SLJ Review of Healthy Habits

This series about healthy habits invites readers in with short sentences and a friendly, conversational tone. Large type makes for comfortable reading, and the text provides students practice reading words with long- and short-vowel sounds. New vocabulary is boldfaced and defined in the glossary with pronunciation support when the words are introduced.

To stimulate lively interest, onomatopoeic words—e.g., “Crunch!” or “Pop!” to replicate the sounds of biting into an apple and popping soap bubbles, respectively—-frequently appear. Most importantly, the ways healthy habits can help the body are clearly explained. The text is printed on colorful backgrounds, and excellent, close-up photos of diverse youngsters serve as fine role models of healthy lifestyles. Back matter includes an index and picture ­glossary, a bibliography, and additional resources ­accessed through a QR code.

VERDICT. This cheerful series encourages healthy habits by ­demonstrating that they are important, ­doable, and fun. Recommended for schools and public collections.