Ira Wordworthy by Stephen Cosgrove is a charming story about an old (badger) storekeeper who cannot read. When he’s gently confronted with this by young Rita (raccoon), his life changes. Rita teaches Ira to read.
At the beginning of the story, Ira shoos away children who read books on his store porch. At the end of the story, his store is a haven for young readers. Also, Wordworthy Seed, Feed, and Mercantile is more organized after Ira can read product labels. “Ira’s mind was even better as he read book after book after book.” Cosgrove’s use of alliteration and flowery phrases creates a gentle rhythm. For example, Wordworthy’s Seed Feed and Mercantile was a “place where frumpy farmers could stand around and whistle in the wind about the weather and other wonders.”
Wendy Edleson’s lovely, detailed watercolors draw us into a world of wildlife dressed in human clothing. Readers will spend much more than a moment gazing at the pictures.
Although it’s touching to watch a young raccoon instruct an earnest, old badger, this is an opportunity to acknowledge the work of reading specialists. Learning to read is a complex process that requires specialized training.
This book is read aloud online by Room 1041
My Picture Book Talk for this story is here.
