Tough Chicks (by Cece Meng)

Besides having an irresistible title, this is an entertaining, upbeat story with an important message, both for kids and the parents who raise them. The girl chicks, and their mama, believe in themselves and each other, and though they get along with the other farmyard animals, they don't cave into criticism that may have forced weaker characters to conform.

It's also a story that is fun, and plainly told. The text is simple but includes enough dialogue and description to keep the tale moving while getting its point across. And, kids will like the colorful cartoon-like artwork that supplements the language with playfully energetic illustrations. Rounded and yellow, with little red feet that never stop moving and spiky little tufts of feathers, Polly, Molly, and Penny are three chicks who will definitely leave their mark on the world.