Ready, Set, Go!

August 24, 2000
PreS-Simple repetitive text presents the phrase, "Ready/Set," and a word that rhymes with "go." None of the concepts are related, but the illustrations clearly represent the words: go, blow, row, snow, and grow. The only exception is the picture for "THROW!" which is not well rendered. The cartoon people appear flat and awkward, but the objects are effectively drawn. The format will attract toddlers. Beginning with the cover, every other recto page has a circle cut out of the center; youngsters handling the book will enjoy the tactile sensation of exploring the shape as well as the excitement of a peek at the next page. Unfortunately, though the whole book is sturdily built, the last page ("GROW!"), in which a sliding tab reveals a purple flower in place of a yellow sun, is more flimsy and requires the manual dexterity of an older child.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

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