Tools Rule!
PreS-Gr 2—A yard full of amiable tools comes together to build a toolshed. Meshon's illustrations are bright, bold, and emblazoned with smiling faces. Even the tiniest eraser on a pencil has a cute cartoon face. The large, clear font will make this clever title an appropriate choice for beginning readers and will challenge older readers to move beyond the basics (saw, hammer, nails) and learn about more advanced tools, such as an awl and a T square. To complement the anthropomorphic tools, the text includes onomatopoeia sound effects: "Saw saws Wood. 'Vrip! Vrip! Vrip!' Drill drills Screws. 'Zip! Zip! Zip!'" With this lively text and positive message about the benefits of teamwork, Tools Rule! will please readers with an interest in how things work and provide an opportunity to spur engaging audience participation while reading aloud. This book could provide an excellent jumping-off point to engage students in further informational reading about tools or building structures.—Nora Clancy, Teachers College Community School, New York City