What do you think?
Rate this book
Chicks Run Wild
When Mama Hen kisses her kids goodnight, she expects them to stay in bed. But those chicks...run...wild! They jump around and do cartwheels until Mama comes in and scolds them. But when she turns out the lights, the chicks start a pillow fight! Finally, Mama gets her chickies settled—but it turns out she’s not ready for bed, either….
Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen’s playful rhymes and spunky attitude pair with Ward Jenkins’s exuberant artwork to make a family favorite for each and every bedtime.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 25, 2011
193 people want to read
About the author
Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
74 books129 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
March 1, 2019
"Every night up in their beds, / pillows fluffed up by their heads, / chicks are tucked beneath the sheets. / "Go to sleep, now," Mama tweets. / Mama kisses each dear child, / but when she leaves... / those chicks run wild!" So begins this entertaining bedtime tale, as a tired Mama Hen attempts to get her brood to sleep, only to find that they erupt into action every time her back is turned. What's a mother to do...?
Join in the fun, of course! Chicks Run Wild is an amusing picture-book examination of a fairly common bedtime theme - young children who don't want to go to sleep - one that pairs an engaging text in rhyme from author Sudipta Bardham-Quallen with colorful, amusing artwork by illustrator Ward Jenkins. I always recommend rhyming texts for use with younger children, and think that this one reads very well, making it an excellent story-time selection, especially at bedtime.
Join in the fun, of course! Chicks Run Wild is an amusing picture-book examination of a fairly common bedtime theme - young children who don't want to go to sleep - one that pairs an engaging text in rhyme from author Sudipta Bardham-Quallen with colorful, amusing artwork by illustrator Ward Jenkins. I always recommend rhyming texts for use with younger children, and think that this one reads very well, making it an excellent story-time selection, especially at bedtime.
June 23, 2011
I won't deny it; I love chicken books. If I want to smile, I pick up a book starring a chicken. In this hilarious bedtime book, five chicks disobey their mother by going wild at bedtime instead of sleeping. Rhymes are fun and interesting, and the conclusion of the story will delight both young readers and adults. Winner, winner...no chicken dinner, but chicken dancing is good.
February 25, 2011
Mama Hen tucks each of her five little chicks into bed with fluffed up pillows and kisses. But when she leaves the room, the chicks run wild! They jump, play, dance. Even though they try to hide what they are doing from their mama, she figures it out. Again, she tries to tuck them into bed, but again they run wild when she leaves. Finally, she catches them in a wild pillow fight and that is when her response surprises the chicks. She offers to play with them! Now all of them go wild with dancing. The chicks get tired and beg to return to bed, so now is mama’s turn to continue the wild evening in her own way.
Bardhan has written the book in a rollicking rhyme that is ideal for reading aloud. At times the rhythm of the verse can be clunky and the rhymes may be a stretch, but the attitude of the book more than makes up for these small issues. Her ultimately flexible parenting model in the book reminds all of us that sometimes rules are meant to be bent and broken.
Jenkins’ illustrations are large and vibrant. They will work well with groups of children who will also enjoy their frenetic energy. The illustrations, done in pencil and painted digitally, have a great modern and cartoon feel that will appeal to young readers.
This book will wake up bedtime stories or it can be used to enliven spring story times. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Bardhan has written the book in a rollicking rhyme that is ideal for reading aloud. At times the rhythm of the verse can be clunky and the rhymes may be a stretch, but the attitude of the book more than makes up for these small issues. Her ultimately flexible parenting model in the book reminds all of us that sometimes rules are meant to be bent and broken.
Jenkins’ illustrations are large and vibrant. They will work well with groups of children who will also enjoy their frenetic energy. The illustrations, done in pencil and painted digitally, have a great modern and cartoon feel that will appeal to young readers.
