Mortimer Plays I-Spy

From The Critics

Mortimer the cuddly teddy bear thinks that word games are fun. Join Mortimer as he plays "I Spy" looking for objects that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Here's a great way to reinforce recognition of the sound that each letter makes. A great series for kids beginning to read. Part of the "Mortimer's Fun with Words" series. 2000, Gareth Stevens Publishing, $14.95. Ages 3 mo. to 5. Reviewer: S. Kleven SOURCE: Parent Council, September 2001 (Vol. 9, No. 1)

Children's Literature

Children are introduced to the basics of language through clearly written text and colorful photographs that will engage them in simple learning activities. In Mortimer Plays I-Spy, the cuddly bear Mortimer introduces children to the ABCs by looking for objects that begin with each letter of the alphabet. For example: "I spy a group of animals that begins with the letter b. Can you find the group of animals that begins with each of these letters? f, i." "I spy a color that begins with the letter r. Can you find colors that begin with each of these letters? g, y, o." At the end of the book Mortimer reviews all the letters of the alphabet. The last page contains a glossary of words used in the book and a list of subject-related videos. The cheerful photographs and backgrounds (light purple sprinkled with the letters of the alphabet) make the book and its activities interesting and fun for kids. A wonderful book to help a child, in a very playful way, develop significant reading skills. Part of the "Mortimer's Fun with Words" series. 2000 (orig. 1999), Gareth Stevens, . Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Ute Krappen-Clancy