Entry-level books build confidence
When you want to read something for pleasure, insurance or legal contracts probably wouldn't be tops on your list unless you're looking for a quick sedative to help you nod off.
It's not any different for children. When children are learning to read it's important to provide them with books that are easy. The goal is to help a child build confidence, not over-challenge them to the point of boredom and frustration. Building confidence also is achieved by allowing the child to read books that are below their reading level.
Simple, engaging text loaded with humor and colorful illustrations equals a prescription for success, and that's what you'll find in today's reviewed books.
The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"A Fly Went By"</B> by Mike McClintock; illustrated by Fritz Siebel; Random House; 65 pages; read aloud: age 2 to 3 and older; read yourself: age 6 to 7.Possessing almost guaranteed status on the shelves of many public libraries throughout the country, "A Fly Went By" has entertained several generations since it was first published in 1958."I sat by the lake. I looked at the sky, And as I looked, A fly went by." And this fly was filled with fear because a frog appeared to be in hot pursuit of him. But the frog wasn't actually chasing the fly. He was fleeing from the cat who looked as if he would make the frog his next meal.On and on the chain of terrified animals goes, from a dog to a pig, two cows and a fox, then a man brandishing a rifle. But even he wasn't chasing the fox (as the fox thought), but was running from something that was making a terrible noise…..Entertaining, suspenseful, written in easy-to-read rollicking rhymes and loaded with fun illustrations on every page, it's easy to see why this book has captured decades of readers.
<B>Library:</B> Butler Area Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., Butler<B>Library Director:</B> Nancy Gresko<B>Youth Services Librarian:</B> Lori Campbell<B>Choices this week:</B> "Leaf Man" by Lois Ehlert; "Girls Hold Up This World" by Jada Pinkett Smith; "Tremendous Tractors" by Tony Mitton
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Zelda and Ivy: The Runaways" </B>written and illustrated by Laura McGee Kvasnosky; Candlewick, 2006; 42 pages; $14.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8.Through three amusing chapters, young girls will enjoy reading about the funny antics of the fox sisters, Zelda and Ivy.Begin with Zelda and Ivy running away into their backyard to escape eating the dreaded cucumber sandwiches for lunch. Follow this with the sisters creating a time capsule for the children of the future and deciding the best things to put inside the time capsule. Then wrap it up with a secret concoction made from a bizarre combination of items, Zelda's writing block and the "creative juice" that saves the day.An excellent portrayal of the dynamics of sisterhood, this amusing easy reader is certain to please.<B>"Tiny Goes Camping"</B> by Cari Meister; illustrated by Rich Davis; Viking, 2006; 32 pages; $13.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 3 and older; read yourself: age 4 to 7.One of the many "Viking Easy-to-Read" books, this Level 1 reader is perfect for children who are just getting started on the road to reading independently.A little boy and his giant dog, Tiny, are going camping. After they gather all the items they will need for their adventure, they head out into the yard. They find the right spot, pitch their tent, eat camp food and sing camp songs. After making a nightlight of fireflies captured inside a jar, it's time for bed. But Tiny is much too big for the tent! What will they do?Loaded with fun and laughter, this easy reader boasts simple vocabulary, visual clues to help beginning readers build confidence, and a story line that will be enjoyed by boys and girls alike.