This book will wake up bedtime stories or it can be used to enliven spring story times. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
February 21, 2011
I loved it. No, it's not about young, drunken coeds, on spring break, it's about real chicks. Mama Hen can't get her baby chicks to stay in bed and go to sleep. Every time she says goodnight and leaves the room, they 'go wild'. "She put her wings on her hips and . . . then she gives them all a peck . . .." 15 minutes that will brighten your day.
May 8, 2011
One of my new favorites! I love the illustrations.
October 7, 2019
So fun and clever! Great rhythm, rhyme and word play and a clever ending that all parents will appreciate!
January 20, 2011
Chicks Run Wild is a fabulous addition to any bed time book collection. The rhyming words, the illustrations and the silly things the chicks do, make this book one both kids and parents will enjoy. As a parent, any book that captures my children's attention and is engaging for them is a huge success.
I really enjoyed the mother hen. Not only did I relate to her in her numerous attempts to get her kids to stay in bed, but I liked her gentle reminder that it's okay to break your own rules and play with the kids for a few minutes, tiring them out more before putting them back into bed.
This is a delightful read and I'm looking forward to reading countless times before bedtime, and the laughs that will ensue from it.
I really enjoyed the mother hen. Not only did I relate to her in her numerous attempts to get her kids to stay in bed, but I liked her gentle reminder that it's okay to break your own rules and play with the kids for a few minutes, tiring them out more before putting them back into bed.
This is a delightful read and I'm looking forward to reading countless times before bedtime, and the laughs that will ensue from it.
April 21, 2011
Nice rhyme that actually scans, lively illustrations with fun details (faves: the Abbey Road w/chicks image on the wall and book The Egg & I on the dresser). I also like Stay Awake, Sally, by Modarressi for bedtime role-reversal.
October 11, 2011
My favorite Sudipta Book. Fun! Cute. Hens and chicks will all be able to relate. Hopefully, roosters will get a kick out of this chicklet chick lit too!
May 15, 2022
A picture book for all Mamas to relate to!!
February 14, 2017
Summary: A mother hen is trying to put her five baby chicks in bed, but she is having some trouble. Every time Mama Hen leaves the chick's bedroom they run wild! The chicks jump on their beds, do cartwheels, and even have pillow fights. The wild chicks are caught by their mother multiple times, but not matter what Mamma says, the chicks still disobey. While the chicks are playing around, when they should be sleeping, Mamma catches them for the last time. Instead of telling the chicks to stop she asks a question. Mamma asked her chicks if she could join in on the fun and they said yes. The family then goes wild until the baby chicks become sleepy and cannot play anymore. Finally, the chicks stay asleep in their beds and Mamma can go wild.
Theme: The theme of this picture book is patience and composure. When something does not go your way or people do not do what you ask of them. Instead of losing your temper, have patience and stay calm.
Personal Response: Chicks Run Wild is a very sweet book that was a fun read. I truly enjoyed the illustration because of the bright colors and cute faces of the main characters. I read this book to a three-year-old, who I babysit, and she could not get enough of it. She absolutely loved the book with the rhyming words, the colorful illustration, and the adorable characters. I think the book's message of patience is key because I believe it is a trait people should have.
Recommendation: I would recommend this book because it is a fun read for both children and parents. The story is a joy to read because of the rhyming words and the illustration is beautiful to look at. The theme of the book also shows children not only the importance of listening to their elders, but also the importance of composure.
Theme: The theme of this picture book is patience and composure. When something does not go your way or people do not do what you ask of them. Instead of losing your temper, have patience and stay calm.
Personal Response: Chicks Run Wild is a very sweet book that was a fun read. I truly enjoyed the illustration because of the bright colors and cute faces of the main characters. I read this book to a three-year-old, who I babysit, and she could not get enough of it. She absolutely loved the book with the rhyming words, the colorful illustration, and the adorable characters. I think the book's message of patience is key because I believe it is a trait people should have.
Recommendation: I would recommend this book because it is a fun read for both children and parents. The story is a joy to read because of the rhyming words and the illustration is beautiful to look at. The theme of the book also shows children not only the importance of listening to their elders, but also the importance of composure.
