I Will Try

March 1, 2012

PreS-K-The monosyllabic writing in this picture book is painfully stilted and reminiscent of the old "Dick and Jane" series that bored generations of beginning readers. The pen-and-ink, digitally colored illustrations feature cutsey moppets with oversize heads and vacant eyes. A little girl goes to a gymnastics class, falls off the balance beam, is encouraged to try again, and is successful on the second attempt. There is nothing here to encourage a second reading, and the first will quickly be forgotten. Better books for emergent readers abound, including the classic "I Can Read" titles (HarperCollins), and the newly repackaged ones by Bill Martin and Eric Carle in the "My First Reader" series (Holt).-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2012
This girl is ready for a challenge! In this new addition to the I Like to Read picture-book series for emergent readers, a girl is determined to learn gymnastics. Colorful, digitally enhanced pen-and-ink illustrations show her nervousness as she prepares for her first try at the gym, while simple text, closely aligned with the illustrations, describes the experience from a child's point of view. As with others in the series, the story itself consists of an uncomplicated plot, short sentences, accessible vocabulary and generous repetition, making this a fine choice for beginning readers. Oddly, there are no teachers or coaches visible at the gym, but children will identify with the girl's admiration for another gymnast who encourages her and inspires her to try again when she falls. The energetic, multicultural girls are lively and appealing, and the narrator's initial attempts at gymnastics nicely mirror a young reader's early efforts at reading, emphasize the necessity of perseverance and include the appropriate thank you. While the story itself is somewhat minimal, it is intentionally so, allowing new or struggling readers to focus on the basics and achieve success. This cheery selection will bring feelings of accomplishment and security to new readers and budding gymnasts alike. (Picture book/early reader. 2-5)

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May 15, 2012
Preschool-K Ella, a young, freckled redhead (whose name readers know only from her gym bag), gets ready and heads to gymnastics class, eager to watch her friend Jan doing splits and posing during floor exercises. Facial expressions suggest Ella is in awe (and maybe a little discouraged) as she next watches Jan jump and spin on the balance beam. When it's Ella's turn, her initial grace ends with an Oh, no! Down I go. With a grimace on her face, she gives up. Quickly cheered on by Janand succeeding a little too easilyElla proudly lands an arabesque. With an easy reading level and a total of 68 words, this charming tale of perseverance will have any beginning reader proclaiming, I did it. A multicultural cast adds to the appeal, as do touches in the cartoonlike illustrations like the tiny, real photos on a table in the background. Just in time for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2012
In gymnastics class, Ella tries to be as good as Jan, who can split, pose, jump, and spin. When Ella gives up after a fall, Jan encourages her to try again--this time she succeeds. Pictures of jovial cartoonlike characters; large, simple text; and an encouraging message make this a solid offering for young girls just learning to read.

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)