Chicka Chicka Boom Boom facts for kids
a-z letters on pages
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| Author | Bill Martin, Jr., John Archambault |
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| Illustrator | Lois Ehlert |
| Cover artist | Lois Ehlert |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Subject | the alphabet |
| Genre | Children's picture book |
| Publisher | Simon & Schuster |
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Publication date
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1989 |
| Pages | 36 |
| ISBN | 1-55924-577-8 |
| OCLC | 19262991 |
| Followed by | Chicka, Chicka, 1, 2, 3 |
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a very popular American children's book. It was written by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault. Lois Ehlert created the fun illustrations. Simon & Schuster published the book in 1989.
This book is special because it features letters that act like people. They have feelings and go on an adventure! In 2000, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom even made it onto The New York Times Best Seller list for children's books.
What the Story is About
The story begins with all the small letters of the alphabet. They decide to climb up a tall coconut tree. They go up in alphabetical order, one by one.
But soon, there are too many letters on the tree! Their combined weight makes the tree bend over. All the letters tumble down to the ground.
Then, the capital letters arrive. These are like the older family members of the small letters. They come to help rescue their younger, lowercase friends. As they are rescued, the book describes some of the letters' funny "injuries."
For example:
- D has a scraped knee.
- E has a stubbed toe.
- F needs a patch-up.
- G is out of breath.
- H and I are all tangled together.
- J and K are about to cry.
- L is tied in a knot.
- M is looped around.
- N is bent over.
- O is twisted in a funny way.
- P has a black eye.
- T has a loose tooth.
Later that night, after everyone is safe, the letter A gets out of bed. It quietly starts climbing the coconut tree all over again!
How the Book Made an Impact
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom became very popular. It led to different versions and inspired other creative works.
- Audiobook: You can listen to the story as an audiobook. The famous singer Ray Charles narrates it.
- CD-ROM Game: In 1995, a computer game based on the book was released. It was made by Davidson and Simon & Schuster Interactive.
- Sequels and Board Books:
- The book inspired a sequel in 2004 called Chicka, Chicka, 1, 2, 3. This book teaches numbers.
- A shorter version for toddlers, Chicka, Chicka ABC, was published in 1990. It tells the first part of the story, ending when the letters fall from the tree.
- Animated Film: Weston Woods created a short animated musical film. It brings the original book to life. The music for the film was composed and performed by Crystal Taliefero.
Music Album
| Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Other Coconutty Songs | |
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| Studio album by | |
| Released | 2000 |
| Recorded | 1991-1992 |
| Genre | Children's music |
| Label | Youngheart Records |
| Producer | David Plummer & John Archambault |
In 1992, John Archambault, one of the book's authors, teamed up with musician David Plummer. They released a music album called Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Other Coconutty Songs. The album features several songs inspired by the storybook.
The album received awards for its quality. The American Library Association named it a "Notable Children’s Recording" in 1992. In 1993, it won a Parents' Choice Award.
