When and Why Did the Horse Fly?

November 1, 2013

Gr 2-4-It's not often that a series can introduce key concepts and be entertaining at the same time, yet this collection does just that. From Monsters, where a monster tries to figure out the best way she should walk (should she prowl, glide, or lumber?), to whatever, in which a boy speaks without punctuation and therefore no emotion, these books amuse and teach. Each volume has a unique feel. For example, When and Why has comic-booklike images. However, all the titles contain bright and colorful illustrations, work well together, and feel like part of the same series. A final page in every book describes the concepts in detail, pulling out examples. The resource lists cite great trade book examples. A standout series.

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