The Old Blue Hat (We Both Read Series)

Children's Literature

This book is part of "We Both Read," a Level 1 shared reading series developed by reading specialists. A word on the parents' page is highlighted in print and illustrated in the picture. The word is explained on the child's page in vocabulary the level 1 reader is intended to understand and learn. There is a photograph with the blue hat on each page. This one includes pets, other children and adventure using one's imagination. In simple language it tells of the adventure in finding and playing with the old blue hat. A skillful adult could do a great deal of teaching words, word meanings and supportive words for reading. Using the book could make it a fun time for learning. Sharing and enjoying books together may help the reading development. 2002, Treasure Bay, Ages 5 to 8.
—Naomi Butler

Children's Literature - Leslie Rounds

This book, from the "We Both Read" series, offers a fairly novel way of presenting an early reader. Text on the left-hand page of each spread is written in smaller print, with several sentences per page, and includes a somewhat challenging—for the beginning reader—vocabulary, designed for an adult to read. The right-hand page offers one sentence of simple text in large, clear print for the child to read, in turn. Colorful, cartoon-like illustrations appear on both pages. Children will get to enjoy a more complex story by having the adults read part, but will not be faced with the daunting task of having to read the harder text themselves until they are ready. In this story, a boy finds an old hat. When he puts it on, he imagines himself in various adventures. Although the plot is not compelling, it should be interesting enough to keep children engaged. Some of the words on the children-read pages may be a bit challenging for the very early readers this book is being promoted for: "world," for example, but for the most part, visual clues will assist in identification of new vocabulary. This is an excellent addition to early reader collections that will provide lots of positive reinforcement for the newest beginning readers.