November 10, 2017
Mama tucks her little chicks into bed, but every time she leaves the room, the 'chicks run wild!' Finally, Mama, who is tired and a bit exasperated, does something that surprises the chicks--and the readers as well! Read the book to find out! Kids are sure to enjoy this book, and the illustrations that add to a really fun read.
September 29, 2023
Awesome story that children and parents can relate to.
Illustrations and page turns and rhymes are very well done. The ending is so real that mamas will definitely recognize themselves in it.
There's nothing to complain about. Not sure why some gave it 3 stars. I'm pretty tough to please, but this book is fun.
Illustrations and page turns and rhymes are very well done. The ending is so real that mamas will definitely recognize themselves in it.
There's nothing to complain about. Not sure why some gave it 3 stars. I'm pretty tough to please, but this book is fun.
June 24, 2017
baby chicks run wild after mama puts them to sleep she keeps checking on them and finally catches them and asks where is her invitation. Then she parties with theme till they fall asleep.
September 16, 2017
Cute, silly, colorful, whimsical. This is a neat book.
January 29, 2018
Just read it to my 3 year old son and he loved it. It has colorful pictures and the story is presented in rhymes.
October 22, 2018
It's not a favorite for me, but I can see the rhyme and bright use of colors being popular with preschoolers.
March 24, 2019
Five energetic chicks do not want to go to bed. Mama catches them several times and finally joins them to wear them out.
The illustrations radiate the energy and joy found in the rhyming text.
The illustrations radiate the energy and joy found in the rhyming text.
October 19, 2021
This bedtime book with a sweet mama and wild chicks is a fun rhyming ride! The chicks are having a party, until Mama wants to join. Those chicks can't keep up with their wild mama.
December 28, 2023
I didn’t really love the message of this story and I think it promotes a negative bedtime routine for children.
July 26, 2019
Liked it a lot. Read it quickly.
March 25, 2013
Fun pictures. Rhyming scheme was pretty good (except that I don't say "Pajamas" the way the author does, apparently). Fun to see the story progress. Love Mama Hen's solution. A little disconcerted for a moment that they have feather pillows--but maybe they're goose feathers, so we're all right? :-) I did not like the last page/ending. If I could read the book without that last page, I would totally do this for a storytime.
3/20/13 & 3/21/13: I did a bedtime theme for our first preschool Spring Storytime. This was the opener. I had the kids go wild each time I read "wild." And, from an idea from another reader, I had them kiss each chick each time Mama did. They enjoyed the book, though the ending they looked at me confused. I suppose they're not used to seeing Mama run wild? The mamas in the room at least smiled. And once I asked "Is Mama happy they finally went to bed," they seemed to get it, even if the looks on their faced showed they have no idea just HOW Mama would run wild. Not that I could blame them. I'd probably go wild by having the chance to read a book uninterrupted! :-) Oooo, wild.
3/20/13 & 3/21/13: I did a bedtime theme for our first preschool Spring Storytime. This was the opener. I had the kids go wild each time I read "wild." And, from an idea from another reader, I had them kiss each chick each time Mama did. They enjoyed the book, though the ending they looked at me confused. I suppose they're not used to seeing Mama run wild? The mamas in the room at least smiled. And once I asked "Is Mama happy they finally went to bed," they seemed to get it, even if the looks on their faced showed they have no idea just HOW Mama would run wild. Not that I could blame them. I'd probably go wild by having the chance to read a book uninterrupted! :-) Oooo, wild.
January 20, 2011
Chicks Run Wild is a fabulous addition to any bed time book collection. The rhyming words, the illustrations and the silly things the chicks do, make this book one both kids and parents will enjoy. As a parent, any book that captures my children's attention and is engaging for them is a huge success.
