Reviews and Awards

"In this timely new picture book from stellar children's author Toni Buzzeo, readers explore the inner workings of the research report.  Written in alphabet style, the clever text hums long with a lovely rhythm and cadence.  I'm a cat lover, so I couldn't help but fall in love with the idea of following the steps of producing and presenting a research report using cats as the model.  There's just so much to love about this book.  Students of all ages will find it informative and clever.  Teachers and librarians will appreciate the lessons, graphic organizers, and tips found in the supplement that accompanies the text.  Use this book to help kids research a topic of their own (even if it isn't about cats!), develop PowerPoint presentations, and present the information to the class using today's technology.  This book deserve a place in every teacher's classroom where thoughtful and original research writing is a goal." ~ Ruth Culham, national expert on the Traits of Writing

"The concept of research is charmingly introduced in this rhyming alphabet book. . . The attractive illustrations show engaged students selecting and reading material, working at the computer, and pausing to play with the frisky feline." ~ Maura Bresnahan, School Library Journal, September 2008

"I just discovered another book that must be included in any beginning teacher librarian's bookbag: Fire Up with Reading by Toni Buzzeo.  It's GREAT!   What a comfort to know that I am not the only weird dressing teacher librarian out there. This is a wonderful companion to Our Librarian Won't Tell Us Anything by the same author and illustrator.  It playfully "illustrates" the literature side of our complicated jobs that we have to make sure to NOT neglect amongst the lessons of research and technology, because it's not going to all work unless we get them READING!" ~ Mary Tichey-Staack, LMS, Ridgefield, Connecticut

"Author Toni Buzzeo has created lyrical, rollicking text that depicts a group of school children delving into the many avenues of research and inquiry.   Simple yet purposeful, R is for Research informs and entertains! In addition to the sing-song rhyme that guides readers through the students' quest, Nicole Wong's illustrations tell another tale.  Readers are invited to observe the delightful watercolor illustrations closely and uncover a parallel story, one suitably "purr"fect for the plot!

R is for Research is a must-have for any learning environment in which young minds are encouraged to taking learning to new levels.  It's the perfect device to use as a springboard for research and inquiry.  Well done, Ms. Buzzeo and Ms. Wong!" ~Jennifer Ward

"Toni Buzzeo has written another winner in her latest book, “R” is for Research.  In it, she discusses a research project from beginning to end using an alphabetical sequence and a cute little cat who adds humorous comments and flavor to this delightful story.  Not only does this book entertain, it also imparts information to the reader about the different components of a research project; for example, A is for assignment, E is for essential reference items,  G is for goals, O is for organize, and so forth.  At first glance, this book, with its simple text and illustrations, appears to be suitable mainly for children in grades 2 to 4, but the information in it could be used for older students to jumpstart a classroom discussion about the steps of doing research.  Technology is a very important part of research these days, and it is included in both the text and the pictures.  Buzzeo has even written an accompanying guide for teachers with reproducibles, such as bibliography format sheet, storyboard sheet, and rubric, on how to collaborate with their school librarians on a research project about—what else?—cats, of course!  ~ Debbie Winters, Richview Middle School, Clarksville, Tennessee (reprinted in full with permission)