Best Friends

"Best Friends" is a cool little book for the newly reading. The first thing that I like about it is that it is divided into 2 chapters. How cool is that! This division gives children a `clue' as to what these chapter-thingies are all about; and even adds to their confidence. The action centers around Dan and Zack, two friends who pick apples in Chapter 1 and play a guessing game in Chapter 2. The text is very simple with lots of picture clues. Vocabulary includes words like: pick, one, two, this, that, me you, cap, hat, your, Nick and Mack (dogs), what, big and hand. Harder words include: wait, pack, snack, surprise, yard and snail. Here is an example of what you will find (two pages of text): Pick this. Pick that. One in my cap. Two in your hat. Another thing I like is that there is a page of questions after each chapter. These pages can be used not only to confirm that small fry are understanding what is read; plus it is a starting point for conversation. The kind of question that might be asked would be: "Is `Apple Snack' a good title for this story? Why or why not?" And finally there are some suggested activities at the back of the book. Five Stars. [A-] This primer has a great deal going for it. Sample questions and activities are provided for adults, and children are provided with the `chapter' experience.