Usborne is On Track for Reading Fun

Reading is one of the most vital, fundamental skills needed by children today. The world is a dizzying blur of signs, notices, Web sites, and books, each one calling out for the focused attention of the competent reader. Strong, capable readers are not born, they are made; the early years in a child’s development are critical in creating a solid foundation of reading comprehension skills. One of the best ways to help young learners is by surrounding them with engrossing reading material. These students learn best when they are excited about reading and can be engaged in the reading process. Typically, this means hands-on experience.

Usborne Publishing has been in the business of popular, serious fun since 1973, and has lovingly nurtured its vast array of enjoyable, educational books. Usborne is known for its charming, hands-on “Fairies” book series that encourages play and learning as well as its beloved “Farmyard Tales” collection. Its newest addition, the “Books with Wind-up Toys” series, sweeps away the protestations of even the most stubborn young reader: these books have toys! Not only does each colorful tome come with a wind-up toy, but each toy can be used inside of the book as the story progresses, keeping little hands busy and eager minds occupied.

Fiona Watt and Ben Mantle’s Busy Bug Book is a charming delight that will appeal to boys and girls. Its perfect, child-sized ladybug dances around four different tracks that run throughout the story. Chock-full of cute bugs and colorful flowers, this book is guaranteed to provide quality reading and snuggling time for parents and their children.

The got-to-have-it book, Noisy Wind-Up Fire Engine, snagged one of the prestigious Right Start Best Toy Awards in 2009. No collection would be complete without the engrossing tales that give children a peek into the life of a fireman. The fire engine toy runs on three tracks and comes complete with something every child loves — a working siren.

Of course, the “Wind-up Toy” series is not landlocked by any means. Young readers can cavort aboard a pirate ship with Captain Blackjack and his intrepid crew in Wind-Up Pirate Ship by Louie Stowell and Christyan Fox. The humorous tale and vibrant illustrations create the perfect backdrop for any would-be pirate, and the toy ship that sails through the three tracks really brings the story to life.

“Prepare for take-off!” This will be on the lips of every young reader when they fly their toy plane through Usborne’s Wind-up Plane Book. Gillian Doherty and Stefano Tognetti guide young pilots through the airport and flight with bubbly illustrations and amazing facts.

Help your young customers’ interest in reading take off and soar to great heights with all the adventurous books from www.usborne.com.