Chickens

April 1, 2009
PreS-Gr 2-Simple text and colorful photographs introduce the different types of farm animals and what they do. Word repetition and the presentation of single sentences on white space beneath three-quarter-page color photographs help to keep this a straightforward reading experience. There is a smooth flow of words and information from page to page, so that the repetition feels natural rather than stilted (particularly noticeable in "Chickens", which reads fluidly, if backwards, from bird to egg). Each volume ends with a pictograph indicating the parts of the animal and some facts (written at a higher reading level than the main text). The glossary is especially useful because it includes pictures. While this series is not as eye-catching as ABDOs Animal Sounds, it is utilitarian and has broad child appeal. An excellent choice for beginning readers.

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