Children's Literature
In a simple rhyming text, Doudna introduces the differences between new and old. The pictures and text feature everyday objects or scenes, which enables kids to get help and reinforcement from the pictures. The closing pages list the words in alphabetical order and grouped by parts of speech. There is a cross-reference to the pages where the words appear. There is also a picture list and a compilation of word families—words that have the same vowel and ending letters. Part of the SandCastle collection, this series of six nonfiction books is entitled "Opposites." It is a level two book, which means that there are five to ten words per page. 2000, ABDO, $18.50. Ages 5 to 6. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
School Library Journal
K-Gr 1-Simple concept books for beginning readers. The rhyming texts describe opposites in no more than 10 words per page. However, some of the examples may be lost on young children. "Dashes are short. They tell left from right" is illustrated with a square of brown and some short lines going down the middle; it's not until the next page that children will realize that the photo is of a divided highway, with a caption that reads "Roads are long." All of the words, with pronunciations and page numbers, are listed at the end by part of speech. Full-page, full-color photographs appear opposite each two lines of text; most of them are blurry and washed out. Too many better concept books are available to consider adding these lukewarm offerings.-Christine Lindsey, Lake Superior Primary School, Ashland, WI Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|
