I Can Read! Reviews
Want to find out what other people are saying about I Can Read!? Perhaps you want to know about our newest book releases in the series. Maybe you are looking for what teachers and librarians have said about our number one beginning reader series, I Can Read!.
Below is a collection of reviews to help you learn more and answer all your questions!
My First I Can Read!
BISCUIT:
“A touchstone text to assess, nourish, and foster the development of the emergent reader.” — Columbia University Teachers College
“Biscuit is a charming little fellow. Traditional and sweet just like homemade buttermilk biscuits with honey.” — Kirkus Reviews
LOOSE TOOTH:
“With a few words, lots of repetition, some rhyme, and good rhythm, this story is perfect for beginning readers.” — School Library Journal
“The rhyming text is simple but clever. Wickstrom’s loose watercolors with thick outlines provide additional humor.” — Kirkus Reviews
MITTENS:
“The beautiful physical immediacy of the new pet story will draw emergent readers to this small My First title in the I Can Read series. . . .Preschoolers will appreciate the realism of the kitten’s story, as they recognize from their own experience how it feels to be a small creature in a giant world.” — ALA Booklist
WHOSE HAT IS IT?:
“Even newly emergent readers will be comfortable with the time-honored question-and-answer structure, as well as the mild silliness here.… A simple, repetitive pleaser for young children.” — Kirkus Reviews
I Can Read! Level 1
BAA-CHOO!:
“Smooth, funny, and fast-paced.” — The Horn Book
DANNY AND THE DINOSAUR:
“It is a great pleasure to see what miracles can be wrought with simple words, imagination, and understanding of children.” — Language Arts
DANNY AND THE DINOSAUR GO TO CAMP:
“Hoff's simple prose and cartoon illustrations make a delightful book for beginning readers, with enough difficult words—ketchup and pizza—to keep the story interesting, and enough clues in the illustrations to ensure new readers success. Every collection will have room for this welcome addition to the popular series.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Danny and his pal the dinosaur have been helping kids learn to read since the first book about them came out in 1958. In the latest series entry, Danny and the dino are off to camp, where the dinosaur fits in, albeit not without problems. He wins races too easily and hogs the ketchup; but when the campers get tired after a hike, it's nice to have a dinosaur's back to climb upon. The vocabulary and concepts as well as the full-color artwork are simple, but child pleasing. Another good start on the road to reading.” — ALA Booklist
THE HORSE IN HARRY’S ROOM:
“A satisfying fanciful story. Illustrated with the author’s inimitable, humorous drawings.”
— ALA Booklist
“A really delightful story of the power of imagination and friendship. The illustrations by Hoff, with just a simple outline of the horse, are wonderful—they show clearly that the horse is real only to Harry.” — Children’s Literature
LITTLE BEAR:
“Little Bear is a tender and eloquent book, and represents a genuine collaboration between author and artist.” — The New Yorker
“It is difficult to be practical about something so charming—one wants only to be charmed. Yet this is a book which must be considered on two counts: its joyousness and its usefulness. It passes on both counts. One look at the illustrations and children will grab for it. A second look at the short, easy sentences, the repetition of words and the beautiful type spacing, and children will know they can read it themselves. — The New York Times
“Little Bear is not only easy to read; it is worth reading. The stories are original and charming; the pictures of the sturdy little brown hero, intent on his adventures, are a complete delight. — The Horn Book
“A find, of proved success with the child who has first-grade reading skill. The story of Little Bear's imaginative play feels far removed from controlled vocabulary; Maurice Sendak's drawings give it special distinction.” — Virginia Haviland, author and librarian
LITTLE BEAR’S FRIEND:
“Once again the Little Bear of Else Minarik and Maurice Sendak proves himself to be as wistful and tender a little creature as exists in the child’s library.” — Kirkus Reviews
FATHER BEAR COMES HOME:
“Little Bear has endeared himself as a character with irresistible, childlike charm. . . . A book as worthy of admiration as its predecessor.” — The Horn Book
A KISS FOR LITTLE BEAR:
“With Sendak’s endearing drawings the tender, laughable story . . . is as engaging as the earlier Little Bear stories and as easy to read.” — ALA Booklist
RUBY BAKES A CAKE:
“Easy vocabulary and repetition make this a good choice for beginning readers, and the softly rendered pastel illustrations provide good picture clues.” — School Library Journal
“This story would also work well as a read-aloud in primary-grade classrooms…in conjunction with other cumulative stories.” — Kirkus Reviews
SPACE CAT:
“Cushman’s cartoonlike drawings, zinging with bright colors, give the book instant appeal.” — ALA Booklist
“An entertaining selection for more competent readers.” — School Library Journal
THIS BOOK IS HAUNTED:
“A treat for emerging readers.” — School Library Journal
I Can Read! Level 2
AMAZING GORILLAS:
