Book Review of What’s New Inu? One Wild Critter
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The Children’s Book Review
What’s New Inu? One Wild Critter
Written and Illustrated by Nicci Belter
Ages 4+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Chickaree Publishing (2023) | ISBN-13: 9798988909026
What to Expect: Forest life, animals, nature, biodiversity, and genetic science.
Delightfully blending education and adventure, Nicci Belter’s What’s New Inu? One Wild Critter is a charming addition to the early reader genre, seamlessly combining fiction and non-fiction in a satisfying narrative.
In this second installment of the Ready to Read with Inu series, readers follow the outdoor adventures of Inu, a lovable dog, as she embarks on a quest to discover the mysterious animal residing in her cabin’s attic. Beginning with the intrigue of guessing what kind of animal could be making noise in the attic, the narrative skillfully weaves simple facts about the chickaree (“the king of squirrels”), providing an informative and engaging experience.
The story not only captivates young readers but also serves as an educational tool, focusing on first-grade high-frequency words and introducing new vocabulary. Belter’s thoughtful incorporation of words with suffixes (-ing, -er) ensures that children encounter and repeat these words throughout the story, promoting literacy development and fluency.
Another notable strength of the book is its thematic emphasis on introducing young readers to the concept of predators, expanding their understanding of the natural world. The inclusion of real photographs and fun facts about the chickaree at the end of the story enhances the educational aspect, allowing children to delve deeper into the world they have just explored through Inu’s adventure. This thoughtful addition makes the book an excellent resource for parents and educators looking to enrich the reading experience and spark curiosity and a love for learning in young minds.
Belter’s watercolor illustrations add a sweet and soft touch to the narrative, creating a visually appealing experience for young readers. The childlike quality of the illustrations, along with the happy faces of the animals, contributes to the overall warmth of the book. It is evident that Belter has a clear vision for the educational goals in this series—the repetition of words, the gradual introduction of new vocabulary, and the promise of upcoming titles like Inu’s Searching for Bigfoot and Inu Encountering Unique Animals showcase a commitment to providing a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience.
In conclusion, What’s New Inu? One Wild Critter is a commendable addition to the world of early reader books. Nicci Belter’s ability to seamlessly blend education with adventure, coupled with the endearing character of Inu, creates a valuable resource for parents and educators alike, making this story a standout choice for young readers aged four through eight.
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About the Author
Originally from Switzerland, Nicci Belter is an author and illustrator currently living in Northern California, where she enjoys hiking and observing wildlife.
Before writing children’s books, Nicci Belter spent many years working at an elementary school, helping kids discover the love of reading. Understanding the importance of getting young kids hooked on reading inspired her to write fun and educational early reader books.
The illustrations and stories in “What’s New Inu?” are inspired by her love for the mountains, forests, and all the special animals she meets while hiking and exploring the Trinity Alps Wilderness in Northern California.
For more information, visit https://chickareepublishing.com/.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of What’s New Inu? One Wild Critter. Learn more about getting a book review …
