Rocket Writes a Story [Hardcover]

Tad Hills (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: July 24, 2012 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 540L (What's this?)

The #1 New York Times Bestseller

This irresistible sequel to the New York Times bestselling How Rocket Learned to Read is "a perfect choice to inspire new readers and writers," according to a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

Rocket loves books and he wants to make his own, but he can't think of a story. Encouraged by the little yellow bird to look closely at the world around him for inspiration, Rocket sets out on a journey. Along the way he discovers small details that he has never noticed before, a timid baby owl who becomes his friend, and an idea for a story. Declared a best children's book of the year by Amazon, Barnes & Noble, School Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly, this book is sure to appeal to kids, parents, teachers, and librarians.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A Look Inside Rocket Writes a Story

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Review

School Library Journal Best of Children's Books 2012

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2012:
"A perfect choice to inspire new readers and writers."

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, May 14, 2012:
“Hills is adept at showing Rocket’s setbacks and successes while offering excellent tips for children following in the dog’s footsteps…Hills gently demonstrates the power of stories to build bridges.”

Starred Review, School Library Journal, July 2012:
“Listeners, readers, and aspiring writers will appreciate the excellent description of the many ways that stories unfold.”

Kids' Indie Next List, Summer 2012

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (July 24, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375870865
• ISBN-13: 978-0375870866
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 0.4 x 10.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Birds
  • #41 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Dogs
  • #54 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Sleep

More About the Author

Tad Hills is the author and illustrator of many books including the New York Times Bestselling Duck and Goose, Duck, Duck, Goose and How Rocket Learned to Read. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, two kids and dog Rocket who has not learned to read...yet.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Rocket Writes A Story July 25, 2012

By Jacqueline Barrington

Format:Hardcover

Since I loved Rocket Learns To Read, I bought this second book, Rocket Writes A Story.
I was not disappointed! I LOVE these books! They teach children about reading and writing
in a delightful format. A dog eager to learn, who has a little yellow bird for a teacher.
I am a retired elementary school teacher, who volunteers in classrooms with my 'reading' dog.
This reading program is titled R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs).
The children love interacting with a dog while reading to him/her. The Rocket books are
perfect for the younger children (K and 1st grade).

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "APPEALING, MOTIVATING, INSPIRING!" July 25, 2012

By Geraldine Ahearn TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Tad Hills delivers this delightful sequel that is encouraging and inspiring for children. This appealing book will encourage children to read and write, while enjoying this adventure. Rocket loves books, and his dream is to write his own, but he needs ideas to create his story. The little yellow bird encouraged him to set out on a journey to search for ideas. Rocket makes a new friend along the way, and the owl helps him to create an idea for his story. The characters are adorable, the story is fun-filled, educational, and entertaining. Highly Recommended for children, teachers, and parents who have young children.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars How Rocket Learned to Read is a wonderful role model promotion for the magic power of reading and writing. July 30, 2012

By Didaskalex TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

*****
" Rocket sniffs out wonderful new words in his environment, and the bird helps him create a glorious word tree. Now Rocket searches for ideas for his own story in which he can use his word collection. A shy, friendly owl provides the inspiration he needs, and he sets to work on his opus." --Kirkus starred review
*

Although kids hear lots of stories, they can't make up their mind on one. Oliver, my 5 years old grandson is very much like puppy Rocket. He loves books, writes me short letters with cute drawings, and may even write, one day, his own book. Encouraged by a tiny yellow bird to look curiously around him for inspiring ideas, Rocket sets out on a journey. Along the way he notices all the small details he has never been attentive to before.

How Rocket Learned to Read is a wonderful role model promotion for the magic power of reading and writing. Kirkus starred Review say it all, "a perfect choice to inspire new readers and writers," about this irresistible sequel to the New York Times bestselling "How Rocket Learned to Read" here, a shy baby owl whom he befriend, offers him an idea for a short story. This book is sure to appeal to Oliver, his brother, Noah, baby sitter Betsy and me, Grandpa.

The book themes enhance kids social interaction; the author is artful at motivating kids not to give up, but pursue their goals. Building bridges; he coaches to enhance little children social skills grow to develop friendships. Publishers Weekly got it right, "Hills is adept at showing Rocket's setbacks and successes while offering excellent tips for children following in the dog's footsteps...Hills gently demonstrates the power of stories to build bridges."