Ezra Makes Magic

November 1, 2024
Grades K-3 Carefully implementing buildable phonics skills, the Stairway Decodables series (60 titles) gathers books into six "steps" with concepts of increasing complexity, from short vowels in Step One to diphthongs and vowel-r combinations in Step Six. Each preface includes word count, featured skills, "tricky words," and educator-guided activities emphasizing phonemic awareness and content comprehension, while back matter features reinforcement activities that encompass main-events recollection, story sequencing, and, in higher steps, writing prompts. Ezra Makes Magic (Step 4) is richer in story and uses more elaborate words, showcasing hard and soft consonant sounds. Consistent, engaging illustrations conveying joy and wit complement the progression of the series. The series, particularly the earlier Steps, is worth sampling in a school or public library, and some school libraries may find the full collection valuable for literacy instruction and reinforcement. A note: art has been repurposed from now-out-of-print Stone Arch Readers and Read It! Readers series, but the text has been completely rewritten to improve decodability.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

December 1, 2024

PreS-Gr 1-This is a delightful collection of relatable decodable text featuring a wide range of titles. The illustrations are colorful and captivating, while the content includes diverse characters engaging in activities that children can easily relate to, connecting with their own experiences. This level also ties in themes from previous levels, such as vehicles and animals, allowing readers to master new skills while reviewing and reinforcing what they've already learned. The front matter provides useful information for comprehension, vocabulary practice, and even a word count. VERDICT The stories are developmentally appropriate and effectively engage the target audience.

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.