The newly published Kids Can Read series offers stories with a controlled vocabulary and three levels of difficulty in an engaging format for beginner readers.

Level 1, exemplified by Sam Finds a Monster, is designed for kids just beginning to read. Simple words and sentences, repetition, and visual cues make it reasonably easy for most novices to decode the story about a puppy who, left to her own devices, imagines that a garbage bag is a big green monster worthy of attack. When Sam’s owners finally arrive home, they are dismayed to see the kitchen floor covered in trash, although the puppy believes she is a hero.

The second level, adapted from episodes of the Franklin TV series, increases word count and sentence complexity, introducing contractions. Children are so familiar with the TV turtle and his dilemmas that the reading experience seems only slightly more demanding. Level 3, intended for kids who can read alone, features amusing riddles that utilize more sophisticated language, minimal repetition, and clever word play.

How do young readers respond? Six Grade 1 readers of varying proficiency approached the attractive, colourful books and were reluctant to stop reading when time was up. Although the Level 1 book proved too hard for one boy and the Level 3 was clearly not challenging enough for another, neither reader exhibited frustration or boredom. Perhaps fewer words and more repetition would have made the Level 1 book more accessible to very early readers.

The Kids Can Read series compares favourably with such similar American series as Step into Reading, Hello Reading, and All Aboard Reading. They represent a balance between traditional basal readers and whole-language instruction. While it is difficult to see the market for the $14.95 hardcover titles, parents and teachers will welcome the paperbacks at $5.95.