From: Kathy McCullough <kathy_at_kathymcculloughbooks.com>
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:24:47 -0700 (PDT)

I've been a volunteer reader at my local library branch for about five years, reading mostly picture books to mostly kids for whom English is a second language.

The first time I read one of Mo Willems' Gerald and Piggy books (I think it was My New Toy), it was a big hit, and the fandom among the kids has grown exponentially over time, mainly because the kids love to read them aloud while I hold up the book. I've seen several five, six and seven years olds (many of whom were reluctant readers) become increasingly addicted to these books, checking out big stacks of them after our storytime session is over.

I now recommend them to anyone looking for books for kids who are just beginning to read. Willems has really done an impressive job of crafting simple, repetitive vocabulary into funny, entertaining narratives (with adorable illustrations).

Kathy McCullough http://kathymcculloughbooks.com ("Who Needs Magic?" Random House 2013)
Received on Wed 22 Aug 2012 10:24:47 AM CDT