Kit and Kaboodle Puzzle reader collection

Gr 1--2--In this six-story volume, Kit the cat and Kaboodle the mouse experience distinct adventures together. Each story is contained within its own book, as these always amiable characters visit space, go camping, ride a roller-coaster, take the train, explore the city, and fly in an airplane. Each tale is Lexile leveled, ranging from 420 to 450.The publisher sets the collection at a Level 2, indicating that the readability may be appropriate for those who are reading more complex sentences, reading with increasing fluency, and summarizing simple plots independently. While each task-oriented and dialogue-driven story is structured similarly, the details of these texts are what may keep young, independent readers engaged. Reminiscent of Highlights Magazine's Hidden Pictures puzzles, each story includes more than 40 hidden images that are linked to the adventure theme. These are clearly labeled and sometimes mentioned in the text, lending themselves to expanding naming vocabulary with everyday objects like sunglasses and tractors as well as rarer objects like glow sticks and a potato clock. VERDICT This volume may encourage young readers to expand their knowledge of naming words while engaging in picture hunt visual acuity exercises.--Lindsay Persohn