“Dramatic, high-quality photographs and a concise and thoughtful text . . . on a topic that fascinates many children.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Very effective in illustrating points made in the text, the color photographs offer close-up shots of gorillas.” — ALA Booklist
AMAZING WHALES:
“Superior text . . . Spectacular color photographs . . . A springboard for rich classroom discussion.” — School Library Journal
“Packed with information . . . a great addition to the easy reading section, where nonfiction titles are sometimes scarce.” — ALA Booklist
ARTHUR’S HONEY BEAR:
“If growing up means selling your favorite toy, Arthur is unprepared. Intimate, charming text and expressive drawings.” — ALA Booklist
A BARGAIN FOR FRANCES:
“There are multiple lessons in this story; and one that is really important is the true meaning of friendship—friends don't take advantage of each other. The story is still solid after nearly 35 years and kids will enjoy it and others in the ‘I Can Read Book’ series.” — Children's Literature
THE BEST SEAT IN SECOND GRADE:
“Lots of humorous details add to this mid-level easy reader’s appeal…Carter’s expressive watercolor illustrations help bring the kids in room 75 and their furry pet to life.” — Kirkus Reviews
THE BEST TEACHER IN SECOND GRADE:
“In a nice take on the outsider story, in the I Can Read! series uses a classroom setting to open up ideas not only about the new kid who is different and interesting but also about science and language....Carter’s colorful illustrations show the classroom play with the best teacher there in the background.” — ALA Booklist
THE DAY THE DINOSAURS DIED:
“A vividly imagined recreation of an asteroid impact and its immediate and subsequent effects on the dinosaurs. Sure to find its audience.” — Kirkus Reviews
DAYS WITH FROG AND TOAD:
“Every child deserves to know this series” — Children’s Literature
FROG AND TOAD ARE FRIENDS:
“A story of friendship—and a wonderful friendship it is. Five chapters, which could be read as separate stories, tell of the adventures of Frog and Toad with humor and perception.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
FROG AND TOAD TOGETHER:
“Five more wise and wonderful stories to reaffirm the happy truth that Frog and Toad Are Friends. Again the lovely illustrations in soft green and brown depict the pair with affectionate humor.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
FROG AND TOAD ALL YEAR:
“The amphibious duo returns in five easy-to-read celebrations of friendship—one for each season of the year and a bonus episode for Christmas. The contrast between adventurous Frog and his more cautious companion is skillfully delineated in text and pictures. As inventive and original as its predecessors.” — The Horn Book
GOOD DRIVING, AMELIA BEDELIA:
“Humorous misunderstandings abound that will tickle the funny bones of young readers. This story about the ever–popular maid will be welcomed by fans old and new.” — ALA Booklist
“This new adventure will surely delight Amelia Bedelia’s many fans. She is as cheerfully literal–minded as ever. A pleasant outing with a treasured old friend.” — School Library Journal
“The humor and confusion caused by this irrepressible, literal–minded girl is aimed directly at the funny bone.” — Boston Sunday Globe
“Herman Parish is a worthy successor to Peggy Parish: his Amelia Bedelia possesses the unflappable cheer, helpful spirit, and child–endearing trouble with homophones of the original. It’s a pleasure to welcome Amelia Bedelia back into circulation.” — Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books
GRANDPA SPANIELSON’S CHICKEN POX STORIES: STORY #1: THE OCTOPUS:
“One can only hope that the grandpup’s bout with the chicken pox lasts long enough for Grandpa to spin a few more of his restorative yarns.” — The Horn Book
“This book is sure to brighten any reader’s day...In sickness and in health, beginning readers will love the humor, action, and compassion in this story, brought to life in the fun-filled text and superb cartoon illustrations.” — School Library Journal
“Fine, splashy fare for developing readers.” — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Denys Cazet: “It’s hard to find fun and clever early-reader books, but Cazet never lets us down.” — San Francisco Chronicle
HALLOWEEN HOWLS:
“These brief, simply worded poems evoke sights, smells and sounds familiar to children of all ages and will set the mood for a frightfully fun night.” — Publishers Weekly
“The text is clear and nicely sized and the vocabulary is easily accessible. A splendid job of conjuring up visions of the approach and arrival of Halloween with all of its sights, sounds, tastes, and wild abandon.” — Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children’s Media
THE HIGH-RISE PRIVATE EYES:
“Rylant is dead on developmentally...introduces young readers to the elements of a genre that continues to entertain long after the act of reading loses its mystery.” — School Library Journal
“Snappy stories full of humor, action, and tenderness… Case closed: These books provide plenty of easy-reading fun.” — Publishers Weekly
“This versatile Newbery Medalist has crafted another winning series for young readers…. Will help fill the demand for easy mysteries that are accessible to young readers in the early grades and funny, too.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Introduces readers to the elements of a genre that continues to entertain long after the act of reading loses its mystery.” — Horn Book Magazine
