Chicka chicka tricka treat

Toddler-K--The letters are back for a spooktacular adventure! In this playful Halloween twist on Bill Martin Jr.'s beloved Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Chung delivers a rhythmic tale that's sure to engage little readers. With vibrant illustrations and a lively beat, the story follows the letters as they "sneaka sneak" their way up a creaky old tree in search of a "tricka treat." But when a big "BOO!" sends them tumbling down, they must find the courage to climb back up for a well-earned holiday surprise. This kid-friendly take on the ABC classic is packed with festive fun, featuring playful ghosts, wiggly eyeballs, cute costumes, and just the right amount of spooky charm. The catchy rhythm makes it perfect for reading--or chanting--aloud, keeping young readers enthralled while reinforcing early literacy skills. VERDICT A must-have for little ghouls and goblins who love letters and laughs. Buy it to give holiday collections a boost.--Cassie Veselovsky

Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault's classic alphabet bookChicka Chicka Boom Boom (1989) gets the Halloween treatment. Chung follows the original formula to the letter. In alphabetical order, each letter climbs to the top of a tree. They are knocked back to the ground in a jumble before climbing up in sequence again. In homage to the spooky holiday theme, they scale a "creaky old tree," and a ghostly jump scare causes the pileup. The chunky, colorful art is instantly recognizable. The charmingly costumed letters ("H swings a tail. / I wears a patch. J and K don / bows that don't match") are set against a dark backdrop, framed by pages with orange or purple borders. The spreads feature spiderwebs and jack-o'-lanterns. The familiar rhyme cadence is marred by the occasional clunky or awkward phrase; in particular, the adapted refrain of "Chicka chicka tricka treat" offers tongue-twisting fun, but it's repeatedly followed by the disappointing half-rhyme "Everybody sneaka sneak." Even this odd construction feels shoehorned into place, since "sneaking" makes little sense when every character in the book is climbing together. The final line of the book ends on a more satisfying note, with "Everybody--time to eat!" A bit predictable but pleasantly illustrated.(Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.