My youngest daughter is a force of nature who, at age four, didn't show any signs of being interested in books other than those she could color. Her three older siblings had all begun reading at an early age, wanting to know more about the words they'd hear during story time. My little girl dug in her heels, however, and refused to sound out even single-syllable words. Then I bought the Bob Books and something happened. I don't know if it is the dot-to-dot drawings that intrigued her, the idea that it's like opening a present each time she opens a box to retrieve a book, or if it's simply that her mind was ready for the experience that day. Regardless, she's now well on her way to experiencing the wide world of books. She's proud of her new ability and we're proud of her, as well.

We purchased this series (there are 5 sets) for our homeschooling son when he turned three, on the recommendation of Susan Wise Bauer, author of the Well trained mind. Our son loved them from the time we began using them until now. It is the only beginning reader series that we have used religiously. Although we do have other titles from other reader series, we've been most pleased with these.

We approach each set sequentially, and supplement them with Phonics Pathways, another reading resource that I highly recommend and tried at Bauer's suggestion. Once he's gradually worked a particular set, we let him choose which book he'd like to read in it so that he can pick his "favorites", setting aside any that are no longer challenging or stimulating for him. Some days he needs the confidence boost of an easy read, and other days, he's anxious to tackle the next Bob Book Challenge.

We even have a sticker chart so that he can see at a glance how far he's come along in the series. Just a few thoughts. Don't let the black line drawings discourage you. This is not in any way a deterrent for the child. Our son hardly notices that they are not colored pages because he enjoys the characters and they are just what he needs without offering too much information as he sounds his way through each book. These are the books he turns to when he wants to show off his reading abilities to his grandparents. Some have suggested allowing the child to color in them, but if you plan to use them for more than one child, I would not recommend it. We have never even presented it as an option, and he's never questioned why the pictures aren't colored- he just accepts it as a matter of fact, and it's been fine. He prefers to draw and create his own artwork, but if your child insists on coloring the pages, don't let that be a hindrance- let them color the pages. I give this product 5 stars!

I could not believe it. These are just perfect to grab a 4 year old's attention. My son loves it so much that he wants to read these every night. I had bought a lot of other Reading Level 1 books before trying these.. these are just incredible - worth every penny!!

My son, who turned 4 last September came home in November from his Montessori school saying that he read some words today. I had searched around for some early readers and all of the books that I had originally found were not very phonetic at all. Then I found the Bob Books. We bought Level A, Set 2 and then Level B, Set 1. By the end of January, he had completely breezed through these sets and has moved onto other books. We find these are a great at home compliment to the "Mac and Tab" books often found at Montessori schools.

We are amazed at how well he's doing. I know kids who are 5 and 6 that cannot read as well as he can. And its not just books ... he's now reading street signs and signs that we see around the city!

These books are excellent and make great gifts for young readers!

Good Job Bobby Lynn!

Joanne

These books are easy for a child who is a starting reader. My son liked the stories and thought they were funny,