A very successfully-rhymed narrative has a few kids put their tablets down and make for the streets, with chalk. There they don't only draw round each other lying on the pavement, or establish trails around the block and hop-scotch grids – they draw elephants that people can pose 'holding up', they design 3D tricks-of-the-eye, and craft ways to connect and give colour to their entire neighbourhood. And then it rains… My first thought, beyond ones about the obvious quality on show here, is 'how much does chalk cost these days?', for this is bound to inspire some pester-power and get the reader back out into the outside world this summer. Beyond that need to put hand in pocket this is an almost flawless read – the verse, the invention, the friendly message are all there in abundance. I mean, shelve it with a book about street smarts, safety and stranger danger, but do shelve it – it's practically five stars.

This will make a great selection for storytime. The rhymes are simple and easy to follow and the illustrations are bright and expressive.

This was so cute! It centred on creativity and had multiple representations in the characters and drawing.

This would be great as a read-aloud before introducing a chalk art project for young elementary students! I might have to pick up a copy for my teacher friends.

If you are searching for a book that introduces your child to glimpses of an “analog life,” this book is for you. Wonderfully written and matched with incredible chalk art, Chalk the Walk is a keeper on your bookshelves. The story tells of infinite ways to play with colored chalk while simultaneously showing its limitations in the end. What stuck with our son was the line when it talked about how chalk activities are better alternatives to screen time. This book began a conversation on why his friend does not play with his toys but keeps playing on his tablet. I explained to him that families are built differently, and we appreciate activities in various ways. This book is also suitable for early readers because the sentences are shorter.

I love this book because, for the last several years, our library has held an event called "Chalk the Walk" where we use sidewalk chalk to decorate the sidewalks and parts of the parking lot at the local senior center! I am so excited to incorporate this book into my program this summer!!!

Netgalley ARC - a joyous celebration of play and colorful community. Fun! The rhymes work well, this would be a good read-aloud.

It is an absolute masterpiece that perfectly captures the essence of community, creativity and self-expression. From the very first page, Tornetto’s writing immerses the reader in the vibrant world of sidewalk art, where each drawing tells a unique story and every line is filled with meaning. Laurel Alyesworth did an amazing work with her illustrations. That Faded grayish scenes to colorful backgrounds were really soothing and tells in itself a story which denotes the meaning of colors in life.

The beauty of this book lies not only in its engaging narrative but also in the way it celebrates the simple joys of life—like the act of chalking up the walkways with colorful designs, which serve as a metaphor for the little things that brighten our days. Tornetto’s prose is both playful and profound, making you smile while also encouraging introspection.

What truly makes "Chalk the Walk" stand out is the way it builds a sense of connection. The characters come alive with relatable struggles and dreams, yet they find solace in something as fleeting and ephemeral as chalk art. This creates a touching sense of impermanence, urging readers to appreciate the present moment. There is a moral that we must be hopeless if some trouble washed away our efforts, we should always be ready to re-write our stories.

If you’re looking for a book that is heartwarming, creative and beautifully written, this is a must-read. Chelsea Tornetto’s ability to capture the magic in the everyday is nothing short of inspiring!

This was such a wonderful tribute to creativity. The illustrations, especially with the use of color, were so bright and beautiful. And the best part was the understanding that art is more about the process than about whether it was permanent, because they could just keep creating more art after the rain washed away their pictures.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

A sharp reminder that life skills are learnt not only in classrooms, but on sidewalks, with a fistful of chalk!

I love how this book takes us a journey of learning like a child. In a world of living by schedules, academics and extra curriculars, the sidewalk offers a fleeting, glorious space for uninhibited expression. Celebrating that freedom with every colorful stroke, the story reminds me that getting chalk dust on their knees, giggling and chatting with friends as their laughter echoes down the street is an important every child should be able to experience. The illustrations that start our a little drab only get brighter and brighter as the book progresses, going well with how the story progresses.

I loved this book! The illustrations are bright and colorful, and the friendship that blossoms from drawing is a meaningful theme throughout. My kids also really liked it.

An ode to a bucket of sidewalk chalk and outdoor play. Color slowly seeps into the illustrations as our characters' imaginations soar in this rhyming picture book.

Chalk the Walk starts in a gray color scheme until chalk is brought to the sidewalk. The illustrations showcase the many ways chalk can be used - hopscotch, drawings, imaginative play, tracing and more. Others in the community get involved as they see the children at play and full of imagination. When the chalk washes away, the children are sad but adults encourage them to hope for another time when they can start again. A great book for art teachers or projects where chalk is going to be introduced.

I was a chalk kid. From tracing my friends bodies, hopscotch or just drawing in general I loved chalk! I absolutely love the shift from gray to bright and colorful and how the kids met others along the way to join the fun!

CHALK THE WALK is a joyful, rhythmic celebration of creativity, bursting with playful rhyme and the endless possibilities of chalk. Vibrant, whimsical illustrations bring to life a group of all ages transforming their drab neighborhood into a colorful playground of imagination. A heartwarming story that inspires creativity - a must-have for home and school libraries!

A wonderful book full of color, whimsy, and a powerful message. Through interactions and art we can build a more fun world for ourselves and others. Let the author and artist take you on a lyrical, magical adventure. Perfect for read aloud or read to self in the elementary grades. This book is short and sweet with plenty of connections for BSEL, science, art, and English. A great addition for any school or classroom library.

After reading the book, I'm actually confused that the cover isn't prettier. The illustrations in the book are astonishingly gorgeous considering how minimalistic they are. This drawing style does an outstanding job of conveying the power of color and chalk as a medium of expression. The writing was hit or miss of me especially when it came to the rhymes. Some pairings stood out, but some were kinda awkward. I love how the book consistently highlights all the joy that chalk brings to these people's lives, especially in these times when we're obsessed with the internet.

ARC Review - Chalk the Walk is an adorable children’s book about getting outside and enjoying the outdoors with chalk. It’s a cute book that I think kids would enjoy. The chalk definitely brings the pages to life and was enjoyable to read. Thanks NetGalley for the chance to review this book!

#NetGalley #ChalkTheWalk

This is a fun rhyming book about chalk art. How chalk art can make even the greatest city seem vibrant and colorful. But it’s OK if rain comes and washes it away because there’s more fun to be had with new colors and new pictures. This book was lovely. I like the artwork on the inside, but I think it needs a different cover.

I’m a sucker for good illustrations and rhyming!

This book was a delight to read. This book focuses on how sidewalk chalk that can spark imagination and creativity in everyone!

My toddler loves pointing to images and repeating what he sees, this book is perfect for that as there are many chalk drawings that are recognizable to a toddler.

The book also contains different ethnicities which is always a good thing to see.

I can see parents and teachers loving this book, it can be a great segue from reading to enjoying the outdoors with chalk!

Kids love using their imaginations with sidewalk chalk, so this is a great idea for a book! I loved this one! Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.