Bookbot Decodable Books: th
We believe every child deserves access to quality reading materials that nurture a lifelong love of learning. These th digraph decodable books teach both sounds of th: the quiet one in thin, thick and bath, and the buzzy, voiced one in the, this and then. Here children learn that two letters can work together to make one sound.
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They Are Not The Boss
Meet one very clever cat who knows exactly who owns the house - and it is NOT the kids! Does he need a bath? No thanks, a quick lick will do. Can a mouse sneak past him? Not a chance. And what about that rude boy next door who sticks out his tongue? Just wait and see what this fluffy boss has planned! This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’this,’ ’that,’ ’teeth,’ and ’think.'
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Not That Shade!
Ned the farmer has pigs, cows, and one very big problem - his new vest is dull, dull, DULL! Can a handful of red roses and a splash of gold really turn a plain vest into something fantastic? And what happens when Ned mixes the two together? Will he finally find a shade bold enough to wear into the dark? Join Ned and The Book for a colorful adventure. This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’think,’ ’this,’ ’these,’ and ‘both.’
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Don't Go Through That Door!
Pa tells the best bedtime stories in the world - but tonight’s tale is about a girl made of air. Can you really see someone who isn’t there? When rain falls, when snow lands, when a green crayon starts drawing all by itself in a classroom, something strange is happening. Is it a tall tale, or is it true? And why is that bedroom door creaking open? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’this,’ ’that,’ ’then,’ ’things,’ and ’through.'
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No Thanks, Mobs!
Ned has a cozy house, a farm of carrots, and a sword he’s finally ready to use. But when the sun dips low and shadows stretch across the field, the monsters come creeping. Can one brave little hero stand up to zombies, rattling skeletons, and a giant spider all in one night? And what shiny surprise might be waiting inside? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’thanks,’ ’thin,’ ’thump,’ and ’thwack.'
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The Thing in the Cave!
Deep in a dark cave, Steve spots something pink with a huge, goofy grin swimming up through the water. What is this strange little creature, and why won’t it leave his side? As Steve takes his new friend home, could there be another glowing pet waiting back in the cave? Will two be better than one? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words such as ’that,’ ’then,’ ’there,’ ’thick,’ and ’thanks.'
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I Think Curls Are Best!
Mara has one big rule: curly is ALWAYS better than straight! Her bouncy curls boing back every time, and even her cat’s tail agrees. But what happens when she meets a lion with a perfectly straight tail? Or tries to draw a straight line and ends up with a question mark? From spiral staircases to swirly buns, Mara is on a mission to prove curly wins - but will snack time change her mind? This decodable reader practices the th sound in words like ’think,’ ’those,’ ’three,’ and ‘smooth.’
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The Girl Finds the Sun
The sky above Panha’s town is gray and gloomy, and the sun has been hidden for as long as she can remember. But what if the sun is still up there, waiting? What if a brave girl with a pile of gears could actually build a plane and fly high enough to find it? Climb the hill with Panha and see how far a big idea can take her. This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words such as ’that,’ ’then,’ ’through,’ and ’thuds.'
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Drop Them Both!
A rock and a feather, one in each hand - which one do you think will hit the ground first? The Boy is sure he knows the answer, but then he starts to wonder just how much heavier that smooth stone really is. With scales, flasks, and a very patient elephant, can he and Dad figure out the mass of almost anything, from a raindrop to the whole planet? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words such as ‘both,’ ‘smooth,’ ’think,’ and ’thrusts.’
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I Chase Dad!
Dad pedals off to work, and tonight feels a MILLION hours away - so how will one determined girl catch up? Hop on a wobbly scooter, zoom past a shiny car, rumble in a big green bus, lurch across a field in a digger, and SPLASH through the waves on a speedboat. Each ride is faster than the last, but can she really chase Dad all the way across the ocean? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’that,’ ’the,’ ’there,’ and ’thinks.'
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Thump Thump Thump!
THUMP! Can you hear the dinosaurs coming? Meet a boastful T-rex and a whole crowd of amazing creatures - some big, some small, some thin, some with mighty long necks that stretch up to the clouds. Who hunts in packs? Who has tiny twins hiding in the plants? And which dinosaur might actually be related to a chicken? Stomp along and find out! This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’thump,’ ’those,’ ’through,’ ’thanks,’ and ’three.'
The Best Thing, Ned!
It’s Ned’s birthday, and The Book has a plan - but wait, where’s the present? Why does Ned need wheat, sugar, eggs, and milk? And what on earth is The Book up to, bossing Ned around the fields with no hands of its own? From chasing chickens to milking cows, Ned is sure something wonderful is coming… but what could it possibly be? This decodable reader practices the th sound in words like ‘birthday,’ ’thanks,’ ’thick,’ ’thing,’ and ’three.’
Don't Burn The Book!
Meet Ned, a busy crafter whose furnace flame is growing thin - and his chatty friend, The Book, always thinks it knows best! Can they grow a whole forest from three tiny saplings? Will bone dust really make trees shoot up with a thud? And when the furnace roars hungrily, why does The Book suddenly look very, very nervous? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’thin,’ ’thinks,’ ’three,’ and ’thud.'
Tip and Fig Think Big!
