The Texas 2x2 List has several gems on it this year, but none compare to the hilariously fun beginning chapter book SEE THE CAT by David LaRochelle. Two-year old babies will laugh as mommies share the pages while readers through 2nd grade will joyfully read and reread their first chapters.
As a librarian, I am always trying to fit that just-right book to my students. 2nd grade is the time to introduce chapters. I cannot wait to share this book when my library classes start next week! SEE THE CAT will enchant those students that are ready for beginning chapter books. The nonintimidating text and simply adorable illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka will make my job easy this year. In the Mo Willems style of having the reader and story characters interact, LaRochelle creates a situation and conversation little readers will belly laugh over. Speech bubbles are always a friendly kid favorite allowing students to easily understand who is talking. LaRochelle uses them for the dog while pairing them with blank white spreads of mostly single, simple sentences on the opposite page. This is one book parents will want to buy for their children's library. One reading of SEE THE CAT will never be enough! This librarian is literarily laced and ready to kick off the 2x2 program next week. I'll have them reading out of my hands.
