Snow Day by Margaret McNamara

I'm taking a peek at the latest addition to a popular, early-reader series. I've read a few books in this bunch and always enjoy seeing what the Robin Hill School kids are up to next. This one fits especially well with the season and slides right in with the snow-dreaming which seems to be gaining footing in our household.

So, let's put on those hats and gloves and see if this group has fun out in the snow.

SNOW DAY

Robin Hill School

Ready to Read, Level One

by Margaret McNamara

Illustrated by Mike Gordon

Simon Spotlight

ages 4 to 6

The kids in Mrs. Connor's class love the snow! And they love snow days even more! But when the snow will not stop falling, Nia realizes that staying at home is not so much fun after all.

AMAZON   /    GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

School kids will easily understand Nia's desire to have a few snow days and be rooting for some of their own.

I'd sum this one up, but the blurb already says it all. The plot is simple and direct, and one that will ring familiar with any readers living in areas, where snow days are a possibility. My own daughter has been staring out the window wishing for tons of snow since September and dreams of being stuck in the house. Of course, the sled is close at hand. So, this is one certain readers will definitely connect with. And it's understandable that Nia grows bored of always being at home after a day or two. (That's when us parents pull out all sorts of 'projects' for them to do.) In other words, it's a read which will connect with adults as well.

The writing fits the audience level very well and helps further reading skills without bogging down. The illustrations are as adorable as ever and help as the story flows along. 

I've read more than a few books in this series, but didn't find this one quite as fun on the plot end, since it sticks pretty much to Nia and her mother with only the snow aspect thrown in. But I'm being picky because I do enjoy the series quite a bit. It's a nice addition to the Robin Hill School gang and makes a lovely read for fans and anyone readers, who are practicing their skills. 

Today's read... Martin Luther King Jr. Day by Margaret McNamara

 I know I'm a little 'off' calendar-wise on today's read, but I wasn't able to slide it in fast...plus, I'm betting this one can be read any time of the year. I have read a book about the Robin Hill School before, enjoyed it, and am looking forward to see what this class is up to next because they made me smile last time.

It's time for a fieldtrip!

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

Robin Hill School

Ready to Read, Level One

by Margaret McNamara

Illustrated by Mike Gordon

Simon Spotlight

Early Reader Chapter Book

32 pages

ages 3 to 9

Mrs. Connor's students honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day with their own dreams and hopes in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read!

The class imagines how to make the world a better place in this celebration of an important holiday.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON   /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

These pages center around Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but instead of diving into this great man's history, accomplishments and facts, it heads toward a broader direction.

It's Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the class is on a fieldtrip to learn more about what the day means. Of course, the kids are packed full of ideas and Mrs. Connor knows exactly how to grab their attention and shift their thoughts in an inspiring direction.

This is a book for those readers, who have learned enough words to handle many sentences on their own but still need practice. The words are in a larger font, nicely spaced, and kept to a minimum. There are illustrations on (almost) every page, too. Plus, it does build vocabulary gently along the way. So, it's great for beginning readers.

The students and Mrs. Connor come across with kindness and fun. The kids' responses are very natural, and Mrs. Connor has an amazingly patient and caring way of reacting to them. It shows a wholesome classroom setting with classmates, who are kind to one another, use their imagination, and will connect with many young readers. The situations and settings are familiar and, again, easy for readers to recognize and identify with. There's enough of a light humor to bring slight smiles, and the pacing moves along steadily to keep boredom away. It's a nice, simple, and quick read.

At first, I was surprised that there wasn't much information about Martin Luther King Jr. but have to admit that it wouldn't have worked well in this level of read. The very basics are explained...just what the age group can understand...and then, the author cleverly brought it into the big dream direction and left with a very inspiring message. So, kudos on that end.

It's a gentle and fun way to introduce beginning readers to the holiday while improving the reading skills in a way, which won't scare them away.

Review: Wash Your Hands! by Margaret McNamara

 

WASH YOUR HANDS!

Robin Hill School

Ready to Read, Level One

by Margaret McNamara

Illustrated by Mike Gordon

Simon Spotlight

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 7th!!!

The first-grade class at Robin Hill School learns the best way to get rid of germs in this story of the bestselling series!

Mrs. Connor's classroom learns about washing their hands and the importance of keeping germs away! 

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N    /    BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

With the idea of washing hands and killing germs, this book definitely hits a current theme. But it also stretches beyond that.

The children are catching colds left and right, and they're tired of it...as is the teacher. So, she informs them that one way to help is simply to wash the hands. So, they all march to the bathroom and do exactly that.

This book is aimed at beginning readers, who are just getting a handle on their first sentences. The text is printed in a large, easy to read font with only a short sentence or so on each page. The words aren't too difficult, but a couple do encourage readers to expand their vocabulary just a little bit. Or it does work well as a read-aloud.

The illustrations are cute and bring across a lovely atmosphere. I had to smile at how dirty the kids appear (and wondered), but it adds to the theme. Each of them is cheerful, and the teacher is encouraging and supportive. 

It's a cute read, easy to identify with, and a great way to encourage reading.