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7th out of 20 books
—
8 voters
How Rocket Learned to Read (Rocket and the Little Yellow Bird)
by
Tad Hills
Learn to read with this New York Times-bestselling picture book, starring an irresistible dog named Rocket and his teacher, a little yellow bird. Follow along as Rocket masters the alphabet, sounds out words, and finally . . . learns to read all on his own!
With a story that makes reading fun—and will even help listeners learn to read—this book is ideal for kindergarten cla...more
With a story that makes reading fun—and will even help listeners learn to read—this book is ideal for kindergarten cla...more
Hardcover, 40 pages
Published
July 27th 2010
by Schwartz & Wade
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Okay, I loved this!
Rocket is an adorable little dog who, one day, finds himself in the company of a very persuasive birdie. The little yellow bird decides it is going to be Rocket's teacher, and the first thing Rocket learns is how to read.
I love the way this story approached education and reading - instead of demanding that Rocket "needed to learn his ABCs" the little birdie instead introduces Rocket to the wonder of stories found in books, so that Rocket *wants* to learn to read so that he, to...more
Rocket is an adorable little dog who, one day, finds himself in the company of a very persuasive birdie. The little yellow bird decides it is going to be Rocket's teacher, and the first thing Rocket learns is how to read.
I love the way this story approached education and reading - instead of demanding that Rocket "needed to learn his ABCs" the little birdie instead introduces Rocket to the wonder of stories found in books, so that Rocket *wants* to learn to read so that he, to...more
Feb 23, 2011
Lisa Vegan
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
dog lovers, bird lovers, kids who love books and are eager to learn to read
Recommended to Lisa by:
Kathryn
I was smiling throughout this adorable book because the illustrations, particularly of Rocket the dog, are so expressive. Rocket’s facial expressions are a hoot; they are so cute.
If the story is read to kids who love books and/or are eager to learn to read, I think this is a fabulous book. (If the book is used to try to coerce or entice reluctant readers or reluctant listeners, I’m not as big of a fan of it.) But, I’ve always loved books and reading, and dogs, and I’d have always loved this book...more
If the story is read to kids who love books and/or are eager to learn to read, I think this is a fabulous book. (If the book is used to try to coerce or entice reluctant readers or reluctant listeners, I’m not as big of a fan of it.) But, I’ve always loved books and reading, and dogs, and I’d have always loved this book...more
5 likes · like · see review
This delightful story features a quirky yet recognizable pair (the initially reluctant student and the enthusiastic teacher) in the unlikely form of a dog and a little yellow bird. The text, a charming hymn to the "wondrous, mighty, gorgeous alphabet," begs re-reading as much as the charming, tranquil illustrations invite a second look. A creative introduction to reading through onomatopoeia and a fun read-aloud for both children and adults.
Audience- An appropriate audience for this book would be boys and girls of young age, possibly Kindergarten up to 2nd or 3rd grade. Possibly for children who struggle with reading or who do not enjoy reading.
Appeal- The book would be appealing to children not only because of the pictures, but for children who may not like to read, this book could be an example of how reading can be a fun activity when you are given the right story and the right tools to use when reading words that might be diffi...more
Appeal- The book would be appealing to children not only because of the pictures, but for children who may not like to read, this book could be an example of how reading can be a fun activity when you are given the right story and the right tools to use when reading words that might be diffi...more
Audience: The audience for this book would be boys or girls. It has a story line and characters that would appeal to either gender. I think this book would be best for kindergarten or first graders. Since it shows the story of the puppy, Rocket, learning to read and getting excited about books, children in those grades could relate well to him. It could also help those children who aren't reading on their own yet to feel more confident and interested in books.
Appeal: This book is very bright and...more
Appeal: This book is very bright and...more
Audience: The audience for this book is primary elementary school. I believe it would be best fit for students in grades kindergarten, 1st and 2nd. I believe that it is appropriate for kindergarten because the main character is a dog, it has a simple context, and the students can relate to learning letters like the dog in the story. It fits the 1st and 2nd grades because those students can also relate to learning how to read and write.
