ONE FISH TWO FISH RED FISH BLUE FISH.

By Dr. Seuss (Theodor S. Geisel'25). 63 pp. New York: Beginner Books,1960. $1.95.

This is the third of Dr. Seuss' "Beginner Books," but alas, my first. If you add to that the fact that I have never taught anyone to read (the Dartmouth College students presumably are able to do so upon matriculation), I am unable to make the proper comparisons.

Repetition, at any level, is a basic method of teaching. Dr. Seuss applies this with such skill that it is not obvious or boring. Most of the words have one syllable as is proper. After a slow and steady start which includes a counting exercise, the text begins to play with words. "Dish" or "Look" evolves into a double-page spread of verse which rhymes with the original word. The beginner finds that similar endings with a new commencing letter produce a different word and meaning. Moreover, each series of matching words is repeated in differing combinations, so that the immediate re-use helps in recognition. This seems like a practical, pleasant, and interesting way to enlarge the vocabulary.

The illustrations are characteristic, which means fanciful, enchanting, and perfect for the text, with a small girl and boy helping out the pictures and lending a touch of reality. My lack of knowledge in this field makes me raise the question as to whether the use of typically Dr. Seuss names for his typical animals is helpful to a beginning reader. Each creature does wear his name on his chest but will the child realize that "Zons," "Gox" and "Ish" are words which he will never meet again? The child will never expect to meet these wonderful, imaginative animals, but in the struggle to increase his vocabulary and master the printed word, is it a help or hindrance to meet ones which are manufactured for this book?

Nothing will prevent the child from completely enjoying the entire book which provides such a pleasant introduction to reading.