by Carly Lejnieks

Created on: April 06, 2009

When it comes to engaging youngsters with the art of reading, nothing works better than rhythm and repetition. Simple words, and few of them, maintain a cadence that a young, developing mind can easily grasp and follow. When a true artist draws a picture, you end up with art. When a gifted musician sings a song, you're delighted by good music. When this author and Ph.D. in early education writes a book for children, you end up reading an ingenious guide to child entertainment and education.

Bill Martin, Jr., the author of "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" had his PhD in early education, and was an advocate of using rhythm to teach children how to read. This book masterfully blends the craft of an educational genius with the easily distinguishable illustrations of Eric Carle, making "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" one of the library's most exceptional children's books. After 23 years in print, the original edition was revived with brightened illustrations. The colors and images are captivating and vibrant; children of all ages are easily drawn into the story. The pictures go a long way in accomplishing this charismatic task (the illustrations are "jump-off-the-page vivid!).

The book begins with a large picture of a brown bear. The text reads, "Brown bear, brown bear what do you see?" "I see a red bird looking at me." The reader turns the page to find a picture of a large, scarlet red bird. Next to the picture, the words read, "Red bird, red bird what do you see?" The red bird responds by saying, "I see a yellow duck looking at me." And so the story goes. The bright yellow duck sees a blue horse. The page is turned and yes, there is a dazzling blue horse. The blue horse then sees a green frog (a stunning green tree frog that nearly jumps off the page). This list of colorful animals continues until the orange gold fish sees a teacher. When asked, "teacher, teacher what do you see?" The teacher answers, "I see children looking at me." The next page shows a group of children listening intently (talk about resonating with your audience!). The last page features a spread of every illustration in the book, smaller-sized and labeled.

Don't be surprised to hear the following words as you turn the final page of this book, "again, again!" Children will quickly be able to memorize the words and use each picture as a reading clue. Interestingly, this remains a primary learn-to-read strategy used in school today. So, your children may never see a real blue horse or purple cat, but they'll sure be able to read about them!

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