About the Book
A Pet Reader is an outgrowth of group and individual oral composition work in a primary classroom. The stories, based upon suggestions from children and upon fact and observation, have been adapted to the child’s interests and mental capacity. The book will commend itself to teachers for several reasons.
1. As the vocabulary in large measure is already a part of the child’s oral expression, it will, with economy of time and effort, increase his reading equipment.
2. Because, with few exceptions, the sentences are comparatively short, this reader will have a tendency to increase fluency, and facilitate thought-getting.
3. The theme is one of universal interest to child life, therefore, A Pet Reader will entertain as well as instruct, primary children. A teacher sometimes has to inspire an interest in the subject. But the interest in pets does not have to be created—it is already present.
4. The reading material is fresh and attractive—a merit that will be appreciated, since so many books offer only repetition of folk and fairy tales. While commendable in themselves, these prove tiresome to the children because of sameness of content.
5. Little rhymes and bits of verse, supplementing the stories, increase the attractiveness of the reading matter. All rhymes are intended to be read by the teacher to and with the pupils.
It is hoped that the book may be a source of pleasure and profit to teachers and pupils everywhere.
Edith Wilhelmina Lawson