Toad Takes Off (Step into Reading, Step 1, paper)
Kindergarten-Grade 1.  This exciting, fun-filled adventure is sure to entice emergent readers, who will enjoy the short rhyming quatrains. They will be encouraged to try the text independently, although some of the words, such as "ultralights" and "scenic," are not easy. When Toad observes that ducks can swim but he can't fly, "An idea pops into my brain! An airplane ride! I'll go right now! I'll take my friends Pig and Cow!" The humorous illustrations give ample clues to the context and also reflect the characters' personalities. Pig and Cow's faces show that they are not as confident of their safety as Toad is when the plane takes off. And then, to his friends' chagrin, Toad is invited to pilot the plane. "Look out, birds! Toad's flying now!" An enjoyable romp into reading.?Betty Teague, Blythe Academy of Languages, Greenville, SCCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.