How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills

Hills, Tad. How Rocket Learned to Read. Schwartz & Wade Books, 2010. $17.99. PICTURE BOOK. Rocket is a dog who likes to take a nap under his favorite tree. One day a bird comes and announces that he is her first student. Rocket declines to be taught to read, but can’t help but be interested when the bird starts reading a story. The bird flies away before the story ends. Rocket is eager to hear the ending, so he arrives early the next morning at his favorite tree. Every day after that, the bird taught Rocket a new letter. During the winter, the bird flew south, but Rocket still practiced his letters by writing them in the snow. Early spring the bird was back and together they read stories together. The illustrations are a combination of oil paint and colored pencils, and are bright and appealing. The book will appeal to children learning how to read and those who love reading. Pre-K, EL – ADVISABLE. Samantha, Public Librarian.