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Chicks Rule!: A Picture Book
All in step with wing in wing . . . Chicks can conquer anything! Nerdy Chick has been waiting all day for the Rocket Club meeting. But when she gets there, she finds a disturbing sign tacked to the door: “NO CHICKS ALLOWED!!!” Puzzled, then baffled, then just plain mad, Nerdy Chick sets out to change the rules. Along the way, she meets other chicks who are just like her: passionate and determined. From Soccer Chick to Science Chick and Wordy Chick to Yoga Chick, these chicks aren’t willing to take “NO” for an answer. They rally together, march to the barn at the center of town, and—when they hear “NO” once again—chart their own path forward (or, rather, up, up, and away!). A celebration of girl power and community action, Chicks Rule! is the playful, diverse, victorious anthem chicks everywhere will love.
34 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2019
2 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
74 books130 followersSudipta Bardhan-Quallen is an award-winning children's book author whose books include Duck Duck Moose, Chicks Run Wild, Pirate Princess, Hampire!, and the forthcoming Orangutangled. She visits schools around the country to talk about the craft of writing to children of all ages. "Every book is an autobiography" is a favorite saying of hers, and a big part of her message is that everyone, grownup or child, has a story that is interesting and compelling—if you can find the right words to tell it. Sudipta lives outside Philadelphia with her children and an imaginary pony named Penny. You can learn more about her and her books on her website www.sudipta.com or at her blog www.NerdyChicksRule.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 5, 2022
When Nerdy Chick arrives at the first meeting of the Rocket Club in this rhyming picture-book romp, only to discover that "chicks" are not allowed, she is hopping mad. Soon she has banded together with all the other chicks, of various professions and backgrounds, to protest their exclusion and to demand their rights. Collectively, these chicks are headed for the stars...
As someone who has worked with children's books for a few decades now, someone who considers herself a feminist, I had to scratch my head a bit, reading Chicks Rule!. A clear picture-book homage to intersectionality - the text even reads, at one point: Chicks arrive from all directions / Nearing the same intersection / Though they've followed separate tracks / A common hurdle holds them back" - and to the recent Women's March movement here in the states, this book felt a little... tone deaf to me. There's nothing at all wrong with a positive, girls-can-do attitude, but something about the story idea of a science club explicitly excluding girls (AKA "chicks") in current day, struck me as unlikely. I can't count the number of girl power books that come through work every month, the number of programs I have read about to encourage girls in STEM. If there are social forces holding girls and women back in this area - and I don't argue that there aren't - they can't be laid at the door of prohibitions like the one Nerdy Chick faces here. Given that this is so, and that so many inducements and encouragements are being offered in this regard, and so many celebratory tomes published on the subject, it felt somehow dishonest to suggest otherwise, especially in a book aimed at young children. This is a cute little picture-book, with colorful artwork and a fun rhyming text, but it fell short for me.
As someone who has worked with children's books for a few decades now, someone who considers herself a feminist, I had to scratch my head a bit, reading Chicks Rule!. A clear picture-book homage to intersectionality - the text even reads, at one point: Chicks arrive from all directions / Nearing the same intersection / Though they've followed separate tracks / A common hurdle holds them back" - and to the recent Women's March movement here in the states, this book felt a little... tone deaf to me. There's nothing at all wrong with a positive, girls-can-do attitude, but something about the story idea of a science club explicitly excluding girls (AKA "chicks") in current day, struck me as unlikely. I can't count the number of girl power books that come through work every month, the number of programs I have read about to encourage girls in STEM. If there are social forces holding girls and women back in this area - and I don't argue that there aren't - they can't be laid at the door of prohibitions like the one Nerdy Chick faces here. Given that this is so, and that so many inducements and encouragements are being offered in this regard, and so many celebratory tomes published on the subject, it felt somehow dishonest to suggest otherwise, especially in a book aimed at young children. This is a cute little picture-book, with colorful artwork and a fun rhyming text, but it fell short for me.
October 6, 2019
This is a cute rhyming picture book about girls fighting to do the things they love to do. Nerdy Chick is so excited to go to the Rocket Club. But when she gets there, she finds a sign that says, "NO CHICKS ALLOWED!!!" She's frustrated... but she soon finds that she's not alone. All the coops and clubs have similar signs; apparently, this is a really sexist farm where chicks aren't allowed to do anything. But, rather than letting the discrimination deter them, the chicks set out to work together to accomplish a goal. They use everyone's talents and collaborate to do something incredible.
The message is lovely (although it's a bit sad that we still need books like this in 2019). The rhymes are entertaining and the meter rolls off the tongue pretty well. The pictures are colourful and fun. I like how all the characters are chicks, but they're so diverse! They're all different colours and wear various styles of clothing. There's even a chick wearing a hijab.
