Monday, October 27, 2014

Read: Joy Cowley's Well-Being series (Review and giveaway!)


I've shared previously about how we were teaching Junior J to read. Back then he was already 5, and had started reading by sight. So I just taught him phonics to equip him to further, and we systematically read through all the levels of Bob Books. Since then, we've finished going through the phonics book as well as all the Bob Books, and have been reading all sort of readers in the afternoon. 

As such, I've been hunting for good readers to introduce to Junior J. For me, a good reader not only allows a child to practice reading and learn new words, but also should be interesting, and if possible, hold some content that allows for further discussion. (For more guidelines on accessing reading materials/programmes, do read this very through article.) I find there are lots of readers out in the market, but some are just simplified stories with little content, marketed to sell as readers. 

Anyway, we did manage to find some pretty good readers. Recently, we were also introduced to the Joy Cowley Well-Being series by Esther of Little Good Books. This series consists of three different sets of readers, which touch on various topics pertaining to physical, emotional and social well-being. We were sent the Social Well-Being series to review.

The topics covered in the Joy Cowley Well Being series.

I liked how various relevant topics were covered, from dealing with grief, to healthy eating and friendship. Each book uses simple language, and the text is clear and easy to read for emerging readers. After Junior J read each book to me, we would spend some time chatting about the topic, like about his friends, and about how we can help out at home. These books can be a springboard for further discussion. 


Another thing I liked was how the stories were set in a local context (but not entirely, as you'd see brass bands, and mainly houses rather than HDB flats), which makes it feel a little more relevant. 


More difficult words are also highlighted at the back of each book, along with a very simple suggested activity. 


