Bob Books: Rhyming Words (Stage 1)

Why are these much-acclaimed set of phonetic practice readers so irresistible to the beginning reader? Perhaps it's the size - just right for small hands; or the length - beginning books in the series are just 12 pages long so your child can read the whole book. Or maybe it's the interesting text as opposed to the bland stuff found in many controlled vocabulary readers. Of course, it could be the simple but charming line-drawings that grace each page. Then there's the bright colors of the covers - or the whole "box" concept complete with stage and finger puppet. Whatever their attraction, a few things come through clearly - they work, kids love them, and grown-ups just aren't sure why! However, these readers have been long used by Montessori teachers in the classroom, too.

There are five sets in all, with 12 books ineach set. Sets 1 and 2 are for beginning readers and feature consistent sounds and short vowels in three-letter words. The color illustrations feature small splashes of color in the same shade as that book's cover. Although only small bits of one shade of color accentuate the illustrations, the effect does make them "pop". Sets 3 and 4 include blends, endings, and occasional sight words. Set 3 has 10 books and Set 4 has 8 longer books. Set 5 also has 8 longer books which contain long vowel words, compound words, sight words, and longer stories.

If you want to nurture a child's lifelong interest in reading, Bob Books would be an excellent place to start!