Overall, this is a nice book about girl power, determination, cooperation, and perseverance. Any girl who's ever been excluded from something because of her gender will likely be able to relate.
Quotable moment:
The message is lovely (although it's a bit sad that we still need books like this in 2019). The rhymes are entertaining and the meter rolls off the tongue pretty well. The pictures are colourful and fun. I like how all the characters are chicks, but they're so diverse! They're all different colours and wear various styles of clothing. There's even a chick wearing a hijab.
Overall, this is a nice book about girl power, determination, cooperation, and perseverance. Any girl who's ever been excluded from something because of her gender will likely be able to relate.
Quotable moment:
February 15, 2019
This wonderfully colorful and empowering book shows what happens when a "No Chicks Allowed" sign is posted on the Rocket Club door...chicks of every description have something to say about that! Read along as smart, tough, (and very cute) chicks stick up for themselves and shoot for the stars!
The confidence-boosting message to girls (and parallels with the women's rights movement) is clear in the storyline. Here's also hoping that readers are inspired to stick up for real chicks as well after closing the book's cover--and leave chickens off their plates.
The confidence-boosting message to girls (and parallels with the women's rights movement) is clear in the storyline. Here's also hoping that readers are inspired to stick up for real chicks as well after closing the book's cover--and leave chickens off their plates.
November 8, 2022
Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes
February 13, 2019
Loved it! One of my new favorites !
February 6, 2019
Truly enjoyed this one. It even mentions intersectionality, which was a pleasant surprise.
February 4, 2019
A bright and cheerful celebration of girl chick power.
March 22, 2019
Inter-sectional feminism woo!!!
Like another poster here, I also read a lot of feminist children's picture books. I loved the different colors of the chicks and different representations of women (would have loved a quick, trans* women shout out, though) and the book's mention of "chicks all travel separate roads, chicks all carry different loads". YES!
I wanted to comment about the other poster mentioning that they were surprised to see a "no chicks allowed" science club, and how that doesn't happen any more. So, yes, you're right, women are being represented more and more in these fields, so a banning of "no chicks" doesn't outwardly happen. But sexism, racism, etc. still very much happen systemically, so though we don't see blatant sexism as much any more, cultures (specifically around STEM) can still be very much a "boy's club", especially at the top. Also need to remember this is a kids book; while the "no chicks allowed" signs might not happen in real life, kids wouldn't quite understand the sexism that underlies women's resumes being seen as lesser than men's, or underhanded sexism in the workplace, or microaggressions towards women of color. All that to say systemic oppression is real, whether or not they are spoken out loud. Hooray for chicks!
Like another poster here, I also read a lot of feminist children's picture books. I loved the different colors of the chicks and different representations of women (would have loved a quick, trans* women shout out, though) and the book's mention of "chicks all travel separate roads, chicks all carry different loads". YES!
I wanted to comment about the other poster mentioning that they were surprised to see a "no chicks allowed" science club, and how that doesn't happen any more. So, yes, you're right, women are being represented more and more in these fields, so a banning of "no chicks" doesn't outwardly happen. But sexism, racism, etc. still very much happen systemically, so though we don't see blatant sexism as much any more, cultures (specifically around STEM) can still be very much a "boy's club", especially at the top. Also need to remember this is a kids book; while the "no chicks allowed" signs might not happen in real life, kids wouldn't quite understand the sexism that underlies women's resumes being seen as lesser than men's, or underhanded sexism in the workplace, or microaggressions towards women of color. All that to say systemic oppression is real, whether or not they are spoken out loud. Hooray for chicks!
April 15, 2020
I'm not a fan of any race or gender divide in children's books that is aimed at making some group look bad or mean. It's okay for moral philosophy books but here it feels very destructive without really presenting a good point. Especially because the book gets some history wrong too that wrongly accuses men or being sexist in some job settings. That didn't happen in real life but is here used as the main story setting for some reason.
It's a modern feminist book but it's not a good one. It's a copy of Dr. Suess's style but the end rhyme is often just rhyming "chicks" with "chicks". So it comes out as being lazy while also being a bad imitation of a superior style. It doesn't really find its own legs.
I really don't recommend this for kids. It can sow a seed of hate and dislike towards the outgroup as it is mispresented here. I don't think making a real group seem like sufferers or another group seem like having unfair power is a good idea for such books unless it's 100% historically accurate. There is a way to tell the same moral tale without using genders or real-life settings if one wants to just make up a creative story and setting anyhow. But at the end of the day, it just makes for a terrible story that doesn't speak to critical readers. And that cannot really be fixed by any simple theme or setting change.
