Get Set to Wreck!

Grade 1-3 Curtis loves to build with his tools and resources (blocks and toy equipment) and considers his homework activity sheet on vowels an unwelcome intrusion. His homework directions instruct him to use his imagination. When he does , the vowels come alive and teach him the vowel sounds using words from the building trade, such as crane, demolition, backhoes, etc. The homework is complete by story's end because Curtis and his construction crew have been building and wrecking with words. The cartoon-style illustrations are humorous and detailed. Before the vowels come alive, they are shown in black and white , then they blossom into full color in a variety of mediapencil, pastel, gouache, and colored pencil. Young listeners should find the special subject vocabulary of this concept book to be an enjoyable way to learn and review vowels. Reading the story aloud captures the vowel sounds, but the story can also be read independently by second and third graders. The activity sheet and subject vocabulary approach could certainly be extended through individual activities after the story is shared. A book that will be useful and appealing to builders and vowel hunters alike. Janie Schomberg, Edgerton Elementary School, Maplewood, Minn.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The idea here is to integrate simple phonics (long and short vowels) with the tale of a little boy who loves to build with blocks. For homework young Curtis has to find words using each of the long and short vowels. He's stymied; he'd much rather be playing. When his mother encourages him to use his imagination, he is transported into the world of his blocks. A series of vowels appear to him and help him find the words he needs. Curtis's "reality" is presented through soft black-and-white charcoal drawings while the fantasy vowel romp is in colored pastels. The vowels are depicted as talking letters with distinct personalities, wearing little hard hats. The text is didactic and often strains to make all the concepts fit together. But some parents looking for a new way to introduce vowels might find this useful. Ages 6-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.