This sweet picture book starring an irresistible dog named Rocket and his teacher, a little yellow bird, is perfect for back-to-school! Follow along as Rocket masters the alphabet, sounds out words, and finally...learns to read all on his own. Simple and affectionate, this book by the New York Times bestselling author of Duck & Goose is sure to become a classic.

How Rocket Learned to Read is a fun and quirky story about a dog that learns the alphabet from a spunky little yellow bird. Rocket was simply trying to take a nap one afternoon when a little bird landed on his head and insisted "If I am your teacher, then you must be my student." Rocket couldn't argue with that logic, so he agreed to start learning his letters. The story continues in that vein of humor, while also spelling out simpler words and focusing on the alphabet, so readers learn right alongside Rocket. The illustrations are beautifully painted, showing great detail in the individual hairs on Rocket, or each blade of grass. Some pages are filled to the edges with a colorful scene, while others consists of one or many smaller pictures against a white background.

Encourage your little one to learn with Rocket by naming the letters in words that are specifically spelled out. This includes words like: fall, red, cold, sun, melt, wag, dig, wind, and mud. Rocket even learns how to spell his friends' names; perhaps your child would like to learn to spell his or her friends', siblings', or pet's names too. You can also spend some time discussing why Rocket wanted to learn to read in the first place and brainstorm reasons your little one should get excited about reading.

When I read this book to my friend Sam he listened so intently I couldn't tell at the end if he liked it or not. When I asked him what he thought of Rocket's story, Sam responded with, "I want to read too. Will Snoopy's friend teach me too?" He thought the little yellow bird that taught Rocket to read was Snoopy's friend, Woodstock! 

--Audra