Sammy the Seal (I Can Read Book Series: Level 1)

by Syd Hoff, Syd Hoff (Illustrator)

Overview

Read along with your favorite I Can Read Book characters!

I Can Read Books are the premier line of beginning readers encouraging children to learn—and love—to read. Featuring award-winning authors and illustrators, I Can Read Books offer a full spectrum of entertaining stories for every stage of a child's reading development.

Now the beloved characters and adventures from this popular line of books come to life with I Can Read Book and CDs. Each package includes a best-selling beginning-reader storybook and a lively audio recording featuring:

• Word-for-word narration
• Music and sound effects
• One version with turn-the-page signals
• One version of uninterrupted reading

In Sammy the Seal, Sammy, the adventurous seal, leaves the zoo for the day and ventures into the big, busy city. Along the way he finds a school full of kids and new things to do—and he even learns to read!

"So funny and so original that it promises to be one of the most successful books in this best-selling series."(Publishers Weekly)

Sammy the Seal is another hilarious, original story by Syd Hoff, the celebrated author of Danny and the Dinosaur. This Level One I Can Read is perfect for shared reading with a child.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780061335402
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	11/06/2007
Series:	I Can Read Book 1 Series
Edition description:	Unabridged CD with Music and Special Eff
Pages:	64
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Syd Hoff has given much pleasure to children everywhere as the author and illustrator of numerous children’s books, including the favorite I Can Read books Sammy the Seal, The Horse in Harry’s Room, and the Danny and the Dinosaur books. Born and raised in New York City, he studied at the National Academy of Design. His cartoons were a regular feature in the New Yorker after he sold his first cartoon to that magazine at the age of eighteen. His work also appeared in many other magazines, including Esquire and the Saturday Evening Post, and in a nationally syndicated daily feature.

Syd Hoff has given much pleasure to children everywhere as the author and illustrator of numerous children’s books, including the favorite I Can Read books Sammy the Seal, The Horse in Harry’s Room, and the Danny and the Dinosaur books. Born and raised in New York City, he studied at the National Academy of Design. His cartoons were a regular feature in the New Yorker after he sold his first cartoon to that magazine at the age of eighteen. His work also appeared in many other magazines, including Esquire and the Saturday Evening Post, and in a nationally syndicated daily feature.

Editorial Reviews

In this simple, classic story, a curious little seal wonders what it is like outside of the zoo where he lives. The zookeeper allows him to leave and explore the city. Sammy looks all around but soon gets hot and seeks out some water (in a very angry man's bathtub). Soon he finds a school and joins the class. While Sammy learns to read and write, he finds that playing some of the children's games can be tough with flippers instead of hands. Eventually, Sammy is ready to return home to the zoo to tell the others what he has learned. Young readers can read the picture book while following along with Charles Mintz's easy to understand audio book narration (provided with and without page turn signals) and enjoy the bright, cartoony illustrations. Some children may notice that the zoo is very different than a zoo they might visit today. Teachers and parents may wish to point out that this story was written more than fifty years ago when zoo animals were kept in large cages. A timeless story to share in the classroom or at home, especially with children facing a move or a change in their lives. Sammy is a fearless example for them to follow. The text is easy for beginning readers to follow, with basic vocabulary and short, simple sentences. Reviewer: Kristina Cassidy

Children's Literature - Kristina Cassidy

Syd Hoff's classic was one of the original "And I Can Read Book," and it still works its magic on toddlers and learning readers alike. There is something very endearing about Sammy's desire to see the world;his wide-eyed exploration of it;his ability to learn to read—and write his name—after only one day in school;and his satisfaction in returning home to his pool in the zoo after a full day of adventures, his curiosity sated. Sammy becomes the child in all of us. We want our adventures, but isn't it wonderful to have a home to return to? Hoff's simple words convey these feelings just right, and his colorful 1950s-style illustrations still work. This recent repackaging of the book includes an audiotape read with fulsome importance—offset by jaunty background music. But the original book still stands on its own. 2000 (orig. 1959), HarperChildren's Audio, $14.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer:Kathleen Karr

Children's Literature