About the Author

Bill Martin, Jr. (1916–2004) has been called “America’s favorite children’s author.” He wrote more than 300 books for children, including the classic texts Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, illustrated by Eric Carle; and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, illustrated by Lois Ehlert.

Michael Sampson is a New York Times bestselling author of twenty-two books for young children, including Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 and The Bill Martin Jr Big Book of Poetry. He and Bill Martin Jr wrote many popular books together, including Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? and Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? Michael Sampson lives in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Lois Ehlert (1934–2021) illustrated numerous inventive, celebrated, and bestselling picture books, including Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Mice, Ten Little Caterpillars, and her own Holey Moley, The Scraps Book, RRRalph, Lots of Spots, Boo to You!, Leaf Man, Snowballs, Waiting for Wings, Planting a Rainbow, Growing Vegetable Soup, and Color Zoo, which received a Caldecott Honor. 

Reviews

PreS-Gr 3-This fun and lively counting tale written by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson and illustrated by Lois Ehlert (S & S, 2004) is the companion book to the authors' Chicka Chicka Boom, Boom (S & S, 1989). In this story, the numbers race up a tree, beginning with 1, 2, and 3 and ending with 100. Zero offers the common refrain "Chicka chicka 1, 2, 3-Will there be a place for me?" As the tree becomes full of the various numbers, they are threatened by a swarm of bees. Delightful narration, music, and vocals are provided by Crystal Taliefero. Appealing sound effects add to the telling. Ehlert's simply animated, brightly colored cut paper artwork is enchanting and will appeal to young viewers. The bouncing, rhyming text is perfectly suited to the video and audio formats. There are page-turn signals on one track of the audio format, while an uninterrupted version of the story is told on the other. A bonus track features the fun and lively "Chicka Chicka 1 2 3" song that's certain to have children singing along. Useful for math and counting units as well as 100th day celebrations. Sure to be a popular choice in school and public libraries.-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.