Thursday, July 19, 2012

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!  =)

~If you would like to find out more about these new books and other updates about Bob Books follow them on Facebook or Twitter. Also you can keep up with other excellent books from Scholastic on Facebook and Twitter.


*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.

17 comments:

  1. These look like they would be a great fit for my kids! Thank you for the review gonna have to check into these!

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  2. Thank you for sharing! I have been looking for some more books for my children who are just reading! They would love these. I love how the covers are illustrated too.

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  3. I need to get more books for my little girls! I have one that LOVES to read and one that just doesnt care for it! AWESOME review!

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  4. I have seen these books before and I think they are really nice!

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  5. Love Bob Books! Can't wait to get these ones!

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  6. Wow, I have to tell my cousin about these. Her kids might like them.

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  7. The books appear enjoyable from the pix above!

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  8. My little one loves for me to read to him, he is only 2 and everyday he insists on someone reading to him. He will love these I am sure. Thank you.

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  9. This looks like a fun & motivational way to learn how to read. I am kind of interested to read the cupcake book myself LOL. Great review! =]

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  10. My daughter would love this book. Thanks for sharing!

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  11. been looking for a few leveled readers for my son. Going to check them out. Thanks

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  12. Thanks for the great review! We could also use more books,because reading the same thing more than once just doesn't fly with my boys. With school starting soon Scholastic books will be ordered,so thankfully. They have some very fun games and books though!

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  13. love watching the lil ones read!!

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  14. Ashley Chassereau ParksAugust 29, 2015 at 7:20 AM

    I have heard so many good things about the BOB books! My 4 year old (who we are homeschooling this year for the first time!) is reading more on a first/second grade level right now. She's really into Junie B Jones and Flat Stanley right now and has always loved books! My littlest one is interested in books, but not to the degree her big sister was... I might look into the Bob books for her. I think she would enjoy hearing them read aloud and anything that can encourage her interest would probably help!!

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  15. These look like really nice books. I have three grand kids they would be great for.

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