Appeal: I believe this story appeals to kindergarten, 1st, a...more
Appeal: I believe this story appeals to kindergarten, 1st, a...more
At first, Rocket the dog has no interest in learning to read when a little yellow bird starts reading to him. Doesn't the yellow bird know that she is disturbing Rocket's morning nap? But, Rocket starts to listen to the yellow bird's story, and he cannot help but want more! After listening to the bird's first story, Rocket starts to learn each of the 26 letters. The yellow bird helps Rocket learn each letter, as well as the sounds that go along with each letter. But, winter eventually comes, and...more
“How Rocket Learned to Read” is about how a dog learned to read. The dog, Rocket, loved to do normal dog things like run around and chew on sticks. One day he meets a little bird. The little bird is a teacher. The little bird begins to teach Rocket the alphabet and then how to read.
Younger children will really enjoy this book. First graders are starting to get used to reading and this would be a great encouraging book. It could help incorporate the idea that learning new things is hard, but if...more
Younger children will really enjoy this book. First graders are starting to get used to reading and this would be a great encouraging book. It could help incorporate the idea that learning new things is hard, but if...more
From the cover of this book to the very last page the illustrations are adorable, super kid-friendly and vivid in color use! I thought the meaning and message behind the plot was cute! Rocket is cute dog who has a little yellow bird as his teacher. I love the way this story approached education and reading - instead of demanding that Rocket "needed to learn his ABCs" the little birdie instead introduces Rocket to the wonder of stories found in books, so that Rocket *wants* to learn to read so th...more
This book is absolutely adorable and I highly recommend it to K and 1st grade teachers. It is all about a little dog named rocket who loved his life of chewing sticks and taking naps under the same tree everyday until one day when everything changes. One afternoon while trying to take a nap under his favorite tree, a small yellow bird approached him and said she was happy he had joined her class. Rocket explained to the bird that he didn’t come for any class and that he just wanted to take a nap...more
Summary
How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills is the adorable story of a puppy named Rocket and his journey as he learned to read. One fall day, Rocket was playing as usual and he went to his normal spot to take a nap. A little yellow bird saw him and exclaimed "Welcome to my classroom." because Rocket had stumbled upon a tree with a sign saying that class was starting. Rocket was confused and proceeded to go somewhere else to nap but when the little yellow bird started reading a book, Rocket w...more
How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills is the adorable story of a puppy named Rocket and his journey as he learned to read. One fall day, Rocket was playing as usual and he went to his normal spot to take a nap. A little yellow bird saw him and exclaimed "Welcome to my classroom." because Rocket had stumbled upon a tree with a sign saying that class was starting. Rocket was confused and proceeded to go somewhere else to nap but when the little yellow bird started reading a book, Rocket w...more
This is the story of a dog named Rocket, a little yellow bird, and how the two work together to help Rocket learn to read. Rocket accidentally finds out that he can't read when he lays under a sign that says "class starts today" to take a nap and is rudely awaken by the little yellow bird who we find out is Rocket's teacher.
This story is well developed in plot and character as much as it could be for a children's picture book. The plot was cute and could very easily keep the attention of young r...more
This story is well developed in plot and character as much as it could be for a children's picture book. The plot was cute and could very easily keep the attention of young r...more
Nov 13, 2011
Jessie Bear
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
ages-4-7,
animals,
friendship,
literacy,
picture-book,
seasons,
si-624,
birds,
dogs,
school-teacher,
spelling,
alphabet,
learning
Lured in by storytime, a dog learns to read and spell from his enthusiastic warm-seasoned friend, the bird. An ideal book to be read aloud, this story practices spelling a few simple words, as well as introducing onomatopoeia, sounds spelled out as words. Literacy, phonics, and friendship are tied together by an endearing dog named Rocket, who is a character any child could love. This story also describes independent learning outside of the classroom, as Rocket continues to practice his skills a...more
How Rocket Learned to Read is an adorable story of an enthusiastic little bird and her very first, albeit unsuspecting, pupil. Everyday, Rocket chased leaves and chewed sticks and when all the good play tired him out he would settle in for a nice, long nap. Then one day, the eager little bird sets up her classroom right in Rocket's napping spot and mistakenly thinks he is one of her students. Rocket moves away from the bird, but she has hung up her glorious alphabet banner and begun to read him...more
Simple message about the value of learning to read BUT also about the power of motivation/engagement in learning to read.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2 An endearing white dog with black spots loves chasing leaves and chewing sticks. He also loves napping under his favorite tree. Then his sleep is interrupted one spring day by a tiny yellow bird that designates him her first student. Rocket wants no part of her lessons, but the bird is determined to teach him to read. She returns ea...more
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2 An endearing white dog with black spots loves chasing leaves and chewing sticks. He also loves napping under his favorite tree. Then his sleep is interrupted one spring day by a tiny yellow bird that designates him her first student. Rocket wants no part of her lessons, but the bird is determined to teach him to read. She returns ea...more
There's an old saying that when the student is ready, the right teacher will arrive, and that's exactly the case in this book. Rocket, an exceptionally cute little black and white dog, has settled down for a nice relaxing fall nap when a yellow bird intent on being a teacher arrives. She sets forth a few class rules and begins to teach her student to read, using many practices commonly followed by emergent and early literacy teachers. First of all, the yellow bird reads aloud to Rocket and leave...more
This story was adorable. It is about a dog named Rocket who falls asleep under a sign (that he cannot read) that says “class starts today.” Soon a little yellow bird, which ends up being Rocket’s teacher wakes him up and shows him the sign.
