School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1-Colorful offerings for beginning readers. Each book contains four different stories based on a theme: the tricks of a somewhat inept young magician, the antics of a small Hispanic girl, and the pastimes of a friendly alien. Each tale begins with an introduction for adults, followed by eight pages of simple, one-line text. Children will enjoy the humor throughout these volumes-the magician gets soaking wet when she makes a glass disappear; the girl's preparation for a swim takes much longer than the actual event; and an endearing alien counts, paints, flies, and bakes. Readers will be familiar with most of the vocabulary and learn a few new words. A color-coded table of contents and tips for parents working with their children are plus features in each book. Suitable additions for early-reader collections.-Anne Knickerbocker, Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.