Jane’s planning on doing some more of these reviews, so I’ve added her to the blog as an author. You’ll have to start looking at the by-line to see who’s writing. — Will

We are now on our third beginning reader so I have been developing very strong opinions on books for beginning readers. Many of these books are terrible with poor grammar, bad pictures, and no plot. A young child would do better to practice reading the labels in the grocery store. Every once in a while an author rises above the limited vocabulary to produce a treasure, think Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. Mo Willems started out as a writer and animator on Sesame Street and it shows. This story centers on Piggie, who wants to fly. Her friend Gerald, an elephant is sure that pigs can’t fly. Says Gerald, “You need Help.” Answers Piggie, “Thank You. I do need help!” And she goes and finds some. Great cartoon-style drawings accent the story of a piggie trying to fly. It is a book that is fun to read aloud in interesting voices. Everyone in the house has taken a turn performing the book for everyone else in the house. Highly recommended.