Book Review: Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret

BALLET CAT: THE TOTALLY SECRET SECRET by Bob Shea is the first book in a charming new series for beginning readers aged 6 through 8.

After discussing activity options like making crafts and playing checkers, Ballet Cat and Sparkles the Pony decide to dance. However when Sparkles the Pony becomes sad, the two friends share secrets that make them both feel better.

Shea cleverly weaves assistance for beginning readers into his adorable story. For instance, changes in the font size help young readers better understand the nuances of the plot. In addition, many new words are repeated throughout the story providing opportunities for practice. The use of speech bubbles makes it clear to the reader, who is saying, what. The simple use of lines and colors will be welcomed by children who are easily distracted by complex illustrations.

Librarians seeking books for beginning readers will look forward to many more Ballet Cat books in the future. Also, use the book in a display featuring empathy and friendship.

To learn more about the author, go to http://bobshea.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 5, 2015.

App Review: DK Readers

The DK READERS app is aimed at getting children excited about reading. Users can browse through a library of ebooks by reading level. The app is free to download and a few books are free, but over 100 books are available for purchase at $1.99 to $2.99 each.

Designed for children aged 6-8, dozens of leveled books are available on a wide range of topics including the popular Star Wars and LEGO books. Like the print versions of the DK books, the works are identified by one of 5 levels from learning to read to proficient readers. Individual accounts can be set up for different children with specific reading needs. eBooks show up on virtual shelves by reading level.

The eBooks look identical to their print counterparts. Readers swipe to turn the pages forward or backward. One advantage of the DK READERS eBooks for beginning readers is the read-aloud audio option. Users click the words to begin reading. The word being read aloud turns red making it easy for children to follow along. Readers can click pages in the index to access particular pages. Pages can also be accessed through thumbnail images.

Parents often need help selecting books at the right level for their children. This app makes it easy by organizing offerings by reading level. The large catalog of option provides many choices. Finally, the eBooks are much less expensive than paperbacks making it a cost effective choice for parents.

An increasing number of school libraries are offering tablets for student use in the library or classroom. Although each app is stand-alone, the option of organizing books on virtual shelves by level for specific users may be useful for students with special needs or classrooms dividing children into reading groups.

Available for iPad at the App Store at http://goo.gl/ORxUsr
Available for Android on Google Play at http://goo.gl/WTwHQc