What is a wrapped up box with a bow... other than a symbol of all possibilities. Readers of books like this one may not realize that what they're openWhat is a wrapped up box with a bow... other than a symbol of all possibilities. Readers of books like this one may not realize that what they're opening up through this tale is the endlessly thrilling gift of READING.
Like that, if you're a reader, there are so many sounds that a kid needs to learn how decode... in order to read our crazy-complicated English language.
"Targeted Phonics" is the name of this series, and if you look closely at the back cover you will see that this is SHORT O, Book 3. Would that everything each of us learns, personally, during a day at Earth School... were labeled so clearly!
For so many emerging readers, phonics is a useful approach. This book also provides the fun of guessing what might, or might not, fit into the box that Ross is being given.
HERE'S A SAMPLE FROM THIS BOOK ABOUT READING THE SHORT O SOUND
As the plot builds, here's some dialog between Ross, the one with the box, and his friend Gus.
Ross said, "I got a rod? A rod for Ross? "
Gus said, "There is not a rod, or a dog, or a cot, or a top in the box. "
Trust me here, Goodreaders. The ending is pretty darned happy.
FIVE STARS for this fine set of decodable words, turned into a cute little story....more
Thank goodness, this is a phonics-based reader. Plus, it's written by the superb writer-and-teacher Suzanne I. Barchers.
"Targeted Phonics" is the nameThank goodness, this is a phonics-based reader. Plus, it's written by the superb writer-and-teacher Suzanne I. Barchers.
"Targeted Phonics" is the name of this series, and if you look closely at the back cover you will see that this is LONG O, Book 2. Would that everything each of us learns, personally, during a day at Earth School... were labeled so clearly!
For so many emerging readers, phonics is a useful approach. This book also provides a study in contrast. Rose and Bose are NOT the same. Although both are two years old, Rose is a little girl. While Bose is a dog.
Next, to introduce you to the standard format for this series:
HERE'S A SAMPLE FROM THIS LONG O BOOK
They both like stores. Rose goes to the toy store. Bose goes to the pet store.
FIVE STARS for a book that is incredibly helpful for aspiring readers....more
"Targeted Phonics" is the name of this series, and if you look closely at the back cover you will see that this is Mixed Practice, Book 1. Would that"Targeted Phonics" is the name of this series, and if you look closely at the back cover you will see that this is Mixed Practice, Book 1. Would that everything each of us learns, personally, during a day at Earth School... were labeled so clearly!
For so many readers, phonics is a useful approach. Author Suzanne I. Barchers has used considerable skill, imo, to construct a reader that flows so naturally, yet keeps reminding new readers to sound that LONG A sound -- every, every, every time.
With the youthful optimism of young children -- the likely readers for whom this book is intended -- soon as we learn that "Kip Gets Sick," guess what? The whole point of the book is helping the little boy with the spotless teddy bear... to get better.
When you think about that, isn't this optimism one of the sweetest things about most children?
Visiting friends are making a racket when a doctor enters. Imagine, a doctor making house calls!
Golly, Goodreaders, I remember housecalls. When I was little, in the 1950's, our family doctor always made housecalls for my sister and me. Hard to imagine?
I love-love-love the ending here. It was a LOL moment for me. A noisy one, actually. But no spoiler from me, no no!
I'll just say, this is definitely a FIVE STAR book.
What, you think you know all about the three little kittens who lost their mittens? Never, ever have you imagined them in so much detail, so gorgeouslWhat, you think you know all about the three little kittens who lost their mittens? Never, ever have you imagined them in so much detail, so gorgeously rendered, and with such captivating creativity. Thank you, Amazing Jerry Pinkney.
- Highlights include vivid illustrations of each of the three kittens... finding those mittens.
- Also, when the kittens washed their mittens and hung them out to dry.
- And when those kittens go out to play, this Goodreader wants to go outside and play with them. What fun it could be to enter into their world.