This book is for younger children. In regards to age, the book is developed for younger readers. The characters were kept to a minimum. The two main characters were Rocket and Little Bird. The illustrations really contributed to the characters and the plot of...more
This book is for younger children. In regards to age, the book is developed for younger readers. The characters were kept to a minimum. The two main characters were Rocket and Little Bird. The illustrations really contributed to the characters and the plot of...more
(Mommy's review from 1/18/11)
Julia says this gets five stars and I concur. Rocket is totally cool! (I love the author pic with the real Rocket on the back flap! It's too cool for a kid (and a parent!) to be able to see the real subject of a fictional book.)
I have to mention the little teaching bird - he just cannot be forgotten because he's just as darn cute as Rocket. I wish I had Hills imagination. I want his imagination. I want to think of a story like this. I'll have to settle for using Hill...more
Julia says this gets five stars and I concur. Rocket is totally cool! (I love the author pic with the real Rocket on the back flap! It's too cool for a kid (and a parent!) to be able to see the real subject of a fictional book.)
I have to mention the little teaching bird - he just cannot be forgotten because he's just as darn cute as Rocket. I wish I had Hills imagination. I want his imagination. I want to think of a story like this. I'll have to settle for using Hill...more
Rocket is a dog who just loves to do dog things. He runs, wags his tail, chases leaves, and takes many naps. Then one day as Rocket is laying down for his nap, a little yellow bird appears and professes that Rocket is her student. The little yellow bird welcomes Rocket to her classroom but Rocket just wants to nap and so moves away from the bird to take his nap. But as the little bird reads a story, Rocket becomes interested in what will happen next and is sad when the bird leaves. The next day...more
Audience: This book is absolutely adorable. I loved it. It's perfect for PreK to 1st graders who are learning to read. The story is about Rocket the dog and how a bird teaches him to read. It's perfect for kids who are learning to read as well.
Appeal: This book could easily be incorporated into the classroom. One way is to help students learn to read. For words in the book that Rocket learns, kids in the classroom could also learn to spell and read that word. You could also have a board in the...more
Appeal: This book could easily be incorporated into the classroom. One way is to help students learn to read. For words in the book that Rocket learns, kids in the classroom could also learn to spell and read that word. You could also have a board in the...more
How Rocket Learned to Read is a picturebook designed to be read ti three to five year olds. The story begins with a dog Rocket who meets a yellow bird who desperately wants to be a teacher and has found Rocket to be her student. Rocket has to be pushed into the learning process but when winter comes and the yellow bird migrates south Rocket realizes that he misses the bird and begins to practice the alphabet all by himself. Spring brings the return of the yellow bird and Rocket is there to retu...more
Many primary grade teachers would love this book because it captures the fun of learning how to read and spell. One day a little dog named Rocket was caught by surprise when a little yellow bird landed on his nose. This was just not any little bird, this little bird was a teacher who just loved to read! Upon their first encounter with one another the bird is delighted that she has met her first student, but Rocket's feelings aren't as optimistic because he'd rather just nap all day. Gradually to...more
Follow along as Rocket masters the alphabet, sounds out words, and finally ... learns to read all on his own. Fresh, charming art by Tad Hills, the author & illustrator of Duck & Goose, will make this a favorite. (Goodreads summary)
How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills is an encouraging picturebook about learning to read and the love of reading.
(Apparently also marketed as an easy reader, some of the vocabulary is above easy reading level).
The text moves the story along nicely, but th...more
How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills is an encouraging picturebook about learning to read and the love of reading.
