Hey Diddle Diddle, A Food Chain Tale By Pam Kapchinske Illustrated by Sherry Rogers

Hardcover $16.95
ISBN: 9781607181309

Review:  Hey Diddle Diddle, A Food Chain Tale is a whimsical story about the interconnectedness of eight different animals and the food chain that results within this ecosystem.  The story is told using enchanting rhyming verses.  Each animal within the food chain has its own little niche within the broader ecosystem.  As each animal is introduced within the storyline, other facts as to its characteristics or classification is revealed making the story much more than just the study of a food chain.

The illustrator has also done a marvelous job picturing the animals in a charming way.  Each animal is pictured within its natural habitat and accurately displays characteristics true of each animal. 

Included after the story is a section entitled, “For Creative Minds”.  It has several different kinds of matching games and activities.  These games enlarge upon facts already learned in the story, such as the difference between herbivores and carnivores, and the predator and prey relationship.  It also includes an activity that teaches animal characteristics and classification.  Finally, the author includes a website that consists of more activities that the reader may enjoy while learning about basic biology facts.

I enjoyed the book immensely, and I think it would be a wonderful addition to any early elementary classroom or as an addition to a home collection to be read again and again! (reviewed by S.Fincannon, Science Teacher)

Author info: Pam Kapchinske (pronounced Cap-Chin-Ski) is a freelance writer and editor of educational materials. She creates K-12 web-based assessments for Scantron Corporation and has written science content for Discovery Education. Her children’s poetry has been published in Ladybug magazine. Pam holds a B.S. in Biology and taught science in the Peace Corps in Zimbabwe. She lives with her husband and two boys in San Diego. Hey Diddle Diddle is her debut picture book.

Illustrator info: Sherry Rogers spent twelve years as a corporate graphic designer and artist before "leaving it all behind" for the freelance world. In addition to illustrating The Penguin Lady for Sylvan Dell, Sherry has illustrated Ten For Me; Hey Diddle Diddle; Paws, Claws, Hands & Feet; Kersplatypus; Burro's Tortillas; and the award-winning Moose and Magpie; Newton and Me; Sort It Out!; and If You Were a Parrot for Sylvan Dell. Sherry lives in Northern California. Visit Sherry's website.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Hey Diddle Diddle was provided by Sylvan Dell in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.