Written and Illustrated by Wilbert Awdry
Published in 1985 and in 2004 (new "Step into Reading" edition)
Why we chose this book:
This morning, before leaving for story-time, I told T that the library has two new Thomas books and he almost exploded with excitement. "I have an idea. Let's get our books first and then go to 'torytime! That's a great idea!" he exclaimed. (He really likes to come up with "great ideas" and tell you that they are "great ideas.") We stayed longer than usual and it was past our nap time when we came home, but he just had to read this right away!
Mom's Review
Thomas crashes through a house in this interactive book for early readers.
This is a Step Into Reading book at the Step 1 Level. I have read a few other Step Into Reading books to T, and this one is different - it is interactive. There are questions to answer, pictures to draw, and a matching game to play. This made the book more engaging than a straightforward story, and it prompted more conversation than usual between T and me.
As a parent and retired teacher I have mixed feelings about Step Into Reading books. On the one hand, they are very simple, with many sight words and much repetition. They have high appeal because they are based on popular characters (Thomas, Buzz Lightyear, etc.). On the other hand, the preponderance of sight words can prevent the creation of a meaningful story, and the focus on popular characters reaffirms the value and importance of those same characters rather than widening a child's worldview. Overall, I think they have value in building a budding reader's confidence.
Son's Review
(age 2 years and 11 months)
Mom: Did you like this one?
Son: Yeah, I really liked it.
Mom: What did you think was awesome about it?
Son: How he gets egg on his nose.
Mom: Did you like the games in it? ... Which was your favorite?
Son: Yeah ... I liked the matching game. Now let's read this one! [holds up second Thomas book]
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