Useful new reading aids

Press, 16 June 1979, Page 17

Useful new reading aids

Poor Man’s Gold. Adapted by Chris Else. 79 pp. For better, for Worse. Adapted by Barbara Mabbett. 92 pp. It’s a Mystery. Adapted by M. A. Noonan. 77 pp. Pack and Rifle. Adapted by A. and D. Bunn. 94 pp. All Possum Books, Reed 1979. $2.50 each, paperback. This new series of books, adapted from the works of other authors, is intended to aid poor readers. The publishers say they are aimed at those aged more than 15, but whose reading age is only nine to 10 years. So the market will include both teen-agers and adults. The material is well chosen for interest and brevity. In a few cases, the stories are rather too brief and occasionally the sound policy of using short sentences is carried too far. In these few cases, the result is a jerky narrative. The idea of adapting existing books rather than writing them specifically for poor readers is very sound, and is likely to result in books of greater interest. It is important that poor reading ability is not confused with overall levels of understanding and

intelligence — the books must not be childish — and those who prepared this series seem to have appreciated this. Of the four volumes, “Poor Man’s Gold” seems the least likely to engage and hold the interest of a broad range of readers. “It’s a mystery” (short New Zealand mystery tales) and “For better, for Worse,” the tale of a Maori marriage, and life on the marae, are excellent. “Pack and Rifle,” a deershooter’s story, will fascinate men and boys. This is a good selection of sound material, well adapted for the intended readers. All are illustrated, but “For better, for Worse” and “Pack and Rifle” excel in this department as they do in interest and general construction. The publishers and writers deserve congratulations for this series. More titles are promised, and they will be welcomed by teachers and readers alike. One word of caution: teachers and librarians should not be put off by the childish and crude comic-strip (“Captain Literate”) used as a promotional gimmick on the pamphlet which introduces the series. The series is much too good to deserve such a tasteless announcement. — BARBARA PETRE.