Sammy the Seal: (I Can Read Book Series: Level 1) » (REVISED)

Syd Hoff was born and raised in New York City. He studied at the National Academy of Design and sold his first cartoon to The New Yorker when he was eighteen. He eventually became one of the most original and beloved authors and illustrators of children's books. Mr. Hoff wrote more than fifty books for children, including the I Can Read titles Danny and the Dinosaur, Oliver, and Sammy the Seal.

Sammy the Seal spends a day on the town and finds out what really goes on outside the zoo on an average day. But when Sammy the Seal makes his way down the streeet, an ordinary day becomes an extraordinary adventure as he searches high and low for just the right place to swim nad learns how to read and write in school. Children can listen to and read along with this favorite character, now available in audio for the first time.

About the Author:
Syd Hoff is the well-known author and illustrator of many I Can Read Books, including the Danny and the Dinosaur series. Mr. Hoff lives in Miami, FL.

Children's Literature

In this simple, classic story, a curious little seal wonders what it is like outside of the zoo where he lives. The zookeeper allows him to leave and explore the city. Sammy looks all around but soon gets hot and seeks out some water (in a very angry man's bathtub). Soon he finds a school and joins the class. While Sammy learns to read and write, he finds that playing some of the children's games can be tough with flippers instead of hands. Eventually, Sammy is ready to return home to the zoo to tell the others what he has learned. Young readers can read the picture book while following along with Charles Mintz's easy to understand audio book narration (provided with and without page turn signals) and enjoy the bright, cartoony illustrations. Some children may notice that the zoo is very different than a zoo they might visit today. Teachers and parents may wish to point out that this story was written more than fifty years ago when zoo animals were kept in large cages. A timeless story to share in the classroom or at home, especially with children facing a move or a change in their lives. Sammy is a fearless example for them to follow. The text is easy for beginning readers to follow, with basic vocabulary and short, simple sentences. Reviewer: Kristina Cassidy