FIVE STARS of admiration for the artistry, whimsey, and innocence of this magnificent book. ...more
Unfortunately, this adaptation of classic nursery rhymes is supposed to frighten children. And then make them laugh.
Personally, I found nothing funnyUnfortunately, this adaptation of classic nursery rhymes is supposed to frighten children. And then make them laugh.
Personally, I found nothing funny about this book. And I think it's a foolish idea to fill the minds of impressionable youngsters with images of monsters.
The illustrations strive for cuteness, in a ghoulish sort of way. To me, the artist appeared to be trying too hard. As for the rhymes that also appear to be trying so hard? See for yourself. Here's a sample:
Little Boy Drac
Little Boy Drac, come sound the call; The bat's in the belfry, the rat's in the wall. Where is the boy who looks after those creeps? He's inside his coffin, fast asleep0. Will you wake him? No, not I; My garlic breath will make him cry.
Although I have seldom encountered a book I disliked this much...
RATING THIS BOOK
Goodreaders, my policy is to review books in terms of the intended audience.
Sadly, some parents and caregivers may assume that because they're jaded, their job is to turn their adorable little children into smug little cynics as early as possible.
This book may help them succeed. Witness the snide and self-congratulatory tone that pervades this self-consciously "clever" little book.
Consistently, reluctantly, I give this FIVE STARS....more
This fabulous phonics book suits me to a T. Come and play with author Kelly Doudna. She does a super job, in the opinion of this Goodreader.
First, toThis fabulous phonics book suits me to a T. Come and play with author Kelly Doudna. She does a super job, in the opinion of this Goodreader.
First, to introduce you to the standard format for this series:
Each of these easy readers begins with an introduction to the letter. - What does it look like? - Where does that letter fit in the alphabet? T, we learn, is #20th letter in the English alphabet.
In the second section, reader-friendly sentences give examples of the letter. - How does it sound? - Where would its word order be, when that word is placed within the sentence?
In the third section, a rhyming story playfully reviews variations on how that letter is used. - There's a playful quiz. - There's even a glossary.
HERE'S A SAMPLE FROM THIS I BOOK
"Tina trots faster than anyone thought a little turtle could.
She catches up to Robert (a hare) who is resting in the woods. "
FIVE STARS for a book that is totally terrific. ...more
Me, myself, and "I" all recommend this book in the sparkling phonics series called "It's the Alphabet.
First, to introduce you to the standard format fMe, myself, and "I" all recommend this book in the sparkling phonics series called "It's the Alphabet.
First, to introduce you to the standard format for this series:
Each of these easy readers begins with an introduction to the letter. - What does it look like? - Where does that letter fit in the alphabet? I, we learn, is #9 in the English alphabet.
In the second section, reader-friendly sentences give examples of the letter. - How does it sound? - Where would its word order be, when that word is placed within the sentence?
In the third section, a rhyming story playfully reviews variations on how that letter is used. - There's a playful quiz. - There's even a glossary.
HERE'S A SAMPLE FROM THIS I BOOK
Iris thinks for a bit and comes up with a trick.
The next igloo she builds will be made of red brick!
FIVE STARS for a book that is incredibly important to aspiring readers. It sure did make me smile....more
Every alphabet book provides a tour of sorts. This one is highly pictorial, with lively-and-stylish illustrations, visual puns, and the like.
Between tEvery alphabet book provides a tour of sorts. This one is highly pictorial, with lively-and-stylish illustrations, visual puns, and the like.
Between these covers you'll take a quirky alphabetical tour through jobs. Granted, theversionspresented of various occupations are mainly whimsical. If you have a visual sense of humor, you might find them hilarious. If you'd prefer that your child never settle upon any career at all, this book might prove helpful.
For example, what's on the page devoted to the occupation of POSTAL WORKER?
A female postal worker is carrying the mail. No delivery truck.
That works, because the background is mostly white, so there is no road to drive on. Nor is there any house number for mail delivery, let alone any nearby house. The background is flat white, strewn with tiny, abstract, colorful shapes. Some green horizontal squiggles delineate plants on the ground.
