Click Magazine: Opening Windows for Young Minds by the publishers of Cricket. ISSN 1094-4273, $24.95
Summary: Click presents science-based articles, stories, and activities for children ages 4 to 6. With informational text, as well as stories that feature returning characters from previous issues, Click appeals to children who enjoy factual accounts as well as story narratives. The text is accompanied by a mix of cartoon-like illustrations, comic strip formats, and photographs.
Each issue focuses on a theme such as snow, the sea, going to the doctor, or insects, with content specifically selected to expand on the given theme. The magazine is approximately 36 pages in length, and is published nine times each year. A complimentary digital subscription is also available with the purchase of a print subscription.
Critical Evaluation: A member of the Cricket family of publications, Click offers informational articles about nature and science at a level appropriate for preschool and kindergarten-aged children. The narrative is clearly worded with a friendly tone that does not talk down to the reader. With recurring characters, such as Click the Mouse and Beatrice Black Bear, and a similar design layout and overall order of content in each issue, children will grow comfortable with the publication, and look forward to their favorite features with each new issue.
Many of the articles offer multiple levels of information that can suit the literacy levels of the young readers. The size of the text indicates the complexity of the content, with the largest text including simpler concepts and the smaller text requiring more complex comprehension skills. This design also encourages co-reading where an early reader could tackle the sections written in the larger typeface, while a parent or teacher could participate by reading the more challenging segments.
There is a great deal of information included in each issue that could prepare children for a STEM focused curriculum, once they begin elementary school. Additionally, the featured activities and interesting concepts that inspire further learning can establish a pattern of inquisitive information seeking that will serve young people well throughout their academic lives.
Age or Interest Level: Ages 4 to 6
Awards: A 2013, 2012, and 2010 Parents' Choice Silver Honor Winner,
2011 Teachers' Choice Awards for the Family
Why Included? This is a wonderful magazine to offer to children who prefer informational texts to fictional narratives.