Based on the PBSKids television series, "Between the Lions," this book is a storehouse of information regarding helping children to read. It's written by Linda K. Rath, Ed.D (the show's curriculum director) and Louise Kennedy (reporter/editor --- "The Boston Globe") and features an introduction by Christopher Cerf ("Sesame Street" song-writer and personal friend of the late, great Douglas Adams.) Offhand, one might get from a simple glance at the cover that this is a book about the TV show, but it's not. While it does talk about the series, and often refers to the show and its website, this book really delivers exactly what it promises on the cover --- "everything you need to know to help your child learn to read."

This book is packed with incredibly useful information you may never have known, but will know after reading it. For example, did you know that schools are required by federal law to screen children in regards to reading ability and learning disabilities even before they reach school age? Did you know that "invented spellings" are actually considered normal for preschool / early grade-school children and that they can be a useful window into a child's though processes. How about that complex dictionaries are not recommended for preschool / early grade-school children, as they generally can't understand them and find them confusing. It's true, and it's these are just three of the many useful things you'll find it this book. It covers a wide range of topics, from phonemic awareness to Readers' Theater. Everything is helpfully indexed and laid out, with various side-boxes providing additional information. The style is informative and useful, but with humor that will appeal directly to parents

This book focuses on step-by-step instruction in reading, but also includes a helpful chapter on learning disabilities and difficulties. And it offers an excellent list of resources to consult if you feel you or your child need more help.

I'm not personally a parent, so I can't claim I have any first-hand experience with applying any of the material in this book when it comes to teaching children. But I do know enough about the subject and the program to know that this is truly a valuable book. It would have been nice if something like this had been around when I was a kid. I think I turned out all right, and I'm a voracious reader, but this book definitely could have been useful to my parents. I hope somebody this book is readily available in all libraries, schools and reading-advocacy sites. Go between the lions and help a kid find out just how much fun reading can be!

What a deeply intelligent and impressive achievement this book is. The title is accurate --- the book does indeed contain everything you'd want to know if you had concerns about your child's reading. (It's a pleasure to read quite apart from such concerns, too.) This is a serious, almost scholarly reference; also a broad and detailed survey of the field; and finally a guide overflowing with Rath's practical advice, from children's-book suggestions and testing ideas to parenting and dealing-with-teachers tips.

Everyone knows the tired lie which says that 'those who can, do, and those who can't, teach.' Throughout this book is the sensible and reassuring tone of a real-life expert who both is a Harvard PhD in education and was, for decades, a working elementary-school teacher.

_Between the Lions_ joins Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and Sesame Street on PBS.

The creators of BTL have created a companion book for parents. It has everything one needs to help a child discover, learn, and enjoy reading, beginning with preschool and ending with third grade.

An important section to read is "How to Use the Book." At first glance it seems almost too technical, but don't worry, the reasons will eventually become clear.

The authors' believe "children learn to read when they receive both instructions in reading skills and introduction to the value of understanding what they read." Their approach, in both the show and the book, is "practical, comprehensive, and fun."

In the series, the writers use wonderful, lively characters to keep the young ones' attention. In the book, the writers use various methods to keep the parents reading. The chapters are marked by grades and throughout the book are patterned pages with vital information and explanations about reading, writing, and sounding out words. The patterned pages make for quick access.

The book gives explanations of the five key areas of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. There are grade-by-grade guides for preschool through third grade, as well as information on reading and learning disabilities; also lists of resources, including books and web sites and a glossary. It's the most comprehensive companion book I have ever seen.

Parents, be sure to do your child's preschool or elementary teacher a favor and bring this book to their attention.

The creators of Between the Lions have written an interesting well laid out book however, I believe they over emphasize the *need* of children to watch their show. The writers believe that it is virtually impossible to show some pre- and emergent readers concepts without using the TV to illustrate their point such as the alphabet done in verbs. In fact there is a book called _Action_Alphabet_ that does just that. The authors believe their concept of switching around the letters in a word (the Fred segment) and adding letters can only be done on TV, in fact the book _The_Alphabet_Keeper_ shows it being done. We can also easily do this on our fridge at home using the magnetic letters. If you (and your kids like the TV series) this is probably an okay book. In addition, by kindergarten chapter the authors discuss how to teach help your child without interfering in the school's reading instruction. It becomes clear that emphasis is not on how to teach your child how to read, but how to support emerging literacy. This is a good goal, but not what I was hoping for. On the plus side, after reading the first section, the authors do encourage you to skip around and read only the sections that are important to your child, so you can go straight to the first grade chapter and skip the others if that is where you child currently is.

There are scads of studies linking the ability of children to read well with all kinds of other things: future academic achievement, success in the job market--you name it. This book artfully takes the mystery out of the process of helping your little one tackle the task of reading--in a very conversational and commonsense way. There are fun graphics throughout, and the book is not at all "academic". It also has terrific age specific reading lists--for your child to read alone, and for you to read aloud to your child. The late Captain Kangaroo and Fred Rogers would have approved--and so will your children!! Buy it today!