This is volume nine in the new Reading Level 3 nine-book set of Reader’s Clubhouse elementary readers. They are designed for both classroom use and home schooling in grades 1 and 2. Level 3 books are primarily intended for reading instruction following students’ completion of Levels 1 and 2 readers in grades K and 1. Reader’s Clubhouse titles on all levels emphasize the phonics method of teaching. Each Level 3 book focuses on just a few vowel sounds. Six of the Level 3 readers fall into the fiction category, and feature attractive color illustrations supplementing a wide range of story themes. Each title also suggests an activity related to the book’s subject matter that is appropriate to the child’s grade level. Nonfiction titles are photo illustrated in color. In addition to their main text for reading instruction, they present “Fun Facts” sidebars that will enrich children’s reading experiences with interesting items of information. The nonfiction readers contain the basic elements of an adult’s nonfiction book, including glossary and index. They also list two books and one web site where teachers, parents, and kids can find more information about each book’s subject. All books present a letter addressed to parents and teachers which explains the fundamental phonics concepts that underlie the Reader’s Clubhouse series. Go to www.barronsclubhouse.com for puzzles, activities, reading tips, games classroom ideas, and information on joining. (Ages: Grades 1-2) From the Reviews:“These books offer a unique combination of early literacy tactics to aid children in strengthening reading and comprehension skills. Mixing Colors introduces basic art and color concepts. Each spread contains a bright photograph and a facing illustration that explains the concept. In How Can You Tell, each page contains a bright photograph with a person depicting a basic emotion; accompanying text asks readers suitable follow-up questions concerning the “what and why” behind the expressions. Both books include helpful back matter such as “Fun Facts about Colors and “Fun Facts about Body Language” and a list of high-frequency words to offer caregivers and teachers a variety of ways to extend lesson plans and reading opportunities.” —School Library Journal, November 2007