Where we live

Each of these new titles in the Kingfisher Readers series, variously leveled from 2 through 5, offers something different to young readers. The use of visuals is simple but effective from one large, bright photo per page to a mix of photos, illustrations, and labeled diagrams. The large type and illustrations, including eye-popping photos of home types, locations, and building materials, help make Where We Live (level 2) inviting for beginning readers. Each title begins with a note to parents by literacy specialist Ellie Costa on how to effectively use the book, including helpful activities and questions for warm-ups, pre-reading, during reading, and after reading tips that could also be useful for classroom or library use.--Aronin, Miriam Copyright 2010 Booklist

K-Gr 1-Designed for children learning to read on their own, these titles contain high-interest topics and ample visual elements with close-up, captioned photographs. In Where Animals Live, several creatures are introduced, ranging from penguins to spiders, with information on where they live, how they hunt, and where they sleep. In Where We Live, a variety of homes is explored, showcasing types, materials, and location. Readers are introduced to houses in towns, villages, the country, and even on the water. Each chapter is designed with simple headings, glossary in boldface type, and single- and double-page photographs. Both titles provide age-appropriate facts that are suitable for reports as well as for general-interest reading.-Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.