I'm Not Hatching

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2016

Review

Peep is a confident young chick who enjoys life. Egg, on the other hand, is afraid to even start life. He is fearful worry-wort and refuses to even hatch out of his shell. Peep is very encouraging and patient with him. She tells him about all the fun things they can do together once he hatches - watch the sunset, have blueberry muffin picnics, play, etc. But no matter what she says, the refrain from Egg is always, "I'm Not Hatching!". Finally Peep gives up and walks away. But Egg doesn't want her to leave him. Also, it is time for his story. He cracks out of his shell lickety split and catches up with Peep. She reads him his story and they have a blueberry muffin picnic. But Egg does not throw caution to the wind. He is still a bit of a worrier. So he dons a football helmet for protection. This subtle humor is a lovely touch. This is a simple story about friendship, encouragement and the fear of trying something new. There is minimal text. It alternates between two sentences and one sentence per page. Most of the words are simple and accessible to beginning readers. There is also some repetition. So this would work well as a beginning reader for kindergarten through first grade. It would also be wonderful as a read aloud in large and small group settings. Pair with "Big Chickens" by Leslie Helakoski, and "Interrupting Chicken" by David Stein for a rousing chicken-themed story time. Or pair with "Bear Feels Scared" by Karma Wilson, "Doghouse" by Jan Thomas, and "Elmer and the Monster" by David McKee for a story time about facing your fears. This book could also be used to begin discussions with little ones about what they fear and why, and what they could do to face their fears. The illustrations are bold and simple with thick brown lines and a palette of muted yellows, greens, oranges, and blues. I could not discern how they were created. The illustrations whimsically depict the action of the story, down to the emotion on Peep and Egg's faces. This is a most purchase for most libraries.

Overall Book Score: excellent