I found ”What is that?” Said the Cat at a book exchange corner and took it in hopes that I could use it with my students with dyslexia.

Little did I expect to use it with my son first. Which explains the adrenaline rush that is propelling me to type these thoughts now. He came home from his preschool saying something about rhyming words, so I knew that he was ready for this book by Grace Maccarone.

I loved how Grace was able to convey her plot in simple sentences. Each sentence typically comprises six words, with the third and last words being rhyming words. What was also ingenious was the way she used animals in her story. My son is already familiar with many animals, having gone to the Singapore Zoological Gardens for more times than I would care for. In fact, he can spell words like cow and pig, even though I speak exclusively to him in Chinese.

For me to read **It is big,” said the pig.🐖 ** to my boy gives me immense pleasure because not only am I building on his prior knowledge, but I am also strengthening his knowledge of phonemes and training his ear 👂 for music. Killing many birds with one stone!

The story revolves around a mysterious box. It attracts many animals which are interested to know what is inside it. They all gravitate towards it. Finally, the box opens - and the mystery is solved. Can they handle it?

An easy and delightful read with your little ones!