Staying Safe Online

November 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 2-Learning basic library navigation and safety is a fun and welcoming experience for this menagerie of curious animal friends. Bright whimsical illustrations, reminiscent of those found in coloring books, provide a merry environment full of kid appeal. This series aims to combine reading and music as an early literacy tool for language development. The rhyming text that constitutes much of the content is a cute, catchy song meant to teach emergent library skills. Song lyrics and sheet music are included along with a scannable QR code to stream and download the music-a nice bridge between books and technology. Great home literacy tips are also offered. While some volumes more strongly address their focus than others, this is still an engaging series that little ones are sure to enjoy. VERDICT An appealing addition to introduce library navigation and online safety, while encouraging early literacy practices at home.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2017
Preschool-G The books in the Library Skills series take an unusual, whimsical approach to their topic. After a brief prose introduction to the skill, the rest of the book takes the form of a song, with illustrated animals acting out the action. Readers can listen to the song on an included CD or by scanning a QR code on the back of the book. The songs are mild but fairly catchy, with a repeated refrain emphasizing the key takeaway and verses elaborating on details. Staying Safe Onlinerecommends that kids be smart and considerate while using the Internet: Think with your head and with your heart. . . . Don't share too much. Only post what's kind. Guided reading activities in the back matter further reinforce the skill introduced in each book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)