Synopsis
Text with rebuses invites the reader to look for various animals hidden or camouflaged in the illustrations. Incorporates phonics instruction.
Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature
Each of the titles in this "Compass Point Phonic Readers" series follows a standard format. After the table of contents page there is a letter directed to parents or caregivers. It explains the purpose of these early readers which is to teach specific phonic sound and words that kids would normally encounter. The opposing page contains Mother Goose rhymes, many of which will be known, but some may be more obscure and difficult for kids to relate to, although they do contain the phonic sounds emphasized in the book. The simple text is printed in large type and most of the page is filled with a crisp, clear colorful photograph. The books are available in three levels (A, B, and C) and the complexity increases as you move along in the alphabet with longer sentences, multi-syllabic words and a decrease in rebus support. At the end of each title there is a word list, game that reinforces the learning objective (instructions provided), and a very short bibliography of at least three age appropriate and fairly recent titles that complement and or expand on the focus of the text. There is also an index. Animal camouflage is fascinating and the pictures in this book make it a real winner. The bug on the branch, red cardinal among the leaves, lizard, tiger, hermit crab and rabbit, as well, as the two red fish will test kids. One of the most interactive and challenging of the books in the "A" level of this series. 2004, Compass Point, Ages 6 to 7.
Editorials
Children's Literature
Each of the titles in this "Compass Point Phonic Readers" series follows a standard format. After the table of contents page there is a letter directed to parents or caregivers. It explains the purpose of these early readers which is to teach specific phonic sound and words that kids would normally encounter. The opposing page contains Mother Goose rhymes, many of which will be known, but some may be more obscure and difficult for kids to relate to, although they do contain the phonic sounds emphasized in the book. The simple text is printed in large type and most of the page is filled with a crisp, clear colorful photograph. The books are available in three levels (A, B, and C) and the complexity increases as you move along in the alphabet with longer sentences, multi-syllabic words and a decrease in rebus support. At the end of each title there is a word list, game that reinforces the learning objective (instructions provided), and a very short bibliography of at least three age appropriate and fairly recent titles that complement and or expand on the focus of the text. There is also an index. Animal camouflage is fascinating and the pictures in this book make it a real winner. The bug on the branch, red cardinal among the leaves, lizard, tiger, hermit crab and rabbit, as well, as the two red fish will test kids. One of the most interactive and challenging of the books in the "A" level of this series. 2004, Compass Point, Ages 6 to 7.—Marilyn Courtot