What You Need to Know:
• Love Is in the Air is a sweet and adventurous story of friendship.
• This story is a rare find: an engaging story in the "Learn to Read" genre of children's books.
• This is author/illustrator Jonathan Fenske's first book. His second book, Guppy Up! comes out in early February.
• You can buy this book in paperback or hardcover. |
Sweet Book Summary:
Love Is in the Air is a cheerful, heart-warming story; this is a subject not often found in "Learn to Read" books. This particular kind of children's book is deceptively hard to write, and write well. I don’t think that many authors even attempt it. So much of what is out there is just meh. But Jonathan Frenske has changed that.
The youngest and newest readers have many requirements for their reading material. It must be simple, it must have sight words included, there must be word repetition, some simple dialogue, etc. It is a tall task for authors to include all those AND make it an entertaining and worthwhile read. Most publishers resort to filling the racks of Learn to Read books with Dora, Clifford, etc., and lots of beleaguered parents will buy them in an effort to entice their young readers to read. But it seems Penguin (the publisher), has found stories worth reading at this level. Hooray!
Love Is in the Air is the story of a balloon and a kite. They find a friendship against all odds, including winds, broken kite strings and careless birds. The illustrations are bright and friendly. The story arc and character development have the reader rooting for their friendship from beginning to end. I would put Love Is in the Air in the hands of any new reader happily. |
Author: Jonathan Fenske Illustrator: Jonathan Fenske Published: 2013, 64 pages
Themes: Friendship, Feelings, Adventure |
Sweet Discussion Questions:
• What do you think happens to Balloon and Kite when the story ends? Can you continue the story for us?
• Can you come up with two of your own characters like Balloon and Kite, who also become unlikely friends?
• Do you think the bird meant to pop Balloon? Why or why not?
• How did you feel when Balloon was popped?
• Do you have a friendship like Balloon and Kite in your life? Tell us about it.
• Why do you think the book is called, Love is in the Air? |
| This recommendation was written by: Melissa Y. |
| Support Independent Book Shops: Click Here to Buy this Book on IndieBound |
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