FICTION

I Will Try

by Marilyn JANOVITZ
illus. by author. unpaged. (I Like to Read™ Series). CIP. Holiday House. Apr. 2012. RTE $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2399-6. LC 2011005020.
COPY ISBN
PreS-K—The monosyllabic writing in this picture book is painfully stilted and reminiscent of the old "Dick and Jane" series that bored generations of beginning readers. The pen-and-ink, digitally colored illustrations feature cutsey moppets with oversize heads and vacant eyes. A little girl goes to a gymnastics class, falls off the balance beam, is encouraged to try again, and is successful on the second attempt. There is nothing here to encourage a second reading, and the first will quickly be forgotten. Better books for emergent readers abound, including the classic "I Can Read" titles (HarperCollins), and the newly repackaged ones by Bill Martin and Eric Carle in the "My First Reader" series (Holt).—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
In gymnastics class, Ella tries to be as good as Jan, who can split, pose, jump, and spin. When Ella gives up after a fall, Jan encourages her to try again--this time she succeeds. Pictures of jovial cartoonlike characters; large, simple text; and an encouraging message make this a solid offering for young girls just learning to read.
Reviewed by Grace Oliff , Mar 01, 2012

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