Title: Biscuit (World of Biscuit Beginning Reader)
Author: Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Illustrator: Pat Schories
Genre: Early Reader
Theme(s): Dog, Bedtime
Opening line/sentence: “This is Biscuit”
Brief Book Summary: It's time for Biscuit to go to bed, but he isn't tired! As soon as he barks, his owner gets him want he wants. From playing, to a snack, to going outside, however, even after he gets that, he is still not tired. Finally, when his owner is about to go to bed, Biscuit curls up besides her and falls asleep too.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Marilyn Courtot (Children’s Literature)
“The start of early readers, Biscuit, the little yellow puppy, is like most kids, he does not want to stop playing and go to bed. His mistress does all the usual things – she gives him a snack, a drink of water, reads a story, finds his blanket and doll and even provides a hug and a kiss. It is to no avail. Biscuit will not stay in his bed. He wants another kiss and a hug and most of all he does not want to be left alone. He ends up sleeping on part of his mistress quilt at the foot of her bed. It is a cute story and young kids will relate to Biscuit, but it is unlikely that they will sleep on the floor at the foot of their parents bed. Since the text was originally published in an early reader, it makes a longer than usual board book. The added feature is the fuzzy image of Biscuit on the cover with a sign that says Pet Me!”
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Llene Cooper (Booklist)
“Part of the My First I Can Read Book series, this very simply book introduces a puppy named Biscuit, who is small and yellow and makes his needs known by barking “Woof! Woof!” At least his young owner thinks she can interpret his barks, but sometimes Biscuit has his own ideas. This does just what it’s supposed to – it offers an appealing story with a minimum of words that will encourage new readers. The very simple, good—size pictures depict the heart of the action. A sweet entry to reading.”
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Both reviewers write about the simplicity of the book Biscuit. This friendly, yellow dog doesn’t want to go to bed, so he keeps barking at his owner and distracting her so he can stay up. The writing style is very basic and great for early readers. This beginning book is a great start for early readers, because who doesn’t love a cute, puppy?
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
The humble pictures help depict the writing within the story. By having pictures of everything Biscuit is asking for, the reader can follow along with the story without fully reading all the words. This also makes it easier for the reader to comprehend. The writing style also includes a lot of repetition and basic words, guiding the reader to follow patterns and sound more fluid when reading.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
One activity to do with my students is have them practice saying commonly used words in the books. I could cover specific words that are repeated throughout this book, such as “time” or “wants”. Then I could have the class echo the word to see if they understand and can read them. Another activity the students could do is dramatize the story. For instance, they could act out what Biscuit is doing, and what he may do the next morning to practice their predictive skills.