Showtime!

PreS-Gr 3--Ty loves his class. He loves everything about it, from creating art to baking to dancing with his friends. Ty especially loves to make music. When it's playtime, Ty sees a drum set waiting to be played and starts to rap-a-tap-tap a groovy beat. Ty imagines he's on stage, and the spotlight shines on him as he entertains the crowd, playing drums and guitar and piano. But Ty can't play all the instruments at the same time, so he enlists his friends. Soon all of the students are dancing to the beat of the classroom band. This is the latest installment of the "Ty's Travels" series, sweet, simple stories about Ty and his adventures. Easy readers, especially "My First: I Can Read" books, are designed to look and read a lot like picture books, so as to be easy to read aloud or independently, and this no exception. Each page is filled with detailed, colorful illustrations and limited written text. With an African American boy at the center of the story and a diverse classroom, this title about play is quick, positive, and fun with very light conflict. VERDICT A welcome addition to the world of beginner reader books.--Jennifer Miskec