Phoebe Sounds It Out

PreS-K—Phoebe wants everything to make sense in her environment, including the favorite boots she wears to start the day. They are not galoshes or wellies, as Mama and Grandma like to call them, but rain boots, and, when the weather is fair, sun boots. When it comes time for the child to learn how to write her name in school, she doesn't think it makes sense that the word Phoebe starts with the letter P (which is better suited for words such as popcorn and pencils). Both classroom teachers tell the girl to "just sound it out," which results in what one teacher cheerfully calls a "great start" after Phoebe confidently writes the word Feeby> in decorative glitter glue. For teachers who take the inventive spelling approach, Zwillich's gentle, savvy picture book should leave its mark. Children who struggle with some of the more complex rules of the English language should especially appreciate the fun way Phoebe learns in class. The girl's favorite teacher, who is kind and smart, completely understands her student's love of boots and her unique way of spelling, which she considers nothing less than a valiant first effort. Holmes's simple pastel illustrations, featuring soft pinks, oranges, yellows, and blues, aptly suit Phoebe's logical, simplistic view about sounding out the letters in her name. Phoebe and Ms. Martha appear to be people of color, which further emphasizes the overall message that individual differences are welcomed and accepted.