I Like Mess

June 1, 1998
PreS-Gr 1-Two beginning readers illustrated with clear, full-color photographs of people and props dramatically placed on all-white backgrounds. The books feature twins Tim and Jim playing with their dog (Get the Ball, Slim) and Tess cleaning her room only to begin her messy cycle again (I Like Mess). The characters' exaggerated expressions give the stories the feeling of a staged drama but provide readers with obvious picture clues. The controlled vocabulary, sight words, and use of rhyme and context clues (only a few of the words used are not pictured) make these phonics-based stories appropriate for just-beginning-to-read students. Each book includes practical suggestions for reading with children and helpful phonics guidelines. Parents and teachers who are always looking for more books at this level will be delighted with these titles, but kids especially will enjoy the simple antics of these characters and have successful reading experiences.-Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, ID

May 1, 1998
%% This is a multi-book review: SEE also the title "Get the Ball, Slim." %% Gr. 1. The new Real Kids Reader series combines phonics-based stories with photographs to engage children in reading. The texts in these two entries are simple enough. In "Slim," an African American boy named Tim and his twin, Jim, play ball with their dog, Slim. When the ball hits a wall, Slim sniffs it out and brings it back. In "Mess," a little girl likes to make a mess and does so with lots of paint. This makes Mom sad, so the girl picks up the mess so Mom can feel glad. The crisp color photos are a nice touch, although occasionally, they wind up in the book's gutter, marring double-page spreads. An interesting alternative to other easy readers. ((Reviewed May 1, 1998))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1998, American Library Association.)