(Apparently also marketed as an easy reader, some of the vocabulary is above easy reading level).
The text moves the story along nicely, but th...more
Monarch Assignemnt:
The cover of the book naturally draws children’s attention to pick up the book to look at its vibrant illustrations. Children from grades K-2 will enjoy this book because this picture book has a good combination of colorful illustrations and an authentic storyline. "How Rocket Learned to Read" is about a friendship between a dog named, Rocket, and a little yellow bird. While playing outside, Rocket stumbles upon meeting the little yellow bird. The little yellow bird is determi...more
The cover of the book naturally draws children’s attention to pick up the book to look at its vibrant illustrations. Children from grades K-2 will enjoy this book because this picture book has a good combination of colorful illustrations and an authentic storyline. "How Rocket Learned to Read" is about a friendship between a dog named, Rocket, and a little yellow bird. While playing outside, Rocket stumbles upon meeting the little yellow bird. The little yellow bird is determi...more
Audience: The audience for this book would be primary grades. Kindergarten to second grade would enjoy this book because it is about learning how to read.
Appeal: This book is appealing to kindergartners up to second graders because they too much like Rocket are in the process of learning how to read. They are learning from a teacher and practicing independently to master such skills. Students can connect to listening to stories, learning the alphabet, learning to say and spell words, using words...more
Appeal: This book is appealing to kindergartners up to second graders because they too much like Rocket are in the process of learning how to read. They are learning from a teacher and practicing independently to master such skills. Students can connect to listening to stories, learning the alphabet, learning to say and spell words, using words...more
Meet Rocket and his teacher, a little yellow bird on their way to learning how to read and friendship. This New York Times-bestselling picture book How Rocket Learned to Read was published in 2010 by Tad Hills, starring an irresistible dog named Rocket and his teacher, a little yellow bird on their way to reading after mastering the alphabet, sounding out words and then putting all together to read aloud.
Rocket started off his day like any other chasing leaves and chewing on sticks even listenin...more
Rocket started off his day like any other chasing leaves and chewing on sticks even listenin...more
All Rocket the dog wanted to do was take a nap, but a little yellow bird set up a school nearby and started to read aloud. Rocket didn't plan to attend the school, but the little yellow bird was reading a story about a dog named Buster and it was too interesting to miss! Day after day the little yellow bird taught Rocket his alphabet and they read stories together. One day the weather turned cooler and the bird flew into the wintry sky, singing "see you again in the glorious spring!" All fall an...more
"How Rocket learned to Read" is an alphabet picture book. It is a very simple story of a dog, Rocket and a little yellow bird who happen upon each other. Rocket goes to his normal spot to sleep and is distracted by a little yellow bird, expecting him to be her first student. Rocket does not want to be a student, he wants to sleep; so rocket heads over to lay down and hears the little yellow bird reading a story, he is secretly listening. When she stops reading, Rocket rushes over to plead with h...more
In Tad Hills’ story, How Rocket Learned to Read, Hills creates a cute story of the joys of reading. Rocket, a sweet little black and white puppy, loved to play. He loved to chase leaves and chew sticks. He loved to listen to the birds sing. Then one day, a little yellow bird landed on Rocket’s head and proclaimed him to be her first student. Though he initially tries to resist learning, the little yellow bird is determined to teach Rocket the wonderful world of reading.
Author and illustrator Tad...more
This little book about reading is adorable! Rocket is a cute little dog who is taught to read by a sweet yellow bird. Rocket's journey to reading mirrors those of young readers. This would be the perfect book for those young readers to listen to and then learn to read themselves. I also think it would be great for a reading pals session where the kids come and read to dogs. What better book to read to a dog than a book about a dog who reads? This is a sweet little story and a great book about le...more
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“Whenever I picture myself [as a child],” says Tad Hills, “I am doing art. I spent a lot of time on my own making things, drawing, and painting.” Hills was not consciously trying to become an artist, rather his motives were innocent and pure. “I liked making things,” he says.
As a graduate of Skidmore College in New York with a degree in art, Hills describes himself as the ultimate freelancer. He’s...more
More about Tad Hills...
As a graduate of Skidmore College in New York with a degree in art, Hills describes himself as the ultimate freelancer. He’s...more
Feb 24, 2011 09:26am
Plus, how could you argue with that bird? ;->
Feb 24, 2011 09:38am