Everything Goes

PreS-K—Henry is tucked into the backseat, with Mom and Dad up front. If readers look closely, they can see that he is holding a wrapped package. Traffic suddenly stops; a fallen tree is blocking the road. This becomes a big adventure for the family as they get out of the car and watch a fire truck, an ambulance (no one is hurt), and, finally, a crane. The tree is moved, and Henry makes it to a birthday party. While Biggs's "Everything Goes" series is fun, this "based on" title with the text by a different author and illustrations "in the style of" almost shouts: "copy this idea and make some more books (and money) just by piggybacking on a successful idea." The book is part of a new level in the "I Can Read" series and is meant for emergent readers. Unfortunately, the writing is reminiscent of the texts in the "Dick and Jane" books; it is flat and lacks the real sense of excitement that should accompany a fallen tree and lots of traffic. The simple, bright pictures show the action and would appeal to preschoolers, but they are not strong enough to make this title worth purchasing.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City