Allen Banasiak created "Cheer Cheer Cheer" using repetitive words to help kids learn to read. The birds' short sounds serve as a steppingstone to simple sounds and short words. The birds' rhythmic, soothing, chirping sounds translate into gentle words beginning in "WH-", "W-", & "H-". Banasiak uses a touch of irony to calm, comfort, and cheer up young readers. "Cheer Cheer Cheer: The American Goldfinch" is a story on how similarities and differences play an important role in society, shown by each character's effort to make new friends.