INSPECTOR HOPPER:
“A beginning reader with gentle humor and charming characters. The short sentences, catchy dialogue, and repetitive vocabulary are just right for beginning readers. Children will find the colorful cartoon characters appealing and enjoy Cushman’s detailed world of these small creatures.” — School Library Journal
“The winking wit of the dialogue and drawings is half the fun.” — Parenting Magazine
MILDRED AND SAM:
“Collicott’s cheery I Can Read Book introduces an endearing mouse couple. A well-balanced narrative, plus fetching graphics, make this a fine choice for beginning readers, who will want to find out what happens to the mouse family next.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“An engaging composite of bright colors and whimsical drawings that lend an immense visual appeal to the tale. The fanciful themes and vibrant illustrations make this an enjoyable romp.” — Kirkus Reviews
MOUSE TALES:
“Seven stories told by Papa Mouse to the seven mouse boys at bedtime. Short and easy to read, and illustrated with the miniature pictures children love. A book to return to again and again.” — Bank Street College of Education Reviews
OWL AT HOME:
“In these five little episodes, a wide-eyed, portly owl presents the image of well-intentioned gullibility. Two stories are comic, including one in which Owl’s feet under the covers scare him into sleeping in a chair downstairs. The others are equally entertaining but quietly thought-provoking as well. “Tear-Water Tea”—in which Owl makes a ‘very good’ brew from tears he has shed through the night—carries a unique mood with it. Another beginning reader with a personality of its own, a cozy volume with just the right amount of familiarity and simplicity of style to make it eminently readable. Quaint illustrations in warm brown tones complete the picture.” — ALA Booklist (starred review)
PISH AND POSH:
“Bottner’s buoyant pictures feature comical facial expressions, adding the right tone to this breezy portrait of an opposites-attract friendship.” — Publishers Weekly
“This book scores a hit with two well-defined characters: irrepressible, curious, impatient Posh and the more mature and methodical Pish.” — School Library Journal
TIGERS:
“This clearly written resource introduces tigers in the wild.” — ALA Booklist
“Stunning photographs…include a tiger snarling on the cover as well as striking shots of tigers sunning, stalking, swimming, striding, and stretching. This well-written volume will be useful for beginning research reports as well as for early reading practice.” — Kirkus Reviews
VALENTINE HEARTS:
“A delightful selection for beginning readers.” — School Library Journal
WHO’S A PEST?:
“In this truly funny I Can Read Book, Homer proves that he is not a pest as his four sisters, a rabbit, chipmunk, and lizard claim. The drawings are as laughable as the text and the tongue–twisting dialog begs to be read aloud.” — ALA Booklist
“A book of nonsensical conversation for beginning independent readers; the humor is just right for the age of the audience.” — Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books
“A story designed for Homer’s contemporaries, who know well what it’s like to be called a pest, and an I Can Read Book that will make them glad they learned how.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
I Can Read! Level 3
ELVIS THE ROOSTER ALMOST GOES TO HEAVEN:
“Packing plenty of pluck and cluck, and careening from the slapstick to the droll, Cazet’s tale will tickle novices as well as established readers.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Kids will revel in the comic melodrama of the obtrusively languishing Elvis, a gifted star with some snort-worthy closeups.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
“Fans of the Minnie and Moo series, and younger readers in general, will applaud as Elvis takes Center Stage.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Cazet’s writing is filled with quirky characters, simple wordplay, and gentle humor....Young readers will root for this rooster as he tries to find the will to pull himself together and do his job.” — School Library Journal
“Any adult or child involved with this book will laugh aloud....Elvis and company are worth crowing about.” — Chicago Tribune
ELVIS THE ROOSTER AND THE MAGIC WORDS:
“The expressively posed poultry add life and humor to this engaging episode.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Novice readers will find Elvis standing out from the rest of the flock.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
EMMA’S MAGIC WINTER:
“This is Jean Little’s first book for beginning readers, and she’s a natural. Her prose flows easily, with touches of humor and soars into appropriate lyricism at the end.” (EMMA’S MAGIC WINTER) — Horn Book Magazine (starred review)
EMMA’S YUCKY BROTHER:
“The very best easy readers also succeed as picture books that a child would choose to read as an entertaining story rather than an educational exercise. Little and Plecas achieve that unusual status with their second collaboration about Emma.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
EMMA’S STRANGE PET:
“Little portrays real characters who bring everyday problems to satisfying conclusions. Simple, full-color line-and-watercolor illustrations do a great job of capturing expressions of confusion, worry, anger, and joy. An exceptional beginning reader.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“Little manages both easygoing charm and conveyance of authentic sibling irritation. Plecas’ characters are minimally drafted but no less vivid for that. Readers drawn by the pet theme won’t feel lost because they missed the previous Emma books, but the warm and authentically prickly relationship between Max and Emma may nonetheless lure them into reading more of their story.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
IT’S SNOWING! IT’S SNOWING!:
Praise for Jack Prelutsky’s poetry: “A smorgasbord of delights.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Prelutsky achieves a masterful range in tone.” — ALA Booklist
“The verses are peppy, singsongy, and clever.” — The Horn Book
MARVIN’S BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER:
“With tender simplicity, Paterson spins a story of generosity, teamwork, and a young boy’s ingenuity.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A marvelous offering that combines the sentiments of giving and sharing into a good story.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
MINNIE AND MOO: THE ATTACK OF THE EASTER BUNNIES:
“Cazet’s cockeyed good cheer is in fine form here.” — Kirkus Reviews
MINNIE AND MOO: THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS:
“With zippy dialogue and energetic illustrations, Cazet’s dry wit shines through.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
MINNIE AND MOO MEET FRANKENSWINE:
“These gleeful fantasies are currently the cream of the beginning reader crop.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“The two funniest, most winsome cows on the early-reading circuit have to be Minnie and Moo, always ready to engage in any situation with a mixture of slapstick (Moo), sangfroid (Minnie), and a comical use of language. Deceptively sophisticated artwork and lively language make this a joy for new readers to tackle.” — Kirkus Review (starred review)
“Udderly likable.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
MINNIE AND MOO AND THE POTATO FROM PLANET X:
“Cazet’s cows are back, charming as ever, in an easy reader that is as loopy as ever. Weird in all the right ways, from the strange little verbal asides to Minnie’s mop of blond curls. Another mooover from Cazet.” — Kirkus Reviews
MINNIE AND MOO: THE CASE OF THE MISSING JELLY DONUT:
“It’s hard to find fun and clever early-reader books, but Cazet never lets us down.” — San Francisco Chronicle
MINNIE AND MOO: THE NIGHT OF THE LIVING BED:
“Cazet releases the breaks in this latest installment of early-reading tomfoolery. There are good and loopy side events throughout the story and Cazet keeps the language droll and dry. Clever and hilarious.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Fans of these two bovines will not be disappointed as they embark on this hilarious trek. Humorous color illustrations accompany the text, helping to make this holiday book a delight to read any day of the year.” — School Library Journal
MINNIE AND MOO: WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?
“Chock-full of humorous verses and silly illustrations, this title is sure to be a hit with newly independent readers.” — School Library Journal
“Minnie and Moo, those marvelous big-nostrilled cows, continue their side-splitting trip through the holidays.” — Kirkus Reviews
A PET FOR ME:
“For storytime, classroom sharing, or quiet reading, this is a charming addition to either poetry or easy-reader shelves.” — School Library Journal
RAFI AND ROSI:
“The teasing banter and tender rapport between the siblings are the most appealing features of these stories. Delacre's brightly colored cartoon illustrations add detail and a light touch. There is also a helpful glossary of Spanish words/phrases, and an appended "Did You Know About-" section adds some interesting facts about Puerto Rico.” — School Library Journal
RAFI AND ROSI: CARNIVAL!:
“The integration of reading with social science and art instruction is the added touch which makes this book stand out from the typical early reader.” — Children's Literature
“These frog siblings are mischievous, but it is clear that they love and appreciate one another. Their emotions and experiences are universal to childhood. The charming cartoon illustrations are integral to the amusing text.” — School Library Journal
“An appealing sequel.” — Kirkus Reviews
I Can Read! Chapter Books
THE BATTLE FOR ST. MICHAELS:
“McCully’s resourceful heroine, action-packed plot, and dramatic watercolor paintings make for an exciting slice of history.” — School Library Journal
DINOSAUR HUNTER:
“The combination of dinosaur fossils, horseback riding, and ranch life is unusual and will interest boys especially. Bolognese handles both the horses and people with flair.” — Kirkus Reviews
“The clearly written story, historical context, western ranch setting, and, of course, the dinosaur connection contribute to the book’s appeal.” — ALA Booklist
FIRST FLIGHT:
“A good introduction to the Wright Brothers from a child’s point of view.” — ALA Booklist
PRAIRIE SCHOOL:
“This quiet, thoughtful story will have a subtle appeal to children who may have resisted book learning themselves.” — Kirkus Reviews
“New readers will enjoy both Noah’s rebellion and his awakening to the astonishing facts, stories, and poetry he can find in books.” — ALA Booklist
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