Just Clowning Around (by Steven MacDonald)

This book is exactly what a fledgling reader needs. Its stories are short, simple, and playful. It uses familiar words and language patterns, and it boasts endearing illustrations in soft watercolors from award-winning illustrator David M. McPhail.

But this book is most appropriate for kids at the very beginning stages of reading skill development and would not be appropriate for those who have mastered the task of reading longer, varied sentences. The text is basic and repetitious, and reads less like a story and more like captions for the expressive illustrations. The strong link between text and McPhail's charming images will aid comprehension, but even the youngest readers may quickly grow out of this book.