Tip the Dog and Fig Pig are both walking home along the path when the sky goes dark. What could be big enough to blot out the sun? When a real live dragon swoops down, Fig Pig waves his tiny sword and Tip tries to think of a plan - but can two small friends really outwit a giant beast, or will they need some unexpected help? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words such as ‘both,’ ‘path,’ ’that,’ and ’think.’
The Net
Meet Internet Mascot - a bouncy little globe with googly eyes who zips around the world on silvery web strands! Have you ever wondered how a silly cat video can travel across the planet in just one second? From dancing to music videos to cheering on a climber at the top of a snowy mountain, the internet connects us all. But how do we use it safely and kindly? This decodable reader focuses on the ’th’ sound in words like ‘both,’ ’these,’ ’through,’ and ’truth.’
Ned and the Thing with Teeth
Ned has built thick walls, but can they really stop every mob? When a huge iron thing on the path gives him an idea, Ned sets to work - stacking slabs with a thump, planting seeds in the earth, and carving sharp teeth into a pumpkin. But will his strange creation actually come to life? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’thick,’ ‘path,’ ’teeth,’ ’thump,’ and ’thanks.’
Give Me Your Gems!
Ned has trekked past the flower fields and found something amazing - a whole village full of people who only say “Hmm”! But what do these odd folk want, and what are those sparkly green gems they keep pressing into his hands? When a wandering trader strolls up with bags of mystery seeds, Ned must decide what’s really worth trading for. This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’thanks,’ ’think,’ ’three,’ and ’those.'
She Thinks Small
Zara has one big dream: to discover a brand new microbe that nobody has ever seen before. But where do you start hunting for something so tiny? When a stinky smell drifts out of the lab fridge, Zara’s super-powered nose gets to work. Could this gross, fuzzy fruit really be hiding a scientific treasure? Join Zara as she sniffs, tests, and investigates. This decodable reader practices the th phonogram in words like ’that,’ ’then,’ ’these,’ and ’thinks.'
That Cat Won't Sit Still!
When Dad lugs home two huge bags of groceries, Girl grabs her sketchpad quick - can she draw every tomato, lime, and cucumber before dinner? But when Cat slinks by and refuses to sit still, her pencil lines tangle into a spaghetti mess. How do you draw a wriggly cat that won’t stay put? Girl spots her scissors, and a wild idea pops into her head. This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ‘path,’ ’that,’ ’then,’ ’thin,’ and ‘with.’
Ned and the Three Thumps
Ned is picking flowers on a sunny day when - HISS! - a sneaky green Creeper pops up right behind him. KA-BOOM! Now Ned is grumpy, dented, and stuck in a smoking hole. Will his clanky iron armor help him win the next round? Or does he need a cleverer plan to outsmart these bouncy, booming pests? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’thanks,’ ’that,’ ’then,’ and ’three.'
Stop That Cat!
Have you ever tried to stop a sneaky black cat with big, bold Plans? The birds are singing, Grandad is planting seedlings in the soft spring earth, and Mom is twirling in her new dress - but somewhere inside the house, a certain furry troublemaker is plotting an escape. Can Girl catch that cat before the squirrel gets a terrible surprise? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’that,’ ’this,’ ’thin,’ ‘breath,’ and ’those.’
Ben and His Birds
Ben has one little bird, and its song is the sweetest sound he’s ever heard. But what if he had ten birds? Or a hundred? With his dad’s help, Ben fills the house with cages of every color - but why won’t any of the birds sing? Can Ben figure out what his feathered friends really need before it’s too late? This decodable reader focuses on the ’th’ sound in words like ’this,’ ’them,’ ’then,’ and ‘with.’
Will It Come?
Meet Cuckoo, a clever bird who can fly higher than hawks and balance on the thinnest twig - but there’s one thing she simply cannot do. Her call has vanished! Where could it have gone? Has she lost it in the meadow, the farm, or the forest? Will Cuckoo ever find her voice again? This decodable reader practices the th sound in words like ’this,’ ’them,’ ’there,’ and ’thump.'
A Thud on the Line!
Ned is sick of bread for breakfast, bread for lunch, and bread for dinner - so Book has a brilliant plan involving a stick, some twine, and a trip to the sandy shore. But what exactly is a fish, and will Ned’s first catch be the tasty dinner he’s dreaming of? Can patience pay off when there’s a THUD on the line? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’think,’ ’thanks,’ ’this,’ ’thud,’ and ‘with.’
Don't Wake the Herd!
Ned is DONE with fighting monsters - from now on, he’s a peaceful baker! But to bake cakes, he needs milk, and to get milk, he needs cows. Can Ned lead a herd home with just a handful of wheat? And what happens when dusk falls before his pen is finished and something groans in the shadows? Will Ned keep his cows safe through the night? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words such as ’this,’ ’thump,’ ’thud,’ and ’thanks.'
The Big Drop Race
High up in the sky, thousands of tiny raindrops are jostling at the edge of a grumpy cloud, ready for the wildest race ever. Who will splash down first? Who will reach the sea? And what happens when the hot sun starts to shine on the winners? Tumble down hills, rush through rivers, and discover a surprise twist that turns the whole race upside down! This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’thick,’ ