Learning to Read Should be Fun

John and Frank decided to create this series of books so that youngsters who were just learning to read would have some Bungalo books to call their own.

While John worked on the illustrations and design, Frank spent several sessions working on the text with a group of grade-one students and their teachers at Kingston's Holsgrove Public School. After testing it further on some grade two remedial reading students, he took the first title, Downtown Lost and Found, to Toronto's "Reading for the Love of It" conference in February 1997 to show it to several more primary teachers. Everyone loved the combination of the repetitive text with cartoon illustrations!

The books combine basic vocabulary with clear, colourful pictures that turn a series of simple sentences into entertaining and very funny stories. As they master the text, children enthusiastically read the books again and again delighting in the zany plot and their own ability to read. By adding subtle touches of humor throughout the stories, Frank and John have ensured that parents and children alike will not grow bored from repeated readings.

The books are printed on heavy 100-lb. paper to help withstand the enthusiasm of young readers. Hardcovers feature a heavy-duty library binding as well.

The series was launched officially on May 5, 1997 at the International Reading Association's annual conference in Atlanta where primary teachers greeted them with enthusiasm -- and laughter. Working with Phoenix-based translator and teacher Nora Mendez, Bungalo Books has also produced Spanish versions of the series.