Alan Plays Ball

This series presents short narratives highlighting different vowels and their uses. Each book follows a child doing an everyday activity, such as going to the zoo or grocery store, told with an emphasis on a particular vowel (“Ivan and Ivy pick up a pizza. It is big!”) By using vowels in an authentic and engaging way, these stories highlight their different applications and sounds in context. Vibrant illustrations depict a diverse group of children, and the pictures align with the text on the page to support comprehension. Before, during, and after reading tips are provided, along with a short activity reviewing several of the long and short versions of the vowel used in the text. These additional features would be most effective when used with a caregiver or teacher, though readers can also use these texts independently. VERDICT With short tales illustrating how different vowels are used, this series effectively delivers an active approach to phonics.