Welcome in Spring with a Good Book Series: How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills (Review)

 

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• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Schwartz & Wade; 1 edition (July 27, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375858997
• ISBN-13: 978-0375858994

Summary:

Learn to read with this New York Times-bestselling picture book, starring an irresistible dog named Rocket and his teacher, a little yellow bird. Follow along as Rocket masters the alphabet, sounds out words, and finally . . . learns to read all on his own!

With a story that makes reading fun—and will even help listeners learn to read—this book is ideal for kindergarten classrooms and story hour or as a gift for that beginning reader. Fresh, charming art by Tad Hills, the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of Duck & Goose, will make this a favorite.

My Thoughts:

 

I couldn't think of a better book to kick of my "Welcome in Spring with a Good Book" feature I will be running from now until the end of March.  Each week, I will highlight a handful of books for children of all ages, as well as books for moms and dads, especially business-related books.  I was first introduced to Rocket through the app by the same now, which I downloaded for Savannah last year.  After seeing how much fun she had playing with this app, I had to get a hard copy of this book to add to our bedtime reading collection.  And, since receiving it last month, it has quickly became a bedtime favorite.  How could it not?  Look at how cute Rocket is.  Savannah couldn't stop pointing to Rocket and smiling.  And, she stayed engaged in the story from start to finish, which is hard to do with a young toddler.

And, with my theme of welcoming in spring with a good book, this is a great way to introduce beginner readers to the love of reading, as well as admire the beautiful illustrations that make up this bestselling picture book.  I can't wait until my daughters are older and begin to sound out words, as this will be a great book to introduce them to the alphabet.  You and your child(ren) will fall in love with Rocket and his friend and teacher, the little yellow bird, in this joyous, easy-to-read picture book, just as my family has!

About the Author:

Tad Hills is the author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling picture books Duck & Goose and Duck, Duck, Goose. He has created four board books featuring the same characters: What's Up, Duck?, an ALA Notable Book; Duck and Goose, 1, 2, 3; Duck & Goose, How Are You Feeling?; and Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin. He is also the illustrator of Waking Up Wendell, by April Stevens; My Fuzzy Friends; and Knock, Knock, Who's There? Tad Hills lives in Brooklyn with his wife, their two children, and a dog named Rocket who has not (yet) learned how to read!

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.