Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3
Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 is a children's book written by Bill Martin, Jr. and Michael Sampson.[1] The book features anthropomorphized numbers.
 Front cover illustration | |
| Author | Bill Martin, Jr. & Michael Sampson [1] |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Lois Ehlert [1] |
| Cover artist | Lois Ehlert |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Subject | numbers |
| Genre | Children's picture book |
Publication date | July 6, 2004 |
| Media type | Hardback |
| Pages | 40 |
| ISBN | 0-689-85881-7 |
| OCLC | 53900934 |
| [E] 22 | |
| LC Class | PZ8.3.M3988 Cf 2004 |
| Preceded by | Chicka Chicka Boom Boom |
Plot
The number 0 wants to climb up an apple tree, but ends up watching the numbers from 1 to 20 (including the number 5 wearing a top hat) in counting order, then 30 to 90 by tens (including the number 70 with long hair), and finally 99, climb it. As the numbers were climbing, 0 wondered if there would be a place for him. But as they all come before him, there is no room for him, until a group of bumblebees come and say that it is their tree. While counting backwards, the bumblebees fly around them, causing all the numbers (except 10 who was hiding, but including 99 who fell out before all the others did), to fall out of the tree. Also while falling down, 11 gets bent up, 8 gets a crack, and 6 gets twisted. The number 0 now knows where he would be in the apple tree. He goes to the top of the tree and joins with 10 to make the number 100, which scares all the bumblebees away, and all the other numbers come back out and cheer for 10 and 0's bravery.
Development
The publisher, S&S, originally asked Bill Martin, Jr. to write a sequel to his book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. But when he and co-author Michael Sampson turned the manuscript in, it was rejected. That manuscript was published by Henry Holt as the title "Rock It, Sock It, Number Line." 5 years later Martin and Sampson wrote a 2nd counting book, and it became Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3.
Reception
The book quickly became a best-seller, and is used by teachers throughout the United States to teach counting and place value to young children.
Awards
The book has won numerous awards from a variety of publications, libraries, and parenting groups, including Best Book of 2004 by Parenting Magazine.
Adaptations
Weston Woods produced an animated cartoon of the book, complete with music and song composed and performed by Crystal Taliefero.
References
- "Children's Book Review: Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3". Publishers Weekly. July 19, 2004. Retrieved July 20, 2020.