Q1 Which pack or books did you and your child review? Was the pack of books for "learning to read" or "reading together"?
We got a "learning to read" Phonic Bug pack, Phonics Phase 2 Set 3 ('Sid's Nits', 'Tim's Din', 'Kit's Kip', 'Dig, Sid, Dig').
Q2 If a "learning to read" pack, how do the books compare with the reading practice books your child brings home from school? Which reading scheme does your child use at school?
My DD's school use a variety of different reading schemes, as well as easy non-scheme books. They use a lot of Oxford Reading Tree ones, but also Collins Cats (?), ladybird books, etc. I'd say by comparison the Phonics Bugs ones are visually a lot brighter, and in some ways therefore, more engaging. The subject matter is also a bit more joky, which also appeals. A broad range of characters appear, and this has pros and cons, if we're comparing these to other reading schemes. The ORT sticks to the same set of characters book after book. I think this is good, as the child becomes familiar with them, and keen to get to the next story involving the characters, but it also means they can become OVER familiar. So while the range of topic and characters in the Phonics Bug sets probably mean the children won't get bored, it also means that there's less continuity.
Q3 Would you say your child enjoy reading or looking at the books? Why/why not?
Yes, she did enjoy these books, to a point. She found the pictures colourful and engaging, and she enjoyed the joky conclusions. She found the text odd, but this is because the sentences are odd because they are constructed of the most simple words possible, for the earliest readers. My DD is currently reading at around level 6/7 of Oxford Reading Tree, similarly the Collins books, and the likes of Topsy and Tim and other 'young reader' books, so these were very much back to basics for her. So, she read them very quickly, enjoyed the process, but won't revisit them as there's not enough narrative, and nothing challenging word-wise.
Q4 What's your overall review of the book pack?
I generally really like these books. I like the bright and engaging illustrations and the themes of the stories, and I think the advice and suggestions for carers are useful, clear, non-patronising, and not too complicated - sometimes books like these come with over-complex directions, IMO!
I think it might be nice if characters reappeared on occasion. But we would definitely have enjoyed and benefited from these had we had them when DD was just starting to read.
Q5 And what is your child's review of the book pack?
She thought they were fun, but tired of them quickly because they were too easy for her. But I think if she'd had them a while back, she would have spent a lot of time reading them because of the attractive illustrations and the themes - mischievous monkeys, cheeky cats, etc.
Q6 Would you recommend these books to another parent? Why/why not?
Yes. I think the style of them would probably help engage a reluctant reader.
Q7 Do you think your child would recommend these books to their friends (if they are old enough!)? Why/why not?
Yes, she has. She has younger friends reading around this level and she offered one of them one of these books when she was at our house the other day!
Q8 What star rating would you give this pack of books overall? Please use a rating system out of 5 where 1 star is poor and 5 stars are excellent
4/5