Testimonials for Phonetic Planet
“Susan has a great interest in Montessori and the diverse contexts and innovative ways it can be applied. She loves to learn about new initiatives and she supports EsF to highlight the work of Montessori initiatives from all over the world. Her enthusiasm and curiosity have inspired engaging conversations and interviews, which she manages to capture wonderfully in writing or in the form of a podcast. We are very grateful for Susan’s commitment and support for EsF, and it is an absolute pleasure to work with her.”
Warm regards,
Elske Voermans
Educatuers sans Frontières Coordinator, Association Montessori Internationale
"What a gift to Montessori….and to the global community! There is nothing like the quality of these books that enhance the child’s love of nature, tenderness and enthusiasm. The illustrations are exquisite and are complemented by simply worded information that young children can read. They preserve and strengthen the sense of awe and wonder that children naturally possess supporting Montessori’s view– that nature and education are synonymous."
Virginia McHugh, AMI/USA Executive Director Emeritus
Montessori Coaching Program National Director, Wildflower Foundation
"Thank you so much for these beautiful books. What a wonderful project! They are absolutely fabulous. It is so nice to see an alternative phonetic reader, and one so carefully crafted to be beautiful to the eye and to the touch. I love that the focus is on birds, and that they tell a real story. The children spend so much time feeding the birds, watching them and learning about their habits and calls. I love that they will be able to read about them as well. I can imagine the child wanting to return to these books time and again. They will make a lovely addition to the classroom, and I can’t wait to see more! Let me know when you publish the next installment!"
Dr. Cara R. Johnson | Head of School
Litchfield Montessori School
"Phonetic Planet’s (initial) set of early readers: ‘ROBIN’and ‘KESTREL’are lovely to behold, each beautifully embossed with the name and ‘signature footprint’ of the subject of the book. Designed for everyone who appreciates nature-based, realistic illustrations with a text that is clear, simple yet appropriate for children learning to decode as well as the emergent reader! The illustrations reveal the sense of intimate familiarity with the animals featured from the tilt of the European robin’s head to the keen look in the kestrel’s eye as it hunts for its meal.
These early readers inspire conversation and encourage curiosity; I wish I had them as a resource during my teachings days! They make a wonderful addition to the classroom, a home library as well as a lovely gift to treasure."
Anne-Marie Fenn, M.A., Educational Consultant
Former Head of School and Primary Directress