Readability

Millions of Americans remember Dick and Jane (and Sally and Spot, too!). Now Dick and Jane and all their pals are back with revised editions of these classic readers for a whole new generation of readers to enjoy! Go Away Spot Dick said, “Down, Spot. I cannot play. Down, Spot, down. Go away, little Spot. Go away and play.”

Back in 1957, Theodor Geisel responded to an article in Life magazine that lamented the use of boring reading primers in schools. Using the pseudonym of “Dr. Seuss” (Seuss was Geisel’s middle name) and only two hundred twenty-three words, Geisel created a replacement for those dull primers: “The Cat in the Hat.” The instant success of the book prompted Geisel and his wife to found Beginner Books, and Geisel wrote many popular books in this series, including “Hop on Pop,” “Fox in Socks,” and “Green Eggs and Ham.” Other favorite titles in this series are “Go, Dog, Go!” and “Are You My Mother?” by P. D. Eastman, “A Fly Went By,” by Mike McClintock, and “Put Me in the Zoo,” by Robert Lopshire. These affordable hardcover books combine large print, easy vocabulary, and large, bright illustrations in stories kids will want to read again and again.

Don’t be fooled by this book’s comic-book style. Within the bubbles, asides, and jokes, readers will find fascinating information about how the Wright brothers braved winds, rain, and crashes while building and testing the first successful flying machine.

Iris is miserable. She has moved from the city to the country and is sure that she’ll always be lonely. Things change, however, when she discovers a rope ladder hanging from an enormous tree — with Walter on the other end. Though Iris still dreams of her city home, Walter introduces her to the wonders of country life. This story begins a series of books about Iris and Walter’s friendship and experiences that young readers will enjoy.

Millions of Americans remember Dick and Jane (and Sally and Spot, too!). Now Dick and Jane and all their pals are back with revised editions of these classic readers for a whole new generation of readers to enjoy!

Written as a series of free-verse poetic journal entries, this book features an encouraging teacher, a child’s blossoming love of poetry, and the loss of a dear pet. At first, Jack is reluctant to write poetry, “because boys don’t write poetry. Girls do.” As his teacher introduces works by various poets, including William Carlos Williams, Robert Frost, and Walter Dean Myers, Jack wonders about what the poems mean. Why does so much depend upon a red wheelbarrow and some white chickens? If the guy is in the snowy wood, why doesn’t he just keep going if he has so many miles to go before he sleeps? (The seven poems Jack mentions in his journals are printed in the back of the book.) But as Jack emulates the styles of these famous poets, he soon finds his own voice and a growing appreciation of poetry.

With the familiar faces of Dick and Jane, this little book is a perfectly cheeky take on manners for the modern day. It’s a step-bystep guide to politeness in everyday life, including everything from table manners to tidying up after oneself. For example, the book reminds readers that your mother (who likely works fifty hours a week) is not your maid, so you should always rinse your dishes and put them away in the dishwasher. This witty little book is great for growing children or teenagers–or even adults–and will help remind us all to mind our manners.

Come along on the adventures of another set of best friends, Minnie and Moo. These two curious cows take off on the farmer’s tractor for a trip to the moon, or that’s where they think they are headed. Their funny, punny adventures will make readers want to read all of the chapter books in this series.