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BLOG TOUR: BOB Books*

Thursday, October 04, 2007 by Bethany

This post was written (verbatim) by The Kiddo. Since today we are reviewing the BOB Books series (or at least the first 12 of the series)--BOB BOOKS: Set 1, For Beginning Readers.

Bob books are a step-by-step approach to reading. Taking a small book by book approach that guides your children through the beginnings of reading. Each book (or more accurately, level) addresses a certain stage in reading development. The best part, however, is that each book adds an additional 4 sounds (or so) of learning. A nice chunk to get them to focus--and then when they finish the book, get immediate success and a feeling of accomplishment.

And it works. Now, let me introduce The Kiddo, for his official review! He's four years old (five in November). Never had any formal reading techniques taught to him yet (other than the alphabet letters and sounds). Been in preschool for a couple of years--and is basically at the stage where he knows his alphabet and is interested in reading (at least to the amount that he asks ME to read him "what things say" throughout our day). So without further ado, here's what he has to say:

Hi Everyone.

Did Mom tell you that she got me books?

(Yes, honey, I told them that already)

Oh. Well, first I like that the books are small. And red. And did you know that Mat, the man in the book, that is like my Dad.

(Aren't you going to tell them anything else?)

Yes Mom. I'm thinking about how to say that I read the book with some help.

(I think you just told them.)

No I didn't. I was just thinking.

(Okay. But let's hurry it up okay? I want to tell them how well you are doing at reading.)

I know. I showed Grandma how I read the first 3 books this past weekend. Remember?

(Yep! You did! I listened the entire time.)

Grandma helped me too. And then I wanted to keep reading. But we had to go to the restaurant. But I took the books with me in the car.

(Kiddo? Are you done?... Where are you going?)

To find the books. I want to read the books to my Superman figure.

Well, um, there you have it. From the mouths of babes. Sorta.

The truth of the matter is this. I opened the package with the books in it. Immediately The Kiddo wanted to see what I had in my hands. We sat at the kitchen table and started reading. Straight through to book 3 (in the beginner series). We sounded out words. Talked about pictures. Studied letters. Sounded out more words. But in the end, when The Kiddo saw he had read an entire book by himself, he was proud. And wanted to read more books. And then another. And I then I had to eventually stop him because he became frustrated. Or--from a mother's point of view- overwhelmed. It isn't like he'd ever had this much information thrown at him in one punch before... so a good ole break until dinner did him well.

Then, when Dad got home? Yep, you guessed it. He read him the first 3 books ALL BY HIMSELF. To show off. And this continued for an entire week. Each day, adding on another book or two until he'd finished the entire box set.

The size of the books (roughly, what... 5 inches by 5 inches and maybe 8 pages long) are perfect for little hands. The illustrations? Fun, whimsical, and definitely something children can relate to. The Kiddo draws Mat and Sam for me all the time now. And then the educational value? Well, for a kid that hadn't known much about reading other then the letters names and the sounds they make? I'd say reading the first three books in the series right out of the gate is a pretty good indication. And we'll be buying the remaining 4 box sets (yep, with 12 books a piece) to keep up his interest. How can I pass up my chance at making reading fun for my kid?

Here's more BOB BOOKS resources so you can share this with you kids too: