Toad Makes a Road

Children's Literature

Phonics can be "phun," especially with a cute story like Toad Makes a Road. It is the story of a toad that builds a house on a hill and must create a road so her friends can come and visit. But more than that, the book is based on the idea that children learn to read by recognizing phonemes—the 40 sounds that make up the words of the English language. Phonics is the linking of phonemes and letters. As children learn the phonemes, they learn to sound out words. Children will want to read this book to keep up with Toad's dilemma. Cute illustrations, a hidden yellow duck, and foldout pages add interest. A chart at the back lists the words in the book, broken down by phonemes. This is a great way to develop reading skills. 2000, Usborne Publishing, $7.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Julie Steinberg