It's a modern feminist book but it's not a good one. It's a copy of Dr. Suess's style but the end rhyme is often just rhyming "chicks" with "chicks". So it comes out as being lazy while also being a bad imitation of a superior style. It doesn't really find its own legs.
I really don't recommend this for kids. It can sow a seed of hate and dislike towards the outgroup as it is mispresented here. I don't think making a real group seem like sufferers or another group seem like having unfair power is a good idea for such books unless it's 100% historically accurate. There is a way to tell the same moral tale without using genders or real-life settings if one wants to just make up a creative story and setting anyhow. But at the end of the day, it just makes for a terrible story that doesn't speak to critical readers. And that cannot really be fixed by any simple theme or setting change.
November 15, 2020
I do not like books that pit the genders against each other. This feels like a feminist rant put into colorful pictures. First of all, what female wants to be referred to as a "chick" in the first place? So using actual chicks to drive home a feminist message is simply wrong. Yes, I get it, the pun is cute, but seriously? The meaning for "chick" in the book is definitely meant to represent "girl," that is clear when the rocket club sign says "No chicks allowed," and all the chicks in the book are female. Then, the stereotypes of all the individual chicks is annoying because aren't we trying to break down stereotypes with the greater message of this book? Ugh. Just. Ugh.
October 24, 2023
This is a lot of fun to read. The rhyming and the cadence are spot on, the sound of “chick” just elevates the flow. This would be a laugh riot at story time. The book is saying that “chicks” or girls can do anything, and yes we can.
July 30, 2019
This book was even better than I imagined. It was on my “must-read” list for a few weeks. After reading it, I felt empowered, encouraged, and proud to be a chick. I love seeing the literary community empower young girls. Their contributions, talents, and effort are equally as important as their male counterparts. Seeing them highlighted here, shows girls that the sky is the limit to what they can do even when an obstacle is in their way. I simply LOVE that! That lesson will be invaluable as they grow up.
Kurilla’s imagery is really lovely. The illustrations are drawn in Photoshop. The colors are lively and bright. The overall color palette is warm and inviting. This book will easily be enjoyed as a read-aloud or as an independent read. The diversity of the chicks was well thought out and demonstrates the amazing things that girls can do. The text is easy to read and flows quite well. This book exceeded my expectations. This is the type of book that should be in school libraries and on your shelves at home. Historically, women and girls were taught to think and be small. However, now is our time to think big and crash that glass ceiling that has held us back.
Kurilla’s imagery is really lovely. The illustrations are drawn in Photoshop. The colors are lively and bright. The overall color palette is warm and inviting. This book will easily be enjoyed as a read-aloud or as an independent read. The diversity of the chicks was well thought out and demonstrates the amazing things that girls can do. The text is easy to read and flows quite well. This book exceeded my expectations. This is the type of book that should be in school libraries and on your shelves at home. Historically, women and girls were taught to think and be small. However, now is our time to think big and crash that glass ceiling that has held us back.
August 6, 2019
The chicks- who are portrayed as baby chickens- are excluded from all the clubs- rocket, music, soccer, and chemistry. The chicks, in all colors and backgrounds including one in a hijab, band together and find a solution with each chick contributing ideas. They build a rocket and it jettisons into space with the uplifting comment "Chicks can conquer anything!" This book with rhyming text has cute drawings of chicks and encourages girls to aim high even if others try to prevent them from succeeding. This is a positive message for girls and although girls might not be excluded from school clubs in the United States, the undercurrent negative attitudes toward women in various professions is still in force. The message of speaking up is very important because it is one way to get noticed-remember it's only been 100 years since women got the right to vote in the U.S. and only 5% of Nobel Prizes have been awarded to women (which reflects the historically poor quality of education for women worldwide).
March 19, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Renee Kurilla did a fantastic job illustrating this story. All the colorful pages, even the inside covers were full of bright topic related material. This book covers diversity and female power, teamwork, courage, and so much more. I would even go as far as saying there's a feminism touch to it.
The story is clever and ingenious. The author writes that when chicks are told no, they can still succeed by uniting and working together. In this 'Me Too' movement of today, this book comes at a great time invoking thought and pride and equality.
I love this book, but there's a little part of me that feels sad that a story like this, still has a need to be written. A sign of the times...
Anyway, that is just me. This book is bang on and full of encouragement, bravery, idealism, positivity, and equality. I know kids will love it.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Renee Kurilla did a fantastic job illustrating this story. All the colorful pages, even the inside covers were full of bright topic related material. This book covers diversity and female power, teamwork, courage, and so much more. I would even go as far as saying there's a feminism touch to it.
