Parents of children who are learning to read are well aware of a lack of quality, engaging books for emerging readers. Once kids are able to sound out simple words, they need books that will help stimulate a love of reading yet are simple enough to gently challenge them. Unfortunately, many of the readers for this stage contain stories that are predictable and dry, and illustrations that leave much to be desired. Because developers of books for this stage in the learning-to-read process are limited to text that is phonetically decodable, we tend to simply accept that transitional phonics-based readers will be rather uninspired. Well, now we have Flyleaf books! The publishers managed to produce not only engaging materials that are highly readable, but they didn't skimp on the imagination component either. This series is beautiful. High-quality books with gorgeous illustrations, readable text, and imaginative — yes imaginative! — story lines are featured.
The attention to detail in all aspects of the product — including format, text, and illustrations — is immediately evident. Details that are less apparent, but that add to the product's excellence, reflect the thought and care that went into the series. In order to help develop left-right eye tracking, for example, illustrations are generally on the right with text on the left pages. Books are 9 x 7 ½ inches, designed to fit comfortably in young children's hands, and even text fonts are used that closely match those children traditionally learn to identify and write (consider the letters "a" and "g" for example).
Supplementary Learning Cards are available for each story and are optional. These cards are designed for use before a child tackles the book, helping to maximize his/her success. Children are introduced to the words used in the stories through the suggested simple games of matching words to pictures and charades. Familiarizing children with the words beforehand helps to ensure a smoother and more rewarding experience with the book itself. Printed on sturdy cardstock, these cards feature different color-coding to distinguish between action words, "puzzle" words (irregular words), and nouns.
Reading Series One contains books that fit well with many beginning first-grade curriculums. Except for a handful of "puzzle" words (traditionally known as "sight words", such as "the" and "what"), most words are decodable with the 26 phonetic alphabet sounds. Book One is entitled The Sunset Pond. Frank the Fish Gets His Wish is Book One in Reading Series Two, and contains more words per page, as well as slightly harder content. The "sh" sound is introduced.
We tested this series of books with two young readers. The Peterkins of Georgia enthusiastically used the first books in the series with their 7 year old daughter, and this is what they had to say: "For my child, who is beginning to phonetically decode words, this book set accomplished what nothing else has to date. The vivid illustrations in the book drew her attention while the story captivated her mind. Our child considers pictures a main reward when reading books. It is these pictures that made her eager to turn the page — even when reading had to continue for a few more sentences." Prior to using the products, they had some concerns including the issue of reusability, the level of difficulty of the text itself, and whether the supplementary learning cards were necessary. "The product redeemed itself on all counts." As well, the cards were considered their child's "safety net", allowing her to feel confident when faced with the task of tackling the book.
Disillusioned by the readers sent home by their school and borrowed from the library, the Peterkins found the Flyleaf books a refreshing and important tool to "bridge the gap". After using various software programs to help teach their child to read, Mr. Peterkin "wondered when skills acquired through software-based training would be demonstrated in normal reading behavior. For us, the answer is... right now."
These books were eagerly devoured by another child tester. She was immediately drawn to the readers, referring to them as "beautiful". The level of difficulty seems to be a perfect fit for many children entering first grade, and the Supplementary cards were found to be more enjoyable than traditional flashcard systems mainly because of the attractive pictures. Her younger sister watched as she played the flashcard games, very much in awe of her older sister's abilities and her "luck" at being able to play the games. Needless to say, she is anxious to get involved with the books and cards as soon as possible.
The books are available in either soft- or hardcover versions. Titles currently available are as follows: Reading Series One: The Sunset Pond, Jen’s Best Gift Ever, and Meg and Jim's Sled Trip. Seasonal book One is entitled It is Hallowe'en. Reading Series Two: Frank the Fish Gets His Wish.
