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Engaging early readers who aren't naturally disposed to books presents its own special challenge. Learning to read shouldn't feel like a chore to a child. For kids who love getting physical outdoors, Phyllis Root's slipcased edition of four stories, Mouse Goes Out, provides one antidote to the "I-don't-wanna-read" blues.
Mouse is on the go outside, no matter the weather. An unlucky attempt at fishing - he catches a boot, a stick, and a small fish, all of which he throws back - ends with one big fish and a surprising twist. A campout under the stars in the woods with a nice blazing campfire nearby gets a little too exciting when Mouse spies a tail, then eyes, then more eyes and teeth, leading Mouse to find a more relaxing spot to camp out.
Rain showers bring puddles, and as Mouse goes puddle-jumping, more rain makes the puddles bigger and bigger. After his final splash, Mouse isn't just all wet - he has to swim. A white winter day is perfect for making snowballs - and more snowballs. Mouse takes off his cold-weather gear - hat, coat, scarf, mittens - and his snowballs are transformed into a smiling snow mouse.
Phyllis Root has proven again her talent for crafting fun, simple stories that present just enough of a reading challenge in her previous Brand New Readers books,
Hey, Tabby Cat! and
Here Comes Tabby Cat. James Croft's bright, expressive drawings burst with energy, drawing in even reluctant early readers.
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Mouse Goes Out (Brand New Readers)