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Finding the perfect book to bridge the gap between being read to and reading independently can feel like searching for a hidden treasure. For our family, the journey into early literacy has been a mix of excitement and challenge. My daughter, “Miss P,” is right on that cusp—eager to learn, starting to recognize sight words, but still building the phonics skills and confidence she needs. That’s why I was so thrilled to discover the Disney Frozen 2 – I’m Ready to Read with Olaf and Friends book from Phoenix International Publications, Inc. (PI Kids).
For any parent with a Frozen fan at home (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t have one?), this book is an instant win. But beyond the beloved characters, it’s a powerful educational tool disguised as pure fun. Here’s our deep dive into why this interactive book has earned a permanent spot on our reading shelf.
First Impressions: Engaging from the Very First Page
Right out of the box, the book is designed to captivate a young child. The illustrations are as bright, colorful, and enchanting as you’d expect from a Disney product. The sturdy board book format is perfect for little hands, and the 10 sound buttons lining the side panel immediately signal that this isn’t just a book—it’s an interactive experience.
Miss P’s eyes lit up when she saw Elsa, Anna, and of course, the ever-charming Olaf. Before we even read a single word, she was exploring the buttons, pressing them to hear the crisp, clear voice narrate snippets of the story. This immediate engagement is critical for preschoolers, whose attention spans demand something more than static text on a page.
How It Works: The Magic of Play-a-Sound Technology

The core genius of the “I’m Ready to Read” series is its simplicity. Each page features a short, easy-to-read sentence or two. Next to the text is a small icon that matches one of the 10 buttons on the side panel. A child’s task is simple: find the matching icon on the panel and press the button.
When they do, a friendly narrator reads the exact text on the page aloud. This multi-sensory approach is a game-changer for early learners. They see the words, hear the words, and physically interact with the book to make it all happen. It’s an empowering experience that puts them in the driver’s seat of their own storytime.
An Educational Powerhouse in a Small Package
While your child is having a blast with Olaf and friends, they are absorbing foundational literacy skills without even realizing it. This book masterfully supports key areas of development:
- Word-Sound Connection: By hearing the words spoken as they see them on the page, children build a crucial bridge between printed text and spoken language. This reinforces sight word recognition and introduces new vocabulary in a memorable way.
- Developing Motor and Matching Skills: The act of searching for the correct icon and pressing the button is fantastic practice for matching, comparison, and fine motor skills. It’s a simple puzzle that provides a satisfying reward every time.
- Building Reading Confidence: For a child like Miss P who is struggling with reading, this book is a massive confidence booster. She can “read” the entire book by herself, page by page. This sense of accomplishment is priceless and motivates her to keep trying with other books.
- Simple, Repetitive Text: The narrative uses short phrases and repeats key words throughout. While this might seem basic to an adult, repetition is one of the most effective ways for young children to learn and commit new words to memory.
Managing Expectations: What This Book Is (and Isn’t)

It’s important for potential buyers to know that this book is a first reader, not a complex storybook. If you’re looking for a novelization of the Frozen 2 movie, this isn’t it. The story is simple, character-driven, and designed entirely to support the learning process.
The book is short, and the repetition is intentional. It’s not meant to be an epic adventure; it’s a tool designed to build the foundational skills a child needs to begin their reading adventure. And for that specific purpose, it is exceptionally well-designed.
The Minds Behind the Magic: Phoenix International Publications, Inc.
This book is a product of Phoenix International Publications, Inc. (PI Kids), a publisher committed to creating books that are not just entertaining but also deeply educational. For over three decades, they have focused on encouraging a lifelong love of reading.
Working with beloved licensing partners like Disney, Nickelodeon, Sesame Workshop, and Eric Carle, PI Kids excels at weaving favorite characters into interactive experiences that delight children and families. Their dedication to combining charming stories with digital advancements provides a unique, hands-on reading journey. You can explore more of their fantastic catalog on their website: https://pikidsmedia.com/.
Our Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Early Readers
The Disney Frozen 2 – I’m Ready to Read with Olaf and Friends is a resounding success in our home. It meets Miss P right where she is, providing a fun, frustration-free way to practice her budding literacy skills. It has transformed what can sometimes be a stressful practice session into a joyful activity she actively asks for.
If you have a child aged three to six who is a Frozen fan and is just starting their reading journey, I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s the perfect first step for building skills, confidence, and most importantly, a lasting love for reading.
