Bob Books Early Readers Review

I was recently given the opportunity to review the new Bob Books Early Readers from Scholastic, The New Puppy and Cupcake Surprise both written by Lynn Maslen Kertell and illustrated by Sue Hendra. Having used one of the Bob Book Sets with my daughter in Kindergarten, I was very excited to see what the leveled readers would be like.

The Bob Books early readers start at a Level 1 {Grade Level PreK- 1}. Each of these two books have over 150 words and use some Sight Words mixed with words to sound out. They also have flashcards you can cut out of the back. Each has a new word on one side, and the picture with a sentence from the story on the other.

The first book The New Puppy was released in January of 2012, and it includes the same simple illustrations that you have come to recognize and love from the Bob Books Sets. In this book Jack and Anna get a new puppy from an animal shelter. They discover all the fun and work that goes into having a new pet. What a cute story line for your kiddos!

The New Puppy includes long vowels, sight words, and repetitive language "says Dad, says Mom, Buddy runs..., Buddy falls..., Buddy is....." Perfect for the young reader! Bob Books knows just what kids need to help get them ready for longer sentences and chapter books later on. {This first book is a Guided Reading Level G and Lexile Level 330L for those who are familiar with these leveling codes.}

In Cupcake Surprise, which was released in February of 2012, Jack and Anna are on a mission to bake cupcakes to surprise their Dad for his birthday. After going over the ingredients they realize that they are out of flour, a quick trip to the store, and the two are baking. Buddy even makes an appearance which pulls both the books together. This is great story about family life and working together for beginning readers.

This second book in the new leveled reader series uses long vowels, sight words, and simple sentences as well as repetitive language.... "Anna puts..., Jack puts..., Will...., That is a surprise". {Cupcake Surprise is a Guided Reading Level H and Lexile Level 60L}.

 I really love that Cupcake Surprise is gradually moving the young readers along in reading levels. As their skills improve they will have a Bob Book leveled reader to move with them. I will start my son on kindergarten work this fall, and I'm thrilled to have these two leveled readers to use with him. I love that they have more books in this series that are due out this summer and fall!!! To see some of the other books soon to be released in the series go here.

As a homeschooling Mom, I have came across quite a few "leveled" readers that were way to hard for the level they claimed to be. Have also purchased more products than I care to admit that claim to help your children learn to read only to be disappointed with the results. With my daughter, a Bob Book Set helped her move past naming letters and on to blending the sounds to read. To say I am excited about these new early readers from Bob Books is an understatement! These readers are right on with the levels they claim to be, and I highly recommend checking them out!  =)

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*Even though I received these books to review free of charge. I was not required to give a positive review. As always, all opinions {Good or Bad} are my own. If you would like more information please see my Disclosure.