As the stories are kept simple to make them suitable for teaching reading, don't expect very deep content. After all, these are not living books, but just readers. However, they are pretty good for emerging readers, and great for initiating discussions with your kids!

~~~~~~~

Little Good Books is generously giving away a set of Joy Cowley's Emotional Well-Being series to one reader of this blog! To enter in the giveaway, just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below. Don't forget to include your name and email address in the comments section of this post!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: We received a set of the Social Well-Being series to review, and no monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

49 comments:

  1. Name: Delphine
    Email: intheweehours@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Captivating graphics and illustrations
    Jingxian
    j_xian@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am currently looking out for levelled phonic readers or simplified versions of classic stories or fairy tales.

    Cmeilim@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Noah is nowhere near being able to read on his own yet, but I think when I have to get readers for him, interesting stories would be key, as I want him to be self-motivated, and to want to read on his own.

    ReplyDelete
  5. My criteria for choosing a book for my 5yo is something that has simple text and good rhythms. One that can stimulate him both mentally and visually. Im hoping to get this set of book! I really think this is a good read for my boy❤️

    Airyne Rivera
    airyne@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Some of the things I look out for when choosing readers for my children is the simplicity of it all, and vibrant pictures.

    I believe that reading should be cultivated from a young age, but at the same time, it should not overwhelm the children. A simple and easy to read book will encourage the children to want to read more, rather than discourage. And vibrant pictures are what will entice the children to the books!

    Mabel
    amazinglystill@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I prefer books that have educational values to my child. Things that we can apply in our everyday life

    Lu Siu Ching
    precious_qing@yahoo.com.sg

    ReplyDelete
  8. I go for interesting storylines and beautiful illustrations.

    Cheryl
    cheryl_siew@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Meaningful stories with captivating graphics.
    Lee Ling
    khorleeling@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. east to understand and with good story line
    celyn11@hotmail.com
    celyn huang

    ReplyDelete
  11. The level of difficulty is manageable for the kid and there are illustrations to keep their attention.

    Xgg Chan
    chanxgg@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. It is easy to read so that the child will not lose interest in the book and will be good if it can relate to our everyday lifes for further discussion.
    JingRong
    lohjingrong@yahoo.com.sg

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like character building stories or interesting storyline.

    karen
    heart_ocean03@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. picture books with strong storylines and character development.

    Louis Lee
    leechlouis@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Looking for books with meaningful stories and captivating illustration :-)

    Kaye Wong
    kayetky@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Interesting story and pictures

    Name: Gina Tan
    Email: beloved.gina@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Interesting illustrations and easy to read text font and language.

    sakuraharuka at live dot com
    Ai @ Sakura Haruka

    ReplyDelete
  18. Interesting storyline at a suitable level for her so that she'll be confident to read on her own.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Simple & attractive. Interesting stories that allows interactive discussions

    ReplyDelete
  20. Simple & attractive. Interesting stories that allows interactive discussions

    ReplyDelete
  21. I shall read with my niece by Christmas; she will be Primary One in 2015!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I will look for easy to read wordings and interesting pictures.
    Jolin
    Babyhappie@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. The books teaches good moral values
    Teo Yee Long
    trantrulla@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I read to my daughter who is 4 years old before bedtime. Simple and easy to express stories are the best read for the kids as they understand more through expressions and moderation of voice when telling the stories. Name: Mohamed Haji Ismail Email: Habee_xena@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. My girl is turning 4 next year and I have been looking for a set of early readers.. I like books that have simple short stories and nice captivating pictures..

    Shumin
    Babylambofgod@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Attractive illustrations and books which are educational.

    Amie Chen
    amycpj@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Books with interesting story lines and colourful illustrations and teach character building
    Cynthia Lau
    edenie98@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I mostly go for her favourite characters in Bright colorful story books with big fonts...Short stories so she don't lose her interest...feeling of accomplishment is important for my little girl..

    Thanks for awesome giveaway
    Ashmika jain
    jainash1083@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Interesting stories that I think my son can relate to and simple/clear enough for him to attempt reading on his own.

    Debra
    olimomok@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I look for books that are not too long, not too wordy, and with cute illustrations or characters whom my boys can identify with.

    Robert
    robert_sim@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. My son's school uses this I think! So would be good to have it at home too.

    mailmummyed (a) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Interesting stories with good learning points for children.

    Waiwai
    mami(at)peipeihaohao(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Easy to read books with captivating storyline

    Ting
    Tinkene@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. The character so that we can talk about it further.

    Sharmaine
    Marveille@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Crystal tan
    Chiu.crystal@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. My criteria is proper grammar, interesting stories, relevant pictures, and rhyming text. Good values/educational content would be a plus.

    Monika Christine
    monikachristine@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Stories that move us and are fun. A good font is a plus!

    Ai-Lin
    nova67 at singnet dot com dot sg

    ReplyDelete
  38. Easy to read and relevant
    name: tina
    Agupii@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. For my 5 years old, I will go for simple but interesting storyline. Colorful graphics will be a bonus! :)

    glad04@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. meaningful storyline and attractive illustration
    Joeanne Shim
    joeanneshim@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I will first look at the storyline to see if it is engaging and suitable for the kids. Then, I will check the language used and the illustrations in it. :))))

    Felicia
    fur_li@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I will look out for beautiful illustrations and simple storyline.

    Ada Thong
    H208217@yahoo.com.sg

    ReplyDelete
  43. Captivating storyline and beautiful illustrations, content must be appropriate for kids

    Fion Teo
    lavenderteo@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. My criteria are appropriate language and contents, interesting plots, beautiful pictures. My kids love hardcover book as well

    Teo kai sin
    Kaisinteo@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Beautiful illustrations, easy to read books with captivating and meaningful storyline

    koh peng jek
    pengjekkoh@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Educational story with attractive illustrations

    Luah moi kee
    Mywishingstar_ft@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. The story book must be suitable for kids and helps in their character building!

    Teo hock koon
    Hockkoonteo@yahoo.com.sg

    ReplyDelete
  48. Big clear words with interesting story line

    ReplyDelete
  49. illustrations and good morale-of-the-story

    candice
    candice@missustay.com

    ReplyDelete

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