Parents of preschoolers are probably familiar with the PBS children's series Between the Lions
, which features a family of warm and fuzzy lion librarians and their cubs and friends. This book, by Between the Lions
curriculum director Rath, and Kennedy, a journalist, is strictly for parents (despite the hokey lion cartoon illustrations sprinkled throughout the text). Part I focuses on the curriculum, but the real meat of the text is found in the following chapters, in which the authors provide an age-by-age guide to reading development, along with activity guides and book lists. While pointing out that each child is unique and follows his own path to literacy, the authors nevertheless offer parents a guideline for anticipated literacy and reading milestones from preschool to grade three. They outline the development of reading skills (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension) and reveal what kids should be learning in school as well as what parents can do at home to add reinforcement. Storytelling, reading aloud and creating a print-rich environment are just a few of the many suggested methods the authors provide to encourage a love of reading and help kids find success. The book's format is especially appealing; readers can cut to the chase and find the chapter that covers their own child, or read ahead to find out what skills will be coming up in future years. This is a helpful resource for parents who want to enrich their child's reading experiences. (Jan.)