I really enjoyed the mother hen. Not only did I relate to her in her numerous attempts to get her kids to stay in bed, but I liked her gentle reminder that it's okay to break your own rules and play with the kids for a few minutes, tiring them out more before putting them back into bed.
This is a delightful read and I'm looking forward to reading countless times before bedtime, and the laughs that will ensue from it.
I really enjoyed the mother hen. Not only did I relate to her in her numerous attempts to get her kids to stay in bed, but I liked her gentle reminder that it's okay to break your own rules and play with the kids for a few minutes, tiring them out more before putting them back into bed.
This is a delightful read and I'm looking forward to reading countless times before bedtime, and the laughs that will ensue from it.
June 4, 2011
It's time for bed for all little chicks, but when Mama Hen puts them to bed, they aren't ready and start to play after she leaves. Time and time again she cautions them to go to sleep, but the same thing happens each time. They wait until she has left, and then chaos erupts. In desperation, Mama turns the tables on them and keeps them busy until they are exhausted. The rhyming lines give this story a fast pace and ear-catching rhythm, and young readers will enjoy hearing and reading this one over and over. The pencil and digital illustrations contain many clever surprises such as the chicks' drawings on the wall and Mama's viewing of the DVD of that poultry classic Gone with the Wing whose players actually resemble their human counterparts.
June 30, 2012
I think this story is a lot of fun--great pictures and humor--but it is a little long to read to pre-schoolers. Some of the words are a little advanced, too, but it also is a very-well done rhyming story. When I do this story, I generally read one less book and replace the "lost" story with a poem or extra song/fingerplay.
What I like to do with this story is have all the children say "Those chicks run wild!" with me.
This story lends well for a story time with a chicken/hen/rooster/chick theme, or it can also be used as part of a going to sleep theme, or even a rhyming theme. I'd probably use it as a way to bridge to a phonological awareness-minded tip.
What I like to do with this story is have all the children say "Those chicks run wild!" with me.
This story lends well for a story time with a chicken/hen/rooster/chick theme, or it can also be used as part of a going to sleep theme, or even a rhyming theme. I'd probably use it as a way to bridge to a phonological awareness-minded tip.
Read
November 8, 2013Mama Chicken tucks in her little chicks at the end of the day, kisses each little head and says, "Go to sleep, now." She closes the door and then, "those chicks run wild!" Mama returns, the chicks pretend to sleep; Mama repeats her kisses and leaves and then, "those chicks run wild!" This scene repeats and Mama becomes increasingly frazzled with each return to the chicks' bedroom. Finally, Mama decides to join in the fun. Parents will especially enjoy the final scene of a parent getting a little "me" time.
September 17, 2011
A bunch of baby chickens run wild after their mother puts them to bed. After a few reminders, the mother decides to get wild with the chicks too. The family dances around the bedroom and has a wonderful time, until all the chicks are sleepy and ready for bed. Then momma chicken gets wild on the couch, painting her toenails, watching trashy tv, and enjoying some chocolates. The illustrations are vibrant and perfectly capture the feel of chicks running wild at bedtime.
July 14, 2011
This book is darling - the illustrations are too cute! However, not a book for bedtime!!! It makes a little one be wild like the little chicks in the story. Mama Hen gets cross at her chicks as they pretend to sleep and eventually get wild with them too but they get tuckered out first and THEN go to sleep. Still cute but perhaps don't read it at bedtime :)
July 22, 2011
Super cute book! My kids love this one and love to find Mama looking in the door of the chicks' room! The rhyming is cute, and since we've read it so many times, I have the cadence down pretty well. I must say that it is SUPERBLY illustrated by my high school classmate, Ward Jenkins. Great job Ward!
August 30, 2014
This was a cute rhyming story of a bunch a chicks that won't go to sleep and what the mother hen does to finally overcome the problem. The pacing of the story is nice and the illustrations are amusing. Overall, children would be happy with this book and a parent would definitely relate to the story of children that just don't want to go to sleep. Probably a good bedtime story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews