Beautiful watercolor illustrations support this cute story about a girl who completes her science fair project.
This book also serves as an introduction to garden pests, food webs, and basic scientific method. Loretta is a believable, realistic character that could easily be a real person. As an educator, I enjoyed how Loretta solves the scientific problem of what is happening to her orange tree.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-03-18 20:31:212023-03-20 09:50:53What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain
This is a great childrens book to show kids how to investigate what objects mke what sound when they are dropped. Also helps rhyming. The illustrations are beautiful an colorful. I do think the curved writing may be hard for some children an spelling errors shouldnt be in a childrens book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Mitchellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Mitchell2023-03-18 15:56:092023-03-20 09:46:07Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Mitchell
This is a fun little spin on the story of Chicken Little. Lois Wickstrom does not disappoint when writing children’s books. The text is written in a fun manner that engages the person reading and makes it exciting.
So I’m sure we have all heard this story. We love the rhymes with the names of each character. But this author took this story so much further! She turned this rhyming story into a Science Investigation. WOW! She did a fantastic job with sounds, adventure and investigating. I could not wait for my grandchildren to hear this version of Chicken Little. We had so much fun dropping things as well as going for a walk to find some of the things the characters had found. What an adventure we had. This author has become one of my favorites, as she has fresh ideas and makes reading so much more fun for children as well as adults. Fantastic Story!
The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom is another cute and fun children’s story. Caspian is celebrating his unbirthday and receives another fun, silly gift from his grandfather. The box is empty when Caspian opens it but his grandfather says it is an invisible magic wand.
This book has a great lesson and cute illustrations. My sons really enjoyed the story. I feel like it really helped us fire up our imaginations. It also helped reinforce the lesson of waiting for rewards. I highly recommend this book to young children.
This is such a fantastic read with great illustrations to further enhance the wonderfully written story from this very talented author. While the character names are the same as the original chicken little story, this wonderful telling takes a different, far more scientific look at chicken little at first thinking the sky is falling. I highly recommend giving this a read! I am sure it will become a favourite.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2023-03-18 05:29:202023-03-20 09:24:16Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jules Herbert
This book was very cute! The lesson of imagination in this book is wonderful and it is not limited to age. The relationship between Caspian and his grandfather and mother is very nice to see. I like how Caspian was a sceptic at first but his grandfather assured him that if he just used his imagination, he would enjoy his present.
Hansel and Gretel went on a picnic with there father. He taught them to leave crumbs for animals so the animals can lead them back. Well Hansel and Gretel hear a sound and go looking for what it is. Gretel puts into action what her dad told her about crumbs. After a lot of roaming around she finally finds her way back to her dad. Fast pace children’s book. I highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Diazhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Diaz2023-03-17 22:15:432023-03-20 09:22:19Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Renee Diaz
This book was really cute. It gives a great lesson for kids and shows how important and helpful friendship can be. Chicken Little is also teaching her friends about gravity without even knowing what it’s called. While they are learning about something new they are also learning that they are free to be creative and have different opinions about the same thing and none of them are wrong. The value of friendship, creativity, and lessons is prominent in this book.
I can never rave enough on how much I love Lois’s books!!!!! This one is the cutest play off of the original children’s story of Hansel and Gretal that I have ever read. I read this one out loud to my 18 month old daughter. And she just sat and listened. She also really liked the pictures. Kept pointing out the animals.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heatherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather2023-03-17 20:56:072023-03-20 09:15:12Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Heather Hoke
This book is very good for the little ones. The characters have a lot of curiosity and intend to find out the answer. The characters are very relatable to young children. I love how certain words are more artistic than the regular words. It makes the words more noticeable and very appealing to the eye.
Lois Wickstrom has done it again. Chicken Little investigates is a very cute tale. Chicken Little and his friends decide to investigate items falling and the sound they make. As they make their way to see the King, they pick up more friends with different sounding items. All that they want is for the king to name the sound for them. If you love cute children’s book, then this is the book for you.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Allenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Allen2023-03-17 14:41:472023-03-20 09:04:28Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Allen
A retelling of Cinderella that is intriguing with a surprise ending! The author, K.L. Small, does a fantastic job of deviating from the original fairy tale to captivate your interest, while still keeping enough elements of the original fairy tale (magic, bravery, saving people you love) to keep it fresh.
The best part of the book, in my opinion, is the characterization of the main characters. I grew to really like the growth the Cinderella character, Princess Zarina, exhibits as the story unfolds. She is not a stagnant character by any means!
