How Rocket Learned to Read (edition 2010)

A book about how a dog is excited to learn to read and how he apply what he learned to learn more. ( )

A story about a lovable dog Rocket learning the process of reading from a delightful bird who his teacher. Rocket learns his ABCs, the sounds and how to sound out words .The soft colors and vulnerable character of Rocket will be endearing to young children especially kindergarteners learning to read themselves.

Tad Hills, creator of the popular Duck & Goose picture-books, delivers an adorable tale of a puppy who discovers the power of words in How Rocket Learned to Read. Exhausted, after a busy morning spent chasing leaves, all Rocket wanted to do was take a nap. Instead, he found himself being hailed as a prospective student by a little yellow bird, eager to teach him the alphabet, and convince him of the delights of reading. Undaunted by his lack of enthusiasm (and by his pointed removal from the immediate vicinity), the bird began to read aloud, gradually unfolding the suspenseful story of Buster the dog, and the mysterious something he found buried under the lilac bush. Cutting off the tale at a dramatic moment (what a canny bird!), she kept the surreptitiously attentive Rocket in suspense, ensuring that he would return for another session...

Engaging and accessible, this tale of an avian Scheherazade boasts both an appealing story - one that will be very encouraging for younger children who long to be able to read themselves, and inspirational for those who wonder what the big deal about reading is - and cute illustrations. Done in oil paint and colored pencil, the artwork here has a sweet, expressive quality that is very charming. Rocket's expressions are really quite droll, at times! Recommended to younger children who are just getting going, learning the alphabet, and to fans of Tad Hills' cute-as-a-button visual style. ( )

A charming story of a dog who much preferred digging and running and rolling around until a persistent little bird took it upon herself to get him hooked on books... amazing how hearing part of a story and then having it stop in the middle will pique even the most reluctant dog's interest! The bird's reminder, "Don't forget! Words are built one letter at a time!" is a great jumping off point for discussions with young emergent readers on how to practice the alphabet and reading. ( )

Wonderful story about the joy of learning to read. Excellent read alound choice. ( )