Bobby Lynn Maslen (1930–2018)

The stories are lame; the illustrations are simplistic. But my four-and-a-half year old daughter can read them, and loves to do so. Can't argue with the results.

I introduced this set of books to my 6 year old grandson first, for additional reading skills. He voluntarily picks up these books to read on his own! Great for introducing the love of reading! Then second, as a resource for building our word wall. Rhyming words, consonant blends, endings and more can be found here. There are 2 activity books included which are made to be written/colored in.

It's primary purpose is to teach reading, but the story is clever. Two bunnies manage to outwit a fox.

With numerous early reader tools available today the Bob Books series truly starts at the beginning. Arriving in a sturdy, compact, brightly colored blue box are twelve books, perfect for little hands just learning the art of holding a book and turning pages independently. Each book is comprised of 12 pages, containing three letter words. Because young readers are easily distracted by glossy, high color images, utilizing simple, black and white drawings help children remain focused on the show more words first and the pictures second. The gradual addition of new sounds improves and expands the vocabulary of very young readers. Thus instilling confidence and nurturing the natural desire to learn new things.

It's important to remember that every child is different - parents have to decide (independently) what is best for his or her child and at what stage you feel it is appropriate to introduce educational/learning tools. Keeping in mind that it's never too soon to start fostering an education based environment.

I recommend Bob Books to all parents, caregivers, and teachers... it would be wonderful to see these colorful little boxes on shelves from coast to coast. The best way to encourage a new generation of readers is to start early! I will share Bob Books with my grandkids...someday!

Happy Reading!
RJ

Extra Information:

Bob Books have been divided into 5 sets, each gradually adding new sights and sounds featuring a controlled vocabulary.
As a teacher, the author Bobby Lynn Maslen created simple, easy to read stories for her students. These would eventually be organized and released in the form of Bob Books. Each of the five boxed sets is unique. color coded and continue your child's progression into the world of independent reading. The beginning set that introduces young children to the basic idea of connecting letters and organizing them to make words and utilizing phonics to sound words out.

The Magic of Bob Books from Scholastic
5 sets
Set 1: Beginning Readers (blue box) = 12 books, 12 pages each, 3 letter words, consistent sounds

Set 2: Advancing Readers (orange box) = 12 books, 16 pages each, Primarily 3 letter words, consistent sounds & sight words.
Set 3: Word Families (yellow box) = 10 books, 16 pages each, 8 stories + 2 activity books. Short vowels
continue, adding blends & compound words

Set 4: Compound Words (gray box) = 4 books of 16 pages each + 4 books of 24 pages each. New blends,
more sight words, & longer compound words

Set 5: Long Vowels (red box) = 4 books of 16 pages each + 4 books of 24 pages each. New blends, more
sight words, & longer compound words. Strong emphasis on long vowels. show less