Chalk the Walk
Author: Chelsea Tornetto
Illustrator: Laurel Aylesworth
1 April 2025
Familius
32 pages
Book description from Goodreads: “Take to the sidewalk with this colorful picture book to inspire artistic expression and imagination!
Faded pavement.
Walls of gray.
Boring city streets?
No way!
Grab a piece of sidewalk chalk and join in the fun! Join a pair of adorable siblings as they explore the incredible power of a piece of chalk to transform the world around them. Joined by people of all ages from their neighborhood along the way, they use their bucket of chalk to make some sidewalk magic. With rhyming text by Chelsea Tornetto and increasingly colorful illustrations by Laurel Aylesworth, Chalk the Walk is a celebration of imagination.”
Need some reviews of Chalk the Walk?
As a special bonus, here’s an interview with the author at Sue Irwin’s website. Enjoy!
Reading Activities inspired by Chalk the Walk:
- Before Reading–From looking at the front cover:
- What do you think this book will be about?
- What kinds of things can you do with sidewalk chalk?
- Have you ever made art that others could see in your neighborhood?
- How do the colors on the cover make you feel?
- What questions would you like to ask the author or illustrator before reading the book?
- After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- How do the children change the neighborhood with their chalk drawings?
- Why do you think people were inspired to join in the fun?
- What happens to the chalk art at the end of the story, and how do the characters react?
- How does the book compare chalk to screen time?
- What are some ways you’ve made your own fun without using screens?
- Would you recommend this book to a friend? What part would you tell them about first?
- Chalk It Forward
The children in the story start a wave of creativity by drawing with chalk and it spreads to the whole community! Try it yourself: make a cheerful message or simple drawing on the sidewalk or driveway (with permission, of course). You might just brighten someone’s day or inspire a neighbor to add something of their own. - Color Our World
In the book, dull gray spaces slowly fill with bright color. On a piece of paper, draw a scene in all grays. Then color in only one section. Maybe a balloon, a flower, or a chalk drawing. How does that pop of color change the mood? Try doing a second version where everything is bright. - Sidewalk Storytelling
Use chalk to create your own story across several sidewalk squares or blocks. Each square can be a different part of your story: the beginning, the middle, and the end. Invite a friend to read your story as they walk! - Screen-Free Saturday
Plan a whole day of screen-free fun, inspired by this book. Make a list of things you can do: build with blocks, play dress-up, read a book, draw with chalk, make a snack, or put on a puppet show. Can you go the whole day without using a tablet or TV? - Books, Books, and More Books!
Check out these real-world picture books about creativity, outdoor fun, and screen-free play:
A wordless picture book where chalk drawings come to life…until things get a little too real!
This visually dazzling book celebrates connection, color, and noticing the world around you. No screens needed!
On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna
A rainy day and a bored child lead to a magical outdoor adventure.
Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Sydney Smith
In this wordless story, a girl collects flowers on a city walk, quietly transforming her world with small acts of kindness.
Sidewalk Chalk by Jen Fier Jasinski, illustrated by Lea Marie Ravotti
From the publisher: “Imaginations soar when a group of neighborhood children scritch, scribble and scrawl in a rainbow of colors, crafting lovely works of art. But one little girl watches from afar, unsure how to contribute her own colorful creations. After gathering her courage, she misses the chance to grab the last piece, until a familiar face shows her how to draw with nature’s chalk — a soft piece of rock. But then raindrops begin to fall and time is cut short, causing the lovely colors to fade into memories. In the morning, a new day begins, and the girl leads the way in welcoming a new friend to this creative community.”
This one’s not out yet, but go ahead and preorder it!
