Learn to Read with Tug the Pup and Friends!:

PreS-Gr 1—A new cast of animal characters including Tug the Pup, Nat the Cat, and Pen the Hen, are introduced in this trio of beginning reader miniature book sets. The animal friends experience a few mishaps, yet manage to always come to one another's rescue. Wood's use of simple text, high-frequency words, and narrative structure are the ideal blend of skills to engage emerging readers. Braun's charming illustrations provide a splash of color to the humorous tales. The sequential collection (each box includes 11 paperback books) is meant to be read in order and supports Guided Reading Levels A to G. A parent guide lists suggestions for building early literacy skills through shared reading, games, and art activities. Stickers are also included for added encouragement. Overall, the boxed sets would be refreshing additions to beginning reader sections, and fans of "Bob" books (Scholastic), developed by Bobby Lynn Maslen, will be overjoyed.—Claire Moore, Darien Library, CT