Fun First Concepts

Directions, opposites, patterns, and word families are explored in the latest installations of the “Fun First Concepts” series. Each title presents several real-world examples of the concept, which allows readers to explore these ideas in a setting they already understand (“The sand is hot. The water is cold”). Along with a short, simple sentence, page layouts include a bright, high-interest photograph with a label. This thoughtful correlation between images and text helps beginning readers build their comprehension. Before and after reading activities are provided, which are easy for teachers and caregivers to use and ask readers to notice and reinforce the ideas they learned around them. A review activity and index are provided at the end of each title. VERDICT These slim volumes are well crafted for beginning readers and present important early learning concepts in authentic settings.

Colors, letters, shapes, and counting are introduced in this series, which uses bright colors and simple text to entice beginning readers. These slim volumes take a concept and present examples in a real-life setting, such as showing shapes as different street signs and a variety of insects to explore colors. Relevant, eye-catching photographs and repetitive sentences featuring common sight words (“I see a circle, I see a square”) make the text approachable and easy to understand. Each title features before and after reading activities, as well as an interactive review at the end. High-frequency and content words are also highlighted. VERDICT The inclusion of thoughtful teaching tools for parents and caregivers makes these books a quality choice for early readers.