Books by Michael Sampson

Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3

by Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson

1 told 2
and 2 told 3,
"I'll race you to the top
of the apple tree."
One hundred and one numbers climb the apple tree in this bright, rollicking, joyous book for young children. As the numerals pile up and bumblebees threaten, what's the number that saves the day? (Hint: It rhymes with "hero.") Read and count and play and laugh to learn the surprising answer.

Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Waking Up?

by Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson

Kitty Cat should be getting ready for school, but instead, she's practicing her purr, looking for her socks, chasing a little mouse, and more. Will Kitty Cat make it out of the house in time for school? Adorable pastel illustrations rendered in watercolor paints and colored pencil bring Kitty Cat so close you'll want to reach out and touch her!
The author and illustrator of Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Waking Up? have donated this book to the Worldreader program

I Pledge Allegiance

by Bill Martin Jr., Pat Mora, Michael Sampson, Libby Martinez

Libby's great aunt, Lobo, is from Mexico, but the United States has been her home for many years, and she wants to become a U.S. citizen. At the end of the week, Lobo will say the Pledge of Allegiance at a special ceremony. Libby is also learning the Pledge this week, at school—at the end of the week, she will stand up in front of everyone and lead the class in the Pledge. Libby and Lobo practice together—asking questions and sharing stories and memories—until they both stand tall and proud, with their hands over their hearts.

I Pledge Allegiance

by Bill Martin Jr., Pat Mora, Michael Sampson, Libby Martinez

"Finally, here's a picture book that helps young children move beyond rote recitation of the Pledge to find meaning in its language. This is the book parents and teachers have been waiting for." — Booklist(starred review)

"I led a pigeon to the flag" . . . "and to the wee puppet" . . . "one nation, and a vegetable" . . . What was that again? Children in the United States have been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance since 1892 — and for about that long, they've found its big words confusing. Beloved children's book author Bill Martin Jr., fellow literacy expert Michael Sampson, and Caldecott Honor-winning artist Chris Raschka give America's children a hand and explain this patriotic poem once and for all. This paperback edition offers notes and suggested activities to help parents and teachers make this book even more interesting to and fun for children.

Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 (Chicka Chicka Book, A)

by Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson

A beloved classic, and bestselling companion to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, is now available as an oversize board book!

1 told 2
and 2 told 3,
“I'll race you to the top
of the apple tree.”

This counting-themed companion to the perennially bestselling Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, with rhythmic text from Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson and vibrant illustrations from Caldecott Honor illustrator Lois Ehlert, is a welcome addition to any collection. And now that this classic romp is available as a lap-size board book, a new generation of Chicka Chicka fans can sit down with a celebrated story.

Listen to Our World

by Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson

From beloved storytellers Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson and with shimmering illustrations by Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet comes a celebration of the animals all around us!

Squawk! Hiss! Grr! Roar!

Big, small, black, brown—all kinds of animals make their home in our world. From the jungle to the mountains to your own backyard, listen and you just might hear the sounds they make!

Chicka Chicka ABCs and 123s Collection (Boxed Set) Chicka Chicka ABC; Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3; Words

by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, Michael Sampson

From the creators of the bestselling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom comes a bright and bouncy board book gift set that’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers!

A told B,
and B told C,
“I’ll meet you at the
top of the coconut tree.”

This cheerful boxed set of three concept board books introduces young readers to their ABCs, 123s, and first words with playful rhymes, bold visuals, and the irresistible rhythm of the Chicka Chicka series. With sturdy pages and colorful art by Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator Lois Ehlert, these books are made for little hands and growing minds.

Perfect for baby showers, preschool classrooms, and first libraries, this giftable board book collection supports early literacy, phonics, and language development—all wrapped up in one joyful package.

This boxed set includes:

• Chicka Chicka ABC—an introduction to the alphabet for the youngest readers
• Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3—a counting book for babies and toddlers
• Words—a celebration of first vocabulary