The following review appeared in School Library Journal, December 2016PreS-Gr 2– Through the excellent use of colorful up-close photos, Arnold captures the excitement of hatching chicks in a real kindergarten class. She documents the 21-day journey from incubation to birth, and growth to maturity; the science behind the process; and the delight and wonder of Mrs. Best’s diverse group of students. The classroom in which the project occurs will likely be familiar to many readers; projects and artwork adorn the walls standard school furniture makes up the room, etc. The energy of Mrs. Best’s students is palpable, and readers are invited to share in the spectacle and surprise of the first hatched chick. Asides provide additional information on the different parts of an egg, what chicken mash is, and more. A glossary explains unfamiliar terms, such as candling and wattle. Back matter offers further questions for readers to contemplate. VERDICT A first purchase for use as a read-aloud in science curricula on chickens and the life cycle. (Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY)
