Plucky chicken Zoey, her pig BFF Sam, and rat Pip (all from Lehrhaupt's Chicken picture books) are going to the beach...at least in Zoey's imagination (it's really a close-by pond). They swim, build sand castles, search for treasure, and--Sam's favorite--eat a picnic lunch. Humorous illustrations in subdued hues keep to the barnyard setting throughout the perfect "beach vacation."

PreS-Gr 1 Zoey the chicken is back in another diminutive tale for new readers. Zoey invites her friends, Sam the pig and Pip the mouse, on a beach vacation. As they march to their destination, Zoey encourages them to look at the ocean view and sandy beach, but all Pip sees is a pond and some dirt. No matter, soon Sam is happily swimming in the mud and even Pip is content splashing in the pond. The outing wouldn't be complete without a splendid adventure, and when Pip finds a piece of paper, Zoey declares it to be a treasure map. The hunt is on and the three friends proceed to encounter ordinary objects that Zoey's keen imagination turns into something grand. A tractor is now a lookout tower and an old fence is transformed into a shipwreck. Luckily for all involved, the buried treasure turns out to be a picnic pie for all to enjoy. Zoey's enthusiasm and imagination are infectious and young readers will relate to the action in the book. Short sentences and colorful illustrations by Kober will aid in comprehension. VERDICT A solid addition for emerging readers, especially for fans of Chicken in Mittens . Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI