Follow the Line Through the House

The right book to teach ELLs in terms of topic and the language. It is useful with beginners who are school-aged and need practice asking and answering questions and learning the names for concrete objects. There are so few books with easy English that are not on toddler topics, but this is one.

This book was on the summer reading list for my kindergartener who rarely likes to read a book a second time. This book, however, he LOVES and has asked to read over and over. He does curl up in bed with it as well, reading it to himself. There are so many different elements to enjoy, from following the line itself as it creates objects in the rooms, to spotting the things that don't belong, to finding and answering the questions curled around various objects. My 3 year old also loves the book and likes to answer the simpler questions in it. Following the lines on the pages is more challenging, even for a 5-year old (or me for that matter!) The book combines the elements of I Spy with the twists and turns of mazes and marble runs (all of which my son loves as well).

This book is beautifully illustrated. The plot of the story is to follow a line through the rooms of a house to see what things and treasures are in the house. The line, frankly, is a little too complicated for little fingers to follow (my almost 3 year old girl cannot do it), but the book has beautiful pictures. I think this book will draw children who love art, who are emotional, and who are intuitive; but it will not entice the kid who loves a good plot and is matter-of-fact. I can imagine my daughter curling up in bed and looking at the pictures over and over. My 4 year old son will find this book very boring.

Open the front door of a house filled with surprises and find a treasure trove between basement and attic, where secrets are in every room - all by following one continuous line. Questions invite kids to count, match colors, identify shapes and much more in this whimsical activities-filled story line.