“The Chick Magnet” by Jeff Phillips captures a moment in time: way back in 2001, Jeff posted a photo essay to his blog about taking his nephew to the zoo. He learns the “social potential” of having toddlers around (everyone wants to tell you how cute they are!) and contemplates his own feelings about parenthood. The essay was eventually reviewed by the New York Times, and then it was reprinted in zine-form in 2020, and now I am reviewing it here.

As a zine, “The Chick Magnet” is a quick, delightful read. The cover is unassuming (just text on the page), but within are some truly lovely photographs. Jeff has a great eye for capturing children in a way that both highlights their smallness and vulnerability, while letting their emotions read larger than life. The story that accompanies the photos is equal parts poignant and silly. It’s a quick read, and if you’re a person who cares for kiddos and enjoys great photography, I bet you’ll dig it!