Diego Saves the Tree Frogs (Go Diego Go! Series #1) (Ready-to-Read Series) » (Level 1)

Some tree frogs need help! Diego is on the way. Go Diego, go!

Children's Literature

Dick and Jane, banished from classrooms, cast their shadow over the early levels of the "Ready-to Read" series, in this case being impersonated by Diego and Alicia of Dora fame. Though offering more adventure than the daily lives of Dick and Jane, the text still recalls their style: "Hi Alicia! Alicia is my sister. Hurry, Alicia! Tell us about tree frogs." This Level 1 story includes rebuslike pictures placed under all words that the editors fear might be new to readers; it would be more helpful to phase them out as the tale progresses or to let the illustrations provide the clues. The story is simple: Two tree frogs find themselves on a floating branch; Diego and a baby jaguar pursue them, encouraging them to jump to shore; Diego and Alicia declare them saved. Illustrations are large cartoons in the style of Dora the Explorer. Hoping young viewers will be attracted by the familiar characters, the publishers announce on the back page that five new Dora and Diego adventures will be appearing soon on DVD, thus, ironically, underscoring that kids will probably prefer to watch rather than to read about them. Despite the exotic jungle setting, the tale is lacking in interest, excitement, or magic of any kind. Readers who make the effort (if not hampered by the intrusive rebuses) may derive some satisfaction from getting through the book alone. That's about the best that can be said for Diego Saves the Tree Frogs. Part of the "Go Diego Go!" series.