4 out of 4 stars
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As an elementary school librarian, I see many students reading below their suggested level, and I find it difficult to find books for them that will act as a learning mechanism and not as a distraction. R.D. Base’s thirty paged children’s book, Toni the Superhero, would fall in the former category, and would most definitely be a popular read among my pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. I think even my struggling first and second grade readers would find this book to be enjoyable and helpful.
Toni is a superhero, but he is not just any ordinary superhero using superpowers to fight off bad guys and save the world. Instead, Toni spends his days reading, drawing, swimming and dusting all the while wearing his blue suit and red cape. He may be a superhero, but he is just like any other kid.
R.D. Base set out to write an educational yet still engaging book for readers just beginning their journey into the literary world, and by all accounts she has done just that. The sentences follow a pattern that promotes independent reading, for the three to five worded sentences begin with the same repetitive words and then end with the non-repetitive, introductory word. Those eighteen non-repetitive, introductory words fit quite perfectly for the targeted audience, because they range in difficulty which is great for including readers at all different levels, they are words that can be sounded out quite nicely, and they create a rudimentary vocabulary that can cross over into daily life.
The illustrations, completed by Debbi Hefke, act as a great secondary resource for pre-readers to be able to understand and associate the eighteen non-repetitive, introductory words to physical images. Additionally, the multitude of colors is eye catching and engaging, proving to be another learning instrument that can come in use. I always enjoy when an illustrator, of a children’s book, makes the illustrations cartoon and child-like, for I believe it helps the targeted audience feel included in the story, and promotes the idea that children can create their own books.
I am constantly surrounded by children’s books that vary in reading levels and interest, and with that I have noticed how limited the selections are for books geared toward pre-kindergarten readers. For that reason, this first installment of Toni’s story would be an excellent addition to any library, and I would definitely recommend it to any grade school teacher or parent. I give this book 4 out of 4 stars.
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Toni the Superhero
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