Another aspect of the book I thoroughly enjoyed are the believable twists and turns to get the story from point A to point B. Nothing seemed “forced,” and a truly magical read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-03-17 14:22:302023-03-20 09:03:46A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Jennifer Crain
Chicken Little is out and something hits him in the head. She decides to investigate and with her entourage of friends she meets along the way comes up with a variety of ideas to call what hit her on the head.
Fun little adventure on a classic tale. I liked the illustrations and it had some really funny moments where I think children would laugh out loud.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2023-03-17 12:50:412023-03-20 09:03:32Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Emily H
This was a lovely take on the traditional tale Hansel and Gretel. Again as with other books by this author the story was well written, a nice pace and beautifully illustrated. This would be a great addition to read alongside the original tale and see how the two stories differ and how the characters were different in each one. This was a fun and engaging read and a great story for young children to enjoy!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2023-03-17 11:17:172023-03-20 09:03:26Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Katie Matthews
Chicken Little Investigates is the first book in the Science Folktales series by Lois Wickstrom. It is a cute children’s fantasy story- a reimagining of the classic fairytale, Chicken Little (aka- Henny Penny) with plenty of fun and adventure along the way. The story has humour, mystery, friendship, investigation, and a little drama to keep things interesting. It introduces children to the concept of gravity but doesn’t go into it or explain any further though, keeping things light and fairytale-esque. I wish the internal quality of the illustrations matched the quality of the ‘new’ cover picture- as the internal illustrations are a little naïve/simplistic, and ‘bland’. They just don’t grab and hold your attention like the cover image does, and I was left feeling a little let down because of it.
The Science Folktales Series contains (so far): -Chicken Little (Book #1) -Huff…Puff…Grind! The Three Little Pigs Get Smart (Book #2) -Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! The Real Magic of the Beans (Book #3) -Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Book #4) -Little Red, the Detective (Book #5) -Just One More Egg (Book #6) -The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Book #7) -Saving the Gingerbread House (Book #8)
So, as you can see, there’s lots to explore in this series- plenty of adventures to take, and things to learn along the way. Looking forward to more from Ms. Wickstrom. Happy reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-03-16 21:28:552023-03-20 08:46:17Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales Series Book #1) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes
Princess Zarina wants a dress to remember for her Royal Advancement Ceremony. She works with a special dressmaker to get a magical dress. The dress is magical indeed, but not the way she wants. Princess Zarina thinks a lot about herself and does not care much for people around her. When the kingdom is attacked, she must spring to action and save herself and the kingdom. Can she make some choices for others for a change? Will the magical dress help her? The story is delightful and as it progresses, the complex character of the main protagonist emerges. Many middle school students can relate to this character. I really enjoyed reading this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anantha Rusumhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnantha Rusum2023-03-16 19:38:072023-03-20 08:38:45A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Anantha Rusum
I love it! What a fun take on the original story. To investigate the sounds that things make is a really fun way to gain the child’s attention. I found the story entraining and fun. We enjoyed making sound effects with all the noises. I am a large fan of stories that can get the children interacting. Another winner for this author!
This story was absolutely adorable. When Caspian receive’s his unbirthday present from Grandpa, it’s nothing that he expects. The box is empty! When Grandpa explains that it’s an invisible wand and that it needs a name before he can start using it. He then learns that he can manipulate time and absolutely loves it. The times that he stretches out so he can enjoy them longer and how he can quicken time is a learning curve but he catches on pretty quickly. It is such a cute story, that my son loved reading and I’m sure he will be reading over and over again!
The characters investigate when things fall and make different noises. Then they go on their way to see the King. On their journey they get mislead but concur through. Then they go back on track in their journey. There the King decides what he is going to call the investigation.
Most of us are familiar with this popular saying by Chicken Little. This great little STEM focused book follows up on that saying with a physics lesson that also includes Turkey Lurky, Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, and Goosey Loosey. Foxy Woxy will also make an appearance but we all know how sly those foxes can be!
The illustrations are great in this book as well. The words appear to be interactive on the page which makes this one even more fun!
Add this to the list to share with a youngster in your life!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-03-15 19:52:462023-03-20 08:18:51Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson
Really a darling retelling of the folk tale “Chicken Little.” Attractive illustrations, great use of onomatopoeia and clever twist to the original story.
Younger children will delight in “what happens next.” At the same time, older children could experiment with the gravity experiments and see, if they were king, what they would call the stuff falling from the sky.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-03-15 19:48:542023-03-20 08:18:45Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain
My middle schooler and I read this together and enjoyed every page! Princess Zarina must have the perfect dress for her upcoming Royal Advancement ceremony. When she works with a special dressmaker, she soon realizes things are not what they seem! Though her dress is magical, it is nothing like what she wanted. When her land is attacked, it is up to her to take action! Will this spoiled princess be able to save herself and her kingdom? Will the magical dress help her or hurt her?
