Messy Bessey's Garden (Revised Edition) (a Rookie Reader)

This is our first Messy Bessey book and I've got to say that we've already gone back to get two others. The appeal is the story and the fact that the books do not talk down to children. There is no "see spot run". Instead the sentences are intelligent and there is a point to each story and actually things to learn. In this case, small children are taught a little about gardening. The basics of planting as well as good gardening habits are outlined. As a Primer it has a great deal going for it. First, there are not many words and the sentences are simple. My son who is almost five can handle it quite well and he has only been reading for a few weeks. According to the last page, there are 69 different words in the book including: at, cut, by, let, need and now. More difficult words being: again, don't, garden, haven't, hoe, messy, plant, pull, pumpkins, shovel, success, taken, watch, and you've. Four Stars. This is a nice little primer that can tie into any gardening and plant activities you might have planned. It shows in a clear way how you can't just abandon your garden but have to actively maintain it. The "Accelerated Reading" (AR) designation for this book is .8 or in other words "Messy Bessey's Garden" is at roughly the level for an entering first grader.

This book is great for the toddler who likes to help you water the plants or the kindergartener who's growing some seeds in a styrofoam cup. Actually it's a great little book for any "rookie reader."After neglecting her garden, Messy Bessey realizes that it's hard work to help something grow. She goes to work immediately, and she's ultimately rewarded with the "fruits of her labor." She builds self-confidence and self-esteem from a job well done.The book encourages children to work persistently and patiently, and it might even inspire them to help you out in the garden. I recommend this simple rhyming book for any child between the ages of 2 and 8.