The story is clever and ingenious. The author writes that when chicks are told no, they can still succeed by uniting and working together. In this 'Me Too' movement of today, this book comes at a great time invoking thought and pride and equality.
I love this book, but there's a little part of me that feels sad that a story like this, still has a need to be written. A sign of the times...
Anyway, that is just me. This book is bang on and full of encouragement, bravery, idealism, positivity, and equality. I know kids will love it.
April 20, 2019
Such a cute picture book about the power in chicks(girls) who can do anything they set their mind to if not held back by a no girls allowed mentality.
Colorful cute book with a great message I read with my 9 yr old just for fun. Every once in a while I miss a bedtime picture book with her. As she gets older and into chapter books of her own style and preference we don't talk about books unless we share a throwback picture book.
Colorful cute book with a great message I read with my 9 yr old just for fun. Every once in a while I miss a bedtime picture book with her. As she gets older and into chapter books of her own style and preference we don't talk about books unless we share a throwback picture book.
November 16, 2019
This cute rhyming picture book about what chicks - girl chicks can do to succeed and persevere. Power to the girl chicks in flocks of all cultures and chicken species. All the things that they do to make waves and prove their worth and empower each other. From one of the nerdy chick founders of the Kid Lit summer school for picture book revisions that helped kid lit authors revise. The illustrations are so colorful, round, and fun. A recommended picture book for little girls.
April 15, 2025
I love this book! As a fledgling author myself who writes rhyming books I couldn't help but be impressed with how perfect and flowing the rhyming is in this book, it's amazingly easy to read! It's a colorful and uplifting book about how girls can achieve anything they want. I think the readers who are finding it diversive are reading it through adult eyes with adult issues...there's nothing wrong with a cool book about awesome chicks being awesome!!!
August 5, 2019
A fun take on using the word "chick" (a word I really hate women being called) and instead, using chicks as the medium to convey a point. Yes, it's overt in its messaging of women ("chicks") being different and able to do anything. But it's cute. And a positive message to be reminded of. Women do come from all walks of life and that is to be celebrated!
October 29, 2019
I loved this book which celebrates the differences of being girls while bringing us all together. The chicks didn't become angry - instead they worked together to solve the problem. I loved that all kinds of chicks were included and how inspiring they were. Girls can do anything and are even better together. The artwork is amazing.
December 10, 2019
The chicks are tired of the "No Chicks Allowed!" attitude. But they won't let that rule stop them from following their dreams. From biker chicks to rocker chicks, science chicks to soccer chicks, these ambitious gals learn that, "Chicks can conquer anything!" Clever rhyme paired with adorable illustrations make this a perfect choice for a read aloud.
February 20, 2019
A feminist manifesto in rhyme using chicks as the main characters.
(I just read Small World by Ishta Mercurio and I'm wondering about the message in both books that the ultimate accomplishment for women is space travel...)
(I just read Small World by Ishta Mercurio and I'm wondering about the message in both books that the ultimate accomplishment for women is space travel...)
April 30, 2019
Love the rhythm of CHICKS RULE! A single voice becomes the chorus of voices delivering the same message. Reading to my 4 year old boy, I emphasize it: “girls can do anything”. Colorful illustrations bring energy, excitement and sense of anything is possible.
May 4, 2019
This reads as a nod to the treehouse of yore with "No girls" signage, and then goes on to celebrate the fact that girls can be successful in STEM and that they shouldn't let anything hold them back from what they love. Excellent diversity shown in the illustrations.
May 9, 2019
lots of vocabulary words in here. might consider using for preschool storytime, good for resiliency, overcoming obstacles, has some adult humor, rhyming, uses large words, no chicks allowed, and they show them they can do it. also about space
June 3, 2019
Combination of picture book and graphic novel. Chicks Rule denote a little chick that wants to be part of a science club, but "no chicks allowed" is on the door. The same happens with a number of other clubs, so the chicks make their own mega club. They send a rocket into space.
October 19, 2019
Eh. I found the repetition of “chicks” to be excessive. And this book is too focused on an ideology and not enough on story. It reads mostly smooth, though. And the pictures are super cute and colorful.
March 26, 2024
Girl power chicken style! Great message of not letting anything get in your way, especially when you can team up with your many talented gal pals! Excellent rhyming text, cuteness and colorfulness abound in the illustrations. Check out the author reading the book on kidlit.tv!
October 28, 2024
This book is an empowering book about girl power and determination. The text is rhyming and flows really well. The illustrations are so much fun. This one is a great read for any girls who have big dreams.
March 22, 2019
A cheerful, colorful celebration of chick power.
April 3, 2019
Absolutely adore the illustrations! Important message about equality.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews