Reviews

Gimme Shelter: Misadventures and Misinformation by Stephen Gilpin, Doreen Cronin

laila4343's review against another edition

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3.0

The chicks are trying to build a meteor shelter with spoons stolen from the neighbor's garage. Then the squirrels and the chipmunks want to get in on the act too. My son and I have already read this book about 5 times, and he got it for Christmas. :)

megancrews's review against another edition

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4.0

I adore the Chicken Squad, and their newest adventure does not disappoint. These fluffy chicks are as delightful and hilarious as ever. Perfect first chapter book to hand to someone who likes humor and adventure. There are always very inviting illustrations to accompany the story as well.

thedizzyreader's review against another edition

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3.0

I appreciated the fun facts and interesting vocabulary in this one, but the story seemed to flow less well/make less sense than other titles in the series.

allerkins's review against another edition

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5.0

We all found this one to be delightful! Gimme more Chicken Squad please!

tami_provencher's review against another edition

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4.0

I love the Chicken Squad books by Doreen Cronin and Gimme Shelter is no exception. I adore the film-noirish narration of J.J. Tully, the retired Search-and-Rescue dog who introduces each of the Chicken Squad stories, his actual role in the action varying from book to book in the series.

Gimme Shelter is almost exclusively the four members of the Chicken Squad: Sugar, Sweetie, Poppy and Dirt. This time around J.J. discovers Sugar digging a deep hole "twice as tall as she was and three times as wide." Sugar explains that she is preparing a storm shelter--because there must be a storm coming at some point, right? The four chicks tumble through the creation of the shelter with their usual conflicting ideas and nuggets of ridiculous misinformation in a brilliant blending of slapstick and wit.

These books make me laugh just as hard as the kids--sometimes more. The illustrations by Stephen Gilpin throughout continue to be the perfect match for both the story and the characters. The Chicken Squad books are ideal as a next step for young readers transitioning from books like Mo Willems' Elephant & Piggie series to easy, large print chapter books like Mercy Watson and the Deckawoo Drive series by Kate DiCamillo. They are also a perfect transition step from Doreen Cronin's magnificent picture book stories to more complex plots and language. Gimme Shelter (and the rest of the Chicken Squad series) are great fun as a read-aloud in a primary classroom or at home, or as an independent read!

pussreboots's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

jmshirtz's review against another edition

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3.0

Cute and funny, but I could NOT keep the characters straight. And why did an outside character begin the book, but then never reappear?
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