I picked up Chicka Chicka I Love You, a 2025 picture book, out of curiosity.
I had loved the classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom–and who wouldn’t? It is visual and verbal joy, essentially perfect. However, when I picked up Chicka Chicka Tricka Treat, it was pleasant enough–but it was only a dim echo of the first book, because someone else had taken over writing the series, after the original author Bill Martin’s passing.
So I picked up Chicka Chicka I Love You out of curiosity, but also with suspicion, and sadly, it largely falls into the category of Chicka Chicka Tricka Treat. The art is clear and engaging, well above that of many picture books. And the story–a Valentine’s themed message of love–is pleasant enough, and there’s some minor letter fun. Judged on its own, it is good enough. And compared to the original, it is not in the same league.
Check it out of the library if your kids love the original. They’ll enjoy it. Probably. But be warned.
