Ready, Set, Read--And Laugh!: A Funny Treasury for Beginning Readers [Hardcover]

Joanna Cole (Author), Stephanie Calmenson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1995 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

There's nothing like humor to get children reading as well as laughing. What better way could there be to introduce them to the joys of reading than a superb treasury of humorous works by beloved children's book authors and illustrators?

Created especially for beginning readers, Ready...Set...Read—and Laugh! is a rich compilation of comic stories, hilarious poems, outlandish jokes, and clever word games. It includes renowned works that feature some of the best-loved and funniest characters in children's literature. In keeping with the needs of its audience, this book features simple vocabulary, easy-to-read large type, and bright colorful illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Joanna Cole and Stephanie Calmenson, creators of the well-loved anthology Ready... Set... Read!, are back again to lure unsuspecting children into the world of words. They have gathered together stories, poems, and jokes, lavished with artwork by all-time favorite illustrators including James Marshall, Dr. Seuss, and Maurice Sendak. The stories, poems, and jokes in this learn-to-read anthology are guaranteed to tickle any young reader's funny bone. Who needs TV when such a mélange of side-splitting humor is available? The format is easy to read, with simple vocabulary, large type, and wonderfully fun and colorful illustrations. Children are introduced to the stories by authors and illustrators with whom they will soon become fast and lifelong friends. The Ready... Set... Read! books serve as a delicious appetizer to the full repast of children's literature. (Ages 5 and older) --Emilie Coulter

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-This second collaboration by Cole and Calmenson is even better than Ready Set Read (Doubleday, 1990), as the selections are more in tune with young readers' sense of humor. Children will be amused and entertained by the 5 stories (including Nancy Shaw's Sheep in a Shop and an excerpt from James Marshall's Fox on the Job); 14 poems (by Karla Kuskin, Eve Merriam, Lee Bennett Hopkins, and others); and 7 assorted riddles, songs, and games. The illustrations are bright and cheerful; some are reproduced from their original sources, and some were done especially for this volume by Melissa Sweet and Chris Demarest. Adding to the volume's appeal to fledgling readers is the fact that it looks more like a chapter book than a typical beginning reader. Another bonus is the variety of literary forms included, which just might lead youngsters to other collections of poetry, rebuses, or riddles. A highly appealing anthology.
Sue Norris, Rye Free Reading Room, NY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers (August 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385321198
• ISBN-13: 978-0385321198
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #228,538 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephanie Calmenson's books have been called "marvelous" (Publishers Weekly), "lyrical" (School Library Journal), "hilarious" (School Library Journal), "sweet, funny, and right on the mark" (Booklist). She writes for babies, toddlers, elementary school kids and for all ages about dogs, dogs, dogs! Among her most popular titles are THE PRINCIPAL'S NEW CLOTHES; DINNER AT THE PANDA PALACE; WELCOME, BABY!; JAZZMATAZZ!; LATE FOR SCHOOL!; MAY I PET YOUR DOG?; and ROSIE, A VISITING DOG'S STORY. A former teacher, children's book editor, and Editorial Director of the Parents Magazine Press Read-Aloud Book Club, Stephanie feels privileged to have found work that brings together her love of kids, words and laughter.

To read more, please visit www.stephaniecalmenson.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ready,Set,Read-And Laugh! Is a hit!, January 4, 2000

By 

Julie Fuqua (Meridian,Mississippi-USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ready, Set, Read--And Laugh!: A Funny Treasury for Beginning Readers (Hardcover)

This is the first book my 10 year old has picked up and read--just for the absolute joy of reading.We enjoyed this book very much! It's for early-beginner readers, but is a book that everyone can enjoy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the Love of Reading, November 24, 2007

By 

Online Queen "Online Queen" (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ready, Set, Read--And Laugh!: A Funny Treasury for Beginning Readers (Hardcover)

When my daughter started school, the kids had to read things like "the cat sat on the mat." She hated it; it made no sense to her (she is very smart). I found this book series, full of fun poetry and rhymes - she took to reading like a fish to water! Today, at 18, she reads voraciously, 200 pages an hour! She still loves those books! If you have a reluctant reader, this is the book of magic!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars very good book, April 22, 2011

By 

Linda - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ready, Set, Read--And Laugh!: A Funny Treasury for Beginning Readers (Hardcover)

My two kids read it many times. They were 5 & 7 when I bought the book. 2 years later, they still enjoy reading the book. Very good book.