Reviews
Spooky Math
Though the monsters, ghosts, and witches pictured in these counting lessons are on the corny side, the simple rhyming text describing their numerical concerns are likely to amuse beginning readers. A vampire and a witch named Belinda appear as friendly humans in costume, while Elsie the… View →
Series Made Simple
Excellent photographs support basic information written at a beginning reader level. Titles focus on a few key areas, such as wasps’ nests and stingers, rather than trying to cover too much for new readers to absorb. Most books describe the activities of a single insect, though different View →
These books incorporate brightly-colored page layouts, numerous photographs, separated text boxes, and photo labels to help engage and encourage young readers. Each book shows various ways the title machine works in a community. Each spread has very sparse text. Vocabulary is repetitive… View →
Series Made Simple
With simple sentences; sharp, uncluttered photos; and just a handful of facts, these animal profiles are generally on target for the intended audience of new readers. Each book narrates one day in the life of the animal, introducing basic behaviors within the story. Iguanas, for… View →
Series Made Simple
Highly engaging photography supports basic information, making this set a good fit for preschoolers and new readers. Short, simple sentences offer readability rather than drama; the excitement comes from the crystal-clear photographs. Large main images include full-body views and extreme View →
Series Made Simple
With simple sentences; sharp, uncluttered photos; and just a handful of facts, these animal profiles are generally on target for the intended audience of new readers. Each book narrates one day in the life of the animal, introducing basic behaviors within the story. Iguanas, for… View →
Series Made Simple
Excellent photographs support basic information written at a beginning reader level. Titles focus on a few key areas, such as wasps’ nests and stingers, rather than trying to cover too much for new readers to absorb. Most books describe the activities of a single insect, though different View →
Series Made Simple
Aimed at emerging readers, these simple introductions to vehicular uses and working parts each begin with useful suggestions for parents and teachers guiding students. Brief sentences (“The robber goes in the back seat. The doors have no handles. The robber can’t get out.”) and… View →
These titles all have boldly colored page layouts. Full-page photographs draw readers in and show detailed parts of the title animals, their predators, food, eggs/babies, and habitat. Most page spreads consist of controlled vocabulary, emergent reading text. Each book begins with… View →
Using an early reader format, these entries in the My First Pet series introduce young children to basic care of common pets. Extreme cuteness with large color photos of animals and their diverse kid owners in action (highlighted by vibrant frames and occasional labels) drives the… View →
Series Made Simple
With simple sentences; sharp, uncluttered photos; and just a handful of facts, these animal profiles are generally on target for the intended audience of new readers. Each book narrates one day in the life of the animal, introducing basic behaviors within the story. Iguanas, for… View →
Baking and Crushing
The wide-format books in the Rock-ology series discuss facts related to geology. A typical double-page spread introduces a new topic in several short, large-print sentences supplemented by an info-circle carrying more information in smaller type. Separated on the page into individual… View →