"Chicks Rule" by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Renee Kurilla (Abrams Young Readers)

I've often wondered whether children's books start to tackle issues of feminism and diversity early enough, and in some cases we've seen some truly brilliant books for middle grade kids - but not much for age groups earlier than that.

"Chicks Rule" redresses the balance quite nicely with a gorgeously illustrated and empowering picture book for younger readers (both boys and girls) which is a triumphant rhyming story all about mighty girls - or in this case, mighty chicks.

Girls can do anything - as can chicks! All in step with wing in wing . . . Chicks can conquer anything!

In this story, Nerdy Chick has been waiting all day for the Rocket Club meeting.

But when she gets there, she finds a disturbing sign tacked to the door: “NO CHICKS ALLOWED!!!”

Puzzled, then baffled, then just plain mad, Nerdy Chick sets out to change the rules. Along the way, she meets other chicks who are just like her: passionate and determined. From Soccer Chick to Science Chick and Wordy Chick to Yoga Chick, these chicks aren’t willing to take “NO” for an answer.

Spread the word, little chicks rock!

They rally together, march to the barn at the center of town, and—when they hear “NO” once again—chart their own path forward (or, rather, up, up, and away!)

If there's one thing this book should definitely be praised for, it's the rallying call that 'no' is no longer acceptable for girls when it comes to being involved in all the cool activities on offer to youngsters. We've always made sure C knows that if any boy dares tell her that a particular activity or pastime is for boys only, that she digs her heels in until that attitude changes.

Busy building, busy thinking, busy not accepting 'no chicks' as an answer!

I'm in two minds with the whole 'chick' thing though, I can't help thinking that the message here would have been more strongly reinforced if the story centred around actual girls rather than a comfy compromise of choosing a 'cute' animal. But the message is very strong and clear in this regardless, and that's definitely something to celebrate.

Sum this book up in a sentence: An empowering message in an attractive picture book to kick off a fantastic mindset in the very young, full of positivity and diversity.

"Chicks Rule!" by Sudipta Barhan-Quallen and Renee Kurilla is out now, published by Abrams Young Readers (kindly supplied for review).