While other squiggles, similar in shape and color, slightly smaller, represent clouds. I guess.
The postal worker's body is oddy shaped, and lacks normal human proportions, such as wearing impossibly tiny shoes and exceptionally long ankle socks.
The postal worker carries a mailbag with ordinary-sized letters, but she is busy delivering a large letter P.
By large I mean at least twice the length of her body and three times the width of her body.
The delivery object, that surreally large letter P, bears one stamp. Plus a cancellation mark, to show this delivery has been officially postmarked.
In honor of readers who would enjoy this book, the intended readers, FIVE STARS.
Personally, I'm just relieved that, for me, the ordeal of encountering so much self-conscious visual cleverness... is now over....more
This W-flavored book promises to be as good as all the others I've read in this delightful series.
Just to introduceWOW, it's WHAT I've ALWAYS WANTED!
This W-flavored book promises to be as good as all the others I've read in this delightful series.
Just to introduce you to the standard format for these books:
Each of these easy readers begins with an introduction to the letter. - What does it look like? - Where does that letter fit in the alphabet? In case you're wondering Goodreaders, W is letter #23 of the alphabet.
In the second section, reader-friendly sentences give examples of the letter. - How does it sound? - Where would its word order be within a sentence?
In the third section, a rhyming story playfully reviews variations on how that letter is used. - There's a playful quiz. - There's even a glossary.
HERE'S A SAMPLE FROM THIS W BOOK
Drew saw a cow follow the arrow around the yellow scarecrow.
FIVE STARS for a book that pretty darned funny. Purposely!...more
Right from the cover you can tell that this book has spirit, verve, and heart. Right away, you can tell, this book is made for kids.
There's a story abRight from the cover you can tell that this book has spirit, verve, and heart. Right away, you can tell, this book is made for kids.
There's a story about Dan and his dog, and also his Dad. I really like the way this story unfolds.
Sure, it's not unusual that an illustration takes up a whole page, while the facing page has some words. What's delicious about this particular book is the letter D.
Just kidding! What's absolutely delicious is how the words tell a story. Short, readable sentences tell a story.
- No gimmicks. - Nothing tongue in cheek.
It's just an engaging story with adorable illustration and a story that keeps you reading.
Sweet, gentle, and lively. This book introduces the youngest children to 100 wonderful words.
Rosemary Wells, the writer and illustrator notes at the sSweet, gentle, and lively. This book introduces the youngest children to 100 wonderful words.
Rosemary Wells, the writer and illustrator notes at the start:
In this book I set out to support the way children really learn to speak, keeping in mind that children don't learn language one word at a time.
Rhymes and their rhythm and repetition play an important role in developing verbal skills in children....
Here in this book, you'll find action words, social words, double words, descriptive words as children really use them, all with a boost from my dear friend Mother Goose.
HERE'S WHAT'S ILLUSTRATED ON ONE SAMPLE PAGE
It includes boxed pictures with captions for: * On again * Off again * On again * Off again * Goodbye.
FIVE STARS of admiration for that loving, tender, funny, motherly teacher, Rosemary Wells....more
Think of this book like an improvement over the "Just So" stories by Rudyard Kipling, the British imperialist and outright racist.
Author and illustratThink of this book like an improvement over the "Just So" stories by Rudyard Kipling, the British imperialist and outright racist.
Author and illustrator Beverley Naidoo collects traditional tales from all over Africa. Hee are some of the answers you'll find -- answers to questions you might not have thought to ask. but will enjoy having answerd for you.
* What happens to Lion, who thinks of himself as the true king of the savannah, when he challenges Elephant? * How funny is it when Tortoise sabotages Tiger's work-party, bewitching those working animals with irresistible music? * Why on earth does Hippo have no hair? * What's the real story behind why Cockerel crows? * After a woman has a mouse-child, what happens then? * And, ha ha! Read a different version from Kipling's... about how the Elephant got his trunk.
FIVE STARS and much merriment, including zesty illustrations....more
Full of cuteness and pie, and Southern charm, that's this tongue-in-cheek rendition of the adventures of a pet possum.
His doting owners called him "EpFull of cuteness and pie, and Southern charm, that's this tongue-in-cheek rendition of the adventures of a pet possum.
His doting owners called him "Epossumondas."
As he proceeds to encounter various animals (all beautifully-beautifully drawn), Epossumondas gets the worst of every exchange. If he were in a jar of jellybeans, he wouldn't be the juiciest... if you catch my drift.
In some respects, seems to this Goodreader, he might seem mighty like a normal human toddler.
Thanks to you, author Coleen Salley. Thanks to you too, illustrator Janet Stevens.
As often happens, with this picture book... The glory is in the details.
Anansi the Spider tricks other animals into thinking a melon can talk. Sound cAs often happens, with this picture book... The glory is in the details.
Anansi the Spider tricks other animals into thinking a melon can talk. Sound cute?
It took skill to develop this traditional tale into an entertaining picture book. As you may know, Anansi is one of the legendary tricksters in Native American wisdom tales.
PERSONALLY
I don't like tricksters, not in fiction and not in life.
I prefer people with integrity, people who aim to make the world a better place. In keeping with these values, I don't find lying clever.
Just me, okay.
RATING THIS BOOK, THOUGH
My policy is to rate books in terms of the intended audience. Here that would mean readers who relish stories like this one. Maybe they find it not only clever but funny.
On their behalf, then, I'll give this book FIVE STARS.
But would I give this book to any friend of mine? Hardly!
Still, as all of us know, it takes all kinds to make a world of Goodreaders....more
Sure, they're called "favorite" stories. They might just as accurately be called ZANY stories. Delightful!
For starters, consider the story about JuanSure, they're called "favorite" stories. They might just as accurately be called ZANY stories. Delightful!
For starters, consider the story about Juan Bobo. He competes against a three-legged pot to race him home.
I'm partial to beautiful Martina, a cockroach. She's intent on finding the perfect husband.
Also, there's the title character, Mr. Cat. (Okay, Senor Sir Cat, if you're speaking Spanish.) Attending his own funeral -- as the corpse -- a scrumptious smell of fish brings him back to life.
Will these stories become yourcurentos favoritos?Even if not, they're so well worth reading.
Welcome to a vibrant Alabama folk tale. An ogre is included, a true ogre, mean and tricky, a true villain.
Will young Wiley manage to outwit the HairyWelcome to a vibrant Alabama folk tale. An ogre is included, a true ogre, mean and tricky, a true villain.
Will young Wiley manage to outwit the Hairy Man?
Rooting for him is fun, especially given the lively language of this narration, plus the vivid illustrations.
The pictures you'll have to see for yourself -- apart what shows on the front cover here at this Goodreads page. But the language? You're in luck, Goodreaders. Here's a sample:
Wiley looked down, and his shirt ws gone.
"Aw, that was just a plain ordinary everyday shirt," Wiley said. "But I'll bet you can't make this disappear."
And he pointed to the rope that was holding up his britches.
"This rope is special because my mama used conjure on it. No one can make my mama's magic conjure rope disappear."
.... Wiley held tight to his britches to keep them from falling down....
Did you know that some trickster tales have roots in stories told by enslaved Americans. Sure enough, this trickster tale is about vanquishing an advaDid you know that some trickster tales have roots in stories told by enslaved Americans. Sure enough, this trickster tale is about vanquishing an advantaged person who wasn't nearly as bright as the disadvantaged hero.
Almost needless to say, Bear is both rich and lazy. After planting crops, while Bear hibernated, those crops grew beautifully. Hare called out:
"Wake up, Bear! You get the bottoms and I get the tops."
Repeat, then do a theme-and-variations. Bear always loses, ha ha!
RATING THIS BOOK
This tale is lively and funny, and the illustrations are fabulous. Maybe best of all this story is typeset so ever pair of facing pages has a top and a bottom. Yes, FIVE STARS....more
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