From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 1-These slight books aim to introduce these parts of speech. One or two simple sentences opposite a full-page, full-color photograph highlight their usage. The typeface is large, and the photos are well done, with content of interest to young children. The books conclude with "Words I Can Read" lists, broken into nouns, plural nouns, verbs, and adjectives, and a simple picture/word matchup. However, there is a conflict between the books' purpose and audience. Most kindergarten and first-grade children do not use these terms. Some of the examples may be hard for young children to understand: "the back of the chair" to demonstrate nouns, with "back" and "chair" highlighted. Also, in Pronouns, there are no cookies in the photo opposite "My sister and I bake cookies. They will taste good," which shows two girls at a kitchen table with a whisk and a bowl and containers of ingredients. The simple sentences and matchup activity seem like something out of a workbook. These titles would be of little use in a library situation; instead buy Ruth Heller's books on parts of speech (Grosset & Dunlap), which are more appropriate for the grades in which these terms are taught.
Peg Glisson, Mendon Center Elementary School, Pittsford, NY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Peg Glisson, Mendon Center Elementary School, Pittsford, NY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
