30 books. Her illustrations are distinctive because of her use of collages and the use of bold colors. She is known for using everyday materials such as seeds, beans, and other objects to create images, which is a unique aspect of her work. She has illustrated books by other authors as well as illustrated and written her own books.
One of her most notable and enduring collaborations is with author Bill Martin Jr. together, they created the classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, a beloved alphabet book that has entertained children for over 30 years. With her bright and eye-catching illustrations, Ehlert brought the story to life and helped make it the classic it is today.
Lois Ehlert’s Personal Life and Legacy
Despite her many accomplishments and accolades, Lois Ehlert was a humble, down-to-earth artist who was dedicated to her craft. She created many new illustrations, experimenting with different materials and techniques, and always striving to improve her work. Her illustrated books won many awards, including the Caldecott Honor, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, and the George G. Stone Center Recognition of Merit, among others.
Ehlert’s legacy is one of inspiration, creativity, and joy for children of all ages. Her illustrations helped bring countless stories to life and inspired countless young readers to pick up a book and discover the wonders of the world. Her work is a testament to the power of art and imagination, and her books will continue to be loved and cherished by generations to come. She passed away on May 25th, 2021, but her legacy and influence in the world of children’s literature will live on.
Credit Sources: Wikipedia & Lois’s website
Where To Buy The Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Book
The book is available on Amazon for Kindle, hardcover, paperback, and spiral-bound. This link below leads to the hardcover edition, but all options are available on the landing page.
| Amaon.com (Hardcover) | Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Chicka Chicka Book, A) |
| Authors Amazon BIO Page | Purchase More Bill Martin Jr. Books on Amazon |
Book Details
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (October 1, 1989)
Language: English
Hardcover: 40 pages
ISBN-10: 067167949X
ISBN-13: 978-0671679491
Reading age: 1 – 4 years, from customers
Lexile measure: AD530L
Grade level: Preschool – 3
Item Weight: 13 ounces
Dimensions: 8.25 x 0.5 x 10.88 inches
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Reviews
At the time of this writing, there were nearly 35,000 customer reviews on Amazon with a star rating of 4.9 out of 5, with 92% of reviewers giving the book a 5-star rating. Below are a few of the top reviews of the book.
– By Ball5Wonderful and fun book
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 10, 2023I read this book to my sons every night when they were little. It was their favorite book. We would read it multiple times each night. Now I get their children this book for their first Christmas. Their children love the book.
– By dlwBabies, Toddlers Love This Book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 17, 2019I live in the US, my grandson in the UK. When he was just a few months old, he visited my house for 10 days during which time we read this book over and over. He and a friend’s younger grandson were both enthralled with this, probably the colors and the cadence of our voices as we read.
Fast forward a few months and I’m visiting him. He’s just learning to say a few words, loves to sing and to be read to. We’re singing the alphabet song and suddenly he says “Boom! Boom!”. He hasn’t seen Chicka Chicka Boom Boom for months but when I say “A told B and B told C … I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree. Chicka! Chicka! Boom! Boom!” his eyes lit up and he vigorously nodded yes.
My daughter and I had to recite as much of the book over and over from memory as we could. I quickly purchased another copy for him to keep at his house!
– By Mumbo NoMy son is addicted!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 21, 2015I bought this for my newborn based on the good reviews (and my love for ‘Brown Bear’ by Bill Martin Jr.) and really only brought it out when he was about 14 months. Sometimes we have to hide the book because he will want to read it over and over and over again; he enjoys lots of books and so the fact this is his favourite is praise indeed.
I really like the bold illustrations and musical rhythm, plus the educational element of the alphabet and day/night.
As a Brit, I’d say it’s worth noting, there are a few bits of text that won’t rhyme if you pronounce ‘zed’ instead of ‘zee’ and ‘aunt’ instead of ‘ant’ but this doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of this book.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Book Read Aloud
This 3:31 video includes narration by kids and an adult with background music.
This 4:43 video is by an adult with sublet background music but no singing for those who prefer a simpler reading style.