Princess Zarina’s journey is mystical, magical, and relatable. Her character is complex, and she grows as the story progresses. The story is fast-paced, full of action, adventure, and emotion. My daughter found ways to relate to the character, which really brought the story to life. I am so glad we were able to share this book together!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Nakyshia Legerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNakyshia Leger2023-03-15 19:16:092023-03-20 08:18:33A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Nakyshia Leger
With a twist on the classic Chicken Little tale, Chicken Little Investigates introduces kids to the world of science and learning has never been as fun. It is a bright and colourful story with humour that makes you laugh. Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey and Turkey Lurkey all make an appearance and try to outsmart the wily Foxy Woxy. With lovely illustrations by Francie Mion you can’t go wrong as the story draws in readers and opens their little minds. Is the sky falling? Well you will have to read it to find out.
I loved the story! I read it as an e-book and now I want a paperback copy so I can save it on the bookshelf for my daughter to read. I feel this is a very good book for middle schoolers starting to get into reading or venturing into the fantasy genre. There’s adventure, betrayal, and magic. My only complaints are Auntie and the other stories. I wish the other stories were longer but considering this book is targeted for a younger crowed they make sense. I was annoyed by Auntie because I was feeling more a childlike personality than someone who was forgetful on things. I really loved Zarina’s character growth. She’s so spoiled and doesn’t try to hide it. I’m glad interacting with people throughout the town has helped her change her ways. This book also has illustrations. I loved the map and thought the pictures of Zarina were perfect.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darianhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarian2023-03-15 07:29:352023-03-20 08:11:01A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Darian Vester
When Chicken Little gets on the head, she thinks the sky is falling until she sees the acorn. With the help of her friend, Henny Penny, Chicken Little does experiments and learns about the power of gravity. On the way to tell the king of this new scientific discovery, they are captured by a sly fox and need to outsmart him before they become his dinner.
Lois is a former high school chemistry teacher and former head science teacher at Science in the City Summer Camp in Philadelphia. She has also been an adjunct science teacher at University of South Florida. Since retiring, she continues to take science classes. Her class in Forensic Biology led to Little Red, The Detective, in which Red is studying fingerprint identification, so she can tell that “Grandma” isn’t who she says she is.
Lois has taken so many science classes that she believes science is the solution to almost every problem, including the dilemmas in fairy tales. She has invented what she calls Science Folktales. In each science-based tale, the protagonist achieves a better ending than the original because of learning scientific principles. She has turned some of these tales into plays.
She has also created a series of Mermaid Science stories, which make use of water science.
Lois is married to the love of her life. She has two children, four grandchildren and a dog.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/chicken-little-cover.jpg12001200itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-03-15 00:01:452023-03-28 21:58:43Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom
This one wasn’t my favorite. However, I still enjoy Caspian stories so much! His grandpa is such a imaginative character! And I loooooooove the “unbirthday gifts”.
There is so much I enjoyed about this book! From the rich, imaginative storytelling and the gorgeous illustrations sprinkled throughout all the way to the family history notes this book was a pleasure to read. Written for younger readers but just as enjoyable as an adult, this book really kept my interest from start to finish. Zarina was painfully whiny at the start of the story as the youngest of many, and especially royalty is expected to be, I suppose. I was genuinely surprised when I found myself really connecting with the narration as the story progressed. I’m not one to often let my imagination run wild or seek out a fairytale type story but I’m really glad I gave this a chance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Felicia Bateshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFelicia Bates2023-03-14 17:40:522023-03-20 08:03:08A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Felicia Bates
If you have never read Lois Wickstroms’s books you are definitely missing out. Caspain’s Unbirthday has arrived again and this year Grandpa forgot and gave him an empty box. Whether your child can read on their own or you are still reading them books, both of you will enjoy following Caspain on his Unbirthday and learn what magic can happen.
I loved following Princess Zarina and her growth from a entitled princess to realizing that there are other important matters in life than herself. Zarina’s story has the perfect blend of adventure, conflict, mystery, and personal improvement. I originally intended to read this with my daughter, however, I finished it much too quickly. Now I look forward to letting her read it and tag along with Zarina’s adventure!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00YellowTulips11https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngYellowTulips112023-03-14 09:28:042023-03-16 10:07:44A Dress to Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Monique Espitia
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What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
