Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
| Cover showing the coconut tree |
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a bestselling American children’s book written by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert, and published by Simon & Schuster in 1989. The book features anthropomorphizedletters and charted on The New York Times Best Seller list For Children’s Books in 2000.
Even More Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Activities
Munchkins and Moms shares a playdough kit perfect for building a tree and having the letters climb the tree and fall out. This would be perfect for individual play or a center activity. And, for a different tray arrangement of a play dough invitation, try this one from Fantastic Fun and Learning.
Kids will love racing to the top of the coconut tree with this fun handmade game from The Many Little Joys.
Snack time can even be alphabet building time with this tree alphabet snack from Pre-K Pages.
Build letter recognition with this ABC printable Chicka Chicka Boom Boom game.
Place some letters on the bowling pins and this coconut bowling idea would be a huge hit for some outside gross motor learning. Its a clever idea from Fun-a-Day.
Let the students craft and build letter awareness at the same time with this craft tree from I Heart Crafty Things.
A sensory ABC bin is a perfect open-ended activity for young children. Ruffles and Rainboots shares a quick and easy bin to set up for the kids. Or, try this sand version from Natural Beach Living.
So, grab a copy of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and let the students have fun exploring the letters of the alphabet.
For more hands-on alphabet fun, check out these ideas> Alphabet Activities and Games
*Thank you to Katy from Reading Lady Katy for contributing to this post for Growing Book by Book.
Publishers Weeklyoct 1 1989
In this bright and lively rhyme, the letters of the alphabet race each other to the top of the coconut tree. When X, Y and Z finally scramble up the trunk, however, the weight is too much, and down they all tumble in a colorful chaotic heap: “Chicka Chicka . . . BOOM! BOOM!” All the family members race to help, as one by one the letters recover in amusingly battered fashion. Poor stubbed toe E has a swollen appendage, while F sports a jaunty Band-Aid and P is indeed black-eyed. As the tropic sun goes down and a radiant full moon appears, indomitable A leaps out of bed, double-daring his colleagues to another treetop race. This nonsense verse delights with its deceptively simple narrative and with the repetition of such catchy phrases as “skit skat skoodle doot.” Ehlert’s bold color scheme, complete with hot pink and orange borders, matches the crazy mood perfectly. Children will revel in seeing the familiar alphabet transported into this madcap adventure. Ages 2-6.
Also Check: Marie Calender Chicken Pot Pie
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Alphabet Activities
Up the Coconut Tree
Materials Needed: white butcher paper, markers, dot stickers
Prepare the Activity: Draw a large coconut tree on butcher paper and write letters on the coconuts
Ready to Play: Have the students add letters to the tree. Each coconut should be named at is added. You can also reinforce letter sounds. This activity could be done following a read-aloud, during a read-aloud, or while you listen to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom on audio.
Or, try a magnetic version of this activity from Laly Mom.
Letters in Nature
Materials Needed: Any natural outdoor objects that look like letters OR could be made into letters.
Prepare the Activity: No prep needed.
Ready to Play: Get outside and learn. Make letters in nature. Using rocks, sticks, flower petals, etc. create or find letters outside together. Bring the book outside for reference, but dont worry about creating each letter.
Nifty Names
Materials Needed: Construction paper, scissors, markers, stickers, printable
Prepare the Activity: Use the first letter in the childs name and cut it out of construction paper or use these capital letter .
Ready to Play: Let each child decorate it however he or she would like. Keep reinforcing their special letter. For example, Wow, I love how you drew circles on your letter M!
These would also be fun to add to a big bulletin board display when the kids are done. Just add a gigantic coconut tree for them to hang on.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Book’s Appeal
What makes such a simple story so entertaining? The text by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault is lively and rhythmic. The repetition of the words “Chicka chicka boom boom!” positively invite children to chant them along with the person reading the book. Lois Ehlert’s collages are full of strong colors and movement that complement and extend the story. Ehlert uses lowercase letters to illustrate the excited young letters and uppercase letters to illustrate their parents and other adults, which adds to the fun.
Read Also: Recipe For Whole Grilled Chicken
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Book
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a classic book by Bill Martin Jr. and illustrated by the one and only, Lois Ehlert is a classic book. Follow the letters up the coconut tree and then watch them fall. No need to worry though, the mamas and papas help all the injured letters get back up.
Its a perfect storytime book filled with bright bold pictures and rhythm and rhyme.