Freda plans a picnic

PreS-K-Short, simple sentences with minimal detail instruct readers in social, emotional, and cognitive skills as well as health and safety. In the first book, Emma has moved to a new house and wants to make friends. She finds that "smile," "ask," "help," and "share" bring about the desired result. Each concept is reinforced using inset pictures and highlighted words. Freda focuses on the cognitive skill of sequencing, with insets reinforcing the order of events from packing for the picnic to cleaning up. Ajay! deals with the emotional skills for building confidence. The child wants to throw a ball like his older sister, but he can't. Friends remind him of other things that were difficult at first but that resulted in success. In the last title, Percy loves to play monster and takes many dangerous chances, ignores the other children's pleas to play safe, and eventually gets hurt. The illustrations emphasize both good and bad playground habits. In each book, the colorful and playful cartoon illustrations capture young readers' attention. A page of questions encourages readers to think about the stories and a page emphasizing the steps involved in each skill. End pages include notes for parents. While these titles may support the curriculum and offer opportunities for discussion, they are unlikely to inspire children's interest.-Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This series attempts to teach preschoolers skills for "school readiness and daily life." The texts, featuring short sentences, are accessible, but the too-obvious messages about making friends, planning ahead, playing safely, and building confidence aren't likely to engage or inspire children. "Visual-learning"-centered pictures, including some inset panel illustrations, help tell the stories. [Review covers these Stuart J. Murphy's I See I Learn titles: Emma's Friendwich, Freda Plans a Picnic, Good Job, Ajay!, and Percy Plays It Safe.] (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.