Monday, July 19, 2010

Book Review- Bob Books First

By Bobby Lynn Maslen
Illustrated by John R Maslen
Published by Scholastic
Released April 2000
Ages 4-8
Source: bought
5 stars- I HIGHLY recommend as this series has been huge help in teaching my son to read.

Twelve books for beginning readers with consistent sounds. Introduces all letters except "Q." Bob Books was developed as a step-by-step, book-by-book program to guide your child gently through the early stages of reading. Each level addresses a stage in a child's reading development.

I was recommended this series by my sister in law who raved about how it helped her to teach my nephew to read. With my son being so eager to start reading, I had bought other beginning readers that didn't capture his attention like this series. Within a day of starting this series, he was already recognizing words and reading. This box set comes with 12 easy to read books. There is a series of 5 box sets. I plan on purchasing the other 4 sets shortly. I can't rave enough about the Bob Books. They are simple, easy to read with simplistic illustrations and are a valuable reading tool for both parents and children.

Book Review - Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse

Author: Rebecca Janni
Illustrator: Lynne Avril
Publisher: Penguin Group (February 23, 2010)
Reading Level: Ages 4 to 8
Source: Library
Rating: 3.5 stars

Description from GoodReads:
Nellie Sue does everything with a western flair. Whether it is cleaning up the animal sty (picking up her stuffed animals) or rounding up cattle (getting the neighborhood kids together for her birthday party), she does it like a true cowgirl. All she really needs is a horse. So when Dad announces at her birthday party, “I got a horse right here for you,” Nellie Sue is excited. But when her horse turns out to be her first bicycle, it will take an imagination as big as Texas to help save the day.

Author Rebecca Janni has a nice twist on the classic "I want a pony" story. Many little girls (and boys) have been known to ask for a pony for Christmas or their birthday. The main character, Nellie Sue, is dressed up in cowgirl attire and goes about her daily chores equating them to the chores she would be responsible for if she were to actually have a horse of her own. Each time she does another chore, she reminds her parents of her desire to have a pony. When her birthday party actually happens, she is given a pink two wheel bicycle. Nellie Sue doesn't hesitate. She jumps on her "horse" and heads out for a ride. Her first trip out isn't as successful as she had hoped for but with the help of her father the "horse" is back up and running with Nellie Sue back in the saddle.

Some books I believe fill a niche. The very pink color tones and female main character lends this book to a female audience. Though I think many young children will enjoy the language style of the book and the great illustrations, this doesn't appear to be one of those books that would likely end up in a general classroom library so much as in a personal library of a little girl who will personally relate to the story. It would make a great gift for that horse-lovin' little girl.
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~