[I received a review copy of this book from the author. No other compensation was received.]
Calamity Chick is a magical and staggeringly beautiful picture book. It transports you to a joyous and colorful world with unique and wonderful characters. The story is simultaneously endearing and deeply philosophical. The images are intricately detailed and stunningly gorgeous — an abounding feast for the eyes.
Title: Calamity Chick Moves Away!
Photography: Olivier Toppin
Art Direction: Serge Rosenzweig
PLM-Digital, 2014, Fiction ISBN: 978-1495328480.
Suitable For Ages: Everyone!
Themes/Topics:
Beginnings, New Friendship, and Attaining Your Dreams
Opening:
“After a long journey, pulling his wagon through the countryside, Calamity Chick finally arrives at his new home — a little house surrounded by the beautiful colors of the countryside.”
Brief Synopsis:
Calamity Chick moves to his new house in the countryside. While he does have a few calamities, he always prevails! His one true dream is to fly! Alas, he is too young and he cannot get his flying machine to work. One night he is awoken by a strange sound. As he goes to investigate, he makes a fantastic discovery that introduces him to a new friend, dazzling treats, and more!
Links To Resources:
– These are all of the things my son wanted to do after being inspired by Calamity Chick.
- How to Make Homemade Orange Juice
- How to Build and Fly a Paramotor
- Make Amazing Radio Controlled Airplanes — Calamity Chick doesn’t make radio-controlled airplanes, but he did ask how he could fly. (So this is my suggestion.)
- How to Make Homemade Candy
Why I Like This Book:
- Every time my son and I read through Calamity Chick we both slow down and savor each page. We want to look at everything! The colors are dazzling and engulfing.
- Calamity Chick is absolutely adorable. It is impossible not to fall in love with this sweet little chick.
- My son quickly identified with Calamity Chick wanting to fly. (Don’t we all.) He also identified with things not going his way! I was quick to point out to my son that Calamity Chick is very resilient.
- There are so many levels to Calamity Chick! On one hand, it is a lively story about a cute little chick with a dream, but then there’s the new friend he makes and how he makes this friend, the calamities that he overcomes, and how his dream does come true.
- There are deeper symbols hidden in the pages. The more times you read through it the more you notice subtle patterns that make for an immensely satisfying book.
- Today when we read it my son said, “Mama, I want to be in that picture!” I absolutely understand how he feels. He then wanted to know if we could go there. He talked and talked about all the things he would do if he could just get inside that picture.
- I am amazed at how skillfully it addresses some of our deepest childhood desires (flying, friendship, the desire to create things, etc.) — in an entertaining and festive way.
- The story is sweet and simple. It has a gentle pace that guides you through the story without rushing you.
- You can read Calamity Chick with everyone. It has universal appeal.
- My whole family loves Calamity Chick and we’re looking forward to seeing what other adventures await him.
Where to Get it:
- Amazon.com (Available in English and French!)
- http://www.calamitychick.com/
Author/Illustrator Websites:
More Reviews of this Book:
- http://goodbooksforyoungsouls.blogspot.fr/2014/05/wow-what-calamity.html
- http://www.mamanonbouge.com/article-poussin-catastrophe-vivez-le-demenagement-rocambolesque-de-poussin-catastrophe-au-milieu-d-une-camp-123097213.html (It’s in French, but “absolument fantastique” is pretty self-explanatory.)
Where Obtained: I received a review copy from one of the authors. No other compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Thanks for putting such nice large photos in your post – they really give a flavor of the book! Seems like a great fit for kids who enjoy the “I SPY” series too.
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I’m always thrilled when an author gives me nice large images that I can use. At first I tried to use smaller images so it wouldn’t be so “in your face,” but the smaller pictures just didn’t do this book justice. The actual book feels huge. The images are about 11″ X ~16″ so I was trying to emulate the experience with the images I used. Yes! Along the lines of the “I SPY” series — sort of “I SPY” meets following your dreams.
Thank you so much for reading and your comment. I always love your comments and when I get a notification that you’ve commented I always think, “Ohh! It’s Cathy! What did she say?”
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I saw this book a while back on WordPress (I think). It is adorable and is now on my to-read list! Thanks for sharing.
Michelle
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It’s really magical. We’ve been reading Calamity Chick back-to-back with The Legend of Dust Bunnies — and it is so much fun and inspires so much creativity! Our little dust bunny has been having some crazy adventures.
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You just made my day! I feel so blessed to know my book is bringing a smile to a child! I can’t wait to get my hands on Calamity-I love miniatures-it looks adorable.
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The photography is simlply gorgeous in this lively picture book about a chick. Great title, too. I love to see books filled with dazzling photgraphy, instead of illustrations. Very realistic.
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The photography definitely makes it feel realistic. My son has asked if we can invite Calamity Chick over for dessert and has asked me several times, “What is Calamity Chick doing now?” It’s a lot of fun.
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I love how taken your son is with this story that he wants to climb into it. What an endorsement!
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He gets really excited about this book. Admittedly, I’d love to be able to climb into it with him. The book is filled with so many tiny treasures.
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Bummed my library system doesn’t have it, so I suggested they buy it (should have added “and quick!” in the comment section!)
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Wonderful! I think you’ll really enjoy it.
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Love those pictures!!! This looks like a great one to dive into! Thanks for sharing!
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It’s my pleasure. I was so excited when I received this book. The book really is a feast for the eyes.
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Reblogged this on KidZ2Teens Books and commented:
Wonderful reading and incredible resources for children!
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Wow. This looks great. I remember (or seem to have a childhood memory) of some books with photographs and characters when I grew up. Looking forward to finding this one.
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I have vague memories, too — but I haven’t seen all that many of them lately. I am more than happy to see more books like this come out. Thank you so much for reading!
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Thanks Tiffa for your review !!
Olivier.
http://www.pictures-books-for-childrens.com
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It is my pleasure. Calamity Chick is one of my favorites!
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