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Sammy the Seal: (I Can Read Book Series: Level 1) by Syd Hoff — book cover

Sammy the Seal: (I Can Read Book Series: Level 1)

by Syd Hoff
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Overview

Sammy the Seal spends a day on the town and finds out what really goes on outside the zoo on an average day. But when Sammy the Seal makes his way down the streeet, an ordinary day becomes an extraordinary adventure as he searches high and low for just the right place to swim nad learns how to read and write in school. Children can listen to and read along with this favorite character, now available in audio for the first time.

About the Author:
Syd Hoff is the well-known author and illustrator of many I Can Read Books, including the Danny and the Dinosaur series. Mr. Hoff lives in Miami, FL.

Anxious to see what life is like outside the zoo, Sammy the seal explores the city, goes to school, and plays with the children but decides that there really is no place like home.

Synopsis

Sammy the Seal spends a day on the town and finds out what really goes on outside the zoo on an average day. But when Sammy the Seal makes his way down the streeet, an ordinary day becomes an extraordinary adventure as he searches high and low for just the right place to swim nad learns how to read and write in school. Children can listen to and read along with this favorite character, now available in audio for the first time.

About the Author:
Syd Hoff is the well-known author and illustrator of many I Can Read Books, including the Danny and the Dinosaur series. Mr. Hoff lives in Miami, FL.

Children's Literature

In this simple, classic story, a curious little seal wonders what it is like outside of the zoo where he lives. The zookeeper allows him to leave and explore the city. Sammy looks all around but soon gets hot and seeks out some water (in a very angry man's bathtub). Soon he finds a school and joins the class. While Sammy learns to read and write, he finds that playing some of the children's games can be tough with flippers instead of hands. Eventually, Sammy is ready to return home to the zoo to tell the others what he has learned. Young readers can read the picture book while following along with Charles Mintz's easy to understand audio book narration (provided with and without page turn signals) and enjoy the bright, cartoony illustrations. Some children may notice that the zoo is very different than a zoo they might visit today. Teachers and parents may wish to point out that this story was written more than fifty years ago when zoo animals were kept in large cages. A timeless story to share in the classroom or at home, especially with children facing a move or a change in their lives. Sammy is a fearless example for them to follow. The text is easy for beginning readers to follow, with basic vocabulary and short, simple sentences. Reviewer: Kristina Cassidy

About the Author, Syd Hoff

Syd Hoff was born and raised in New York City. He studied at the National Academy of Design and sold his first cartoon to The New Yorker when he was eighteen. He eventually became one of the most original and beloved authors and illustrators of children's books. Mr. Hoff wrote more than fifty books for children, including the I Can Read titles Danny and the Dinosaur, Oliver, and Sammy the Seal.

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Editorials

Children's Literature

Syd Hoff's classic was one of the original "And I Can Read Book," and it still works its magic on toddlers and learning readers alike. There is something very endearing about Sammy's desire to see the world;his wide-eyed exploration of it;his ability to learn to read—and write his name—after only one day in school;and his satisfaction in returning home to his pool in the zoo after a full day of adventures, his curiosity sated. Sammy becomes the child in all of us. We want our adventures, but isn't it wonderful to have a home to return to? Hoff's simple words convey these feelings just right, and his colorful 1950s-style illustrations still work. This recent repackaging of the book includes an audiotape read with fulsome importance—offset by jaunty background music. But the original book still stands on its own. 2000 (orig. 1959), HarperChildren's Audio, $14.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer:Kathleen Karr

Book Details

Published
January 1, 2000
Publisher
HarperCollins Publishers
Pages
64
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780064442701

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