Dora's Chicks Book Review: A Farmyard Counting Story for Toddlers
Dora the hen searches the farm for her six missing chicks while toddlers count along. Story, pictures, how it builds counting skills and similar farm books.
Toddlers love a hunt. Hide a toy behind a cushion and they will look for it ten times in a row, giggling each time. Dora the hen has that game on a much bigger scale: her chicks are missing all over the farm.
In this Dora's Chicks book review we look at Julie Sykes's counting picture book: the story, the characters, the pictures and how it helps toddlers and preschoolers with numbers and farm animals.
The short answer Dora's Chicks by Julie Sykes is a hardcover picture book about Dora, a mother hen who wakes up to find her six chicks missing. As she searches the farm and finds them one by one, children count along. It is simple, engaging and ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.
ISBN: 978-1845072038
Author: Julie Sykes
Dora's Chicks book review: what the story is about
Dora, a mother hen, wakes up one morning to find that her six little chicks have gone missing. She searches high and low around the farm.
Each turn of the page shows a new farmyard scene where Dora looks for her chicks. As she finds them one by one, young readers count along. The story is simple but keeps little ones engaged.
Meet the characters
The main characters are Dora, the mother hen, and her six adventurous chicks. Each chick has its own little personality, which adds charm and keeps young readers interested. Dora's search also gives children a gentle picture of responsibility and care.
Why parents and teachers like it
It combines an engaging story, counting practice and the universal appeal of farm animals.
The repetitive, predictable structure helps reinforce counting while keeping children invested in the story. The illustrations and relatable storyline make it a favourite with parents and educators.
The illustrations
Colourful, lively pictures bring the farmyard to life. They also give visual clues that support the text.
The detailed artwork helps children follow Dora's journey and spot the hidden chicks, which makes the book feel interactive.
Read-aloud tip Before you turn each page, ask your child to guess where the next chick is hiding. Then point and count together, "one, two, three", as Dora finds them.
Dora's Chicks book for kids: format and how it helps development
Dora's Chicks is a hardcover picture book, suited to young children who are just starting to explore books on their own or with a parent or caregiver. The durable format holds up well to repeated readings.
- Counting skills: the structure invites children to count along with Dora, building early maths in a fun way.
- Problem-solving: Dora's search models persistence for young readers.
- Animal recognition: children meet various farm animals and build vocabulary about the natural world.
About the author, Julie Sykes
Julie Sykes is a well-known children's author with a talent for stories that are both educational and entertaining. Her books often focus on family, friendship and learning through fun, relatable stories.
Similar books about farm animals and counting
- "Rosie's Walk" by Pat Hutchins: simple text and rich pictures follow a farm animal on a journey.
- "The Little Red Hen" by Paul Galdone: another hardworking hen, for children who enjoy farm stories about responsibility.
- "Ten Little Ladybugs" by Melanie Gerth: another interactive way to explore numbers and animals.
Gift it right: Dora's Chicks as a birthday gift
A hardcover counting book about a mother hen and her chicks is one of the sweeter books as birthday gifts for kids at the toddler and preschool stage. A farm-themed name label inside the cover and a name sticker on the wrapping make it personal.
58% off
58% off
26% offSee all personalised book labels, or browse our gifts for kids to pair the book with something more.
Read next
Frequently asked questions
Who wrote Dora's Chicks?
Julie Sykes.
What is Dora's Chicks about?
Dora, a mother hen, searches the farm for her six missing chicks, and children count along as she finds them one by one.
What age is the Dora's Chicks book for kids?
It is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers who are starting to explore books on their own or with a parent.
Does Dora's Chicks help with counting?
Yes. Its repetitive structure invites children to count along, reinforcing early maths skills.
Join the conversation