November 1, 2022
PreS-Gr 1-Through the lens of social-emotional learning, "I Care" shows children tending to what is important to them. This series covers topics that young readers will easily relate to, evolving outwards from taking care of oneself to friends and pets to the community and nature. Several features are included with early literacy skills in mind, including a repetitive text pattern throughout each book ("I pet my dog. I walk my dog."). However, these do range in complexity depending on the title. Colorful, joyful photos mirror what is happening in the text, and this correlation helps with comprehension. The end of each book includes a "Did you see it?" prompt with visuals. The books are designed to pair with a separate fiction series on the same topic. VERDICT With an emphasis on caring for those in one's life, this series successfully uses proven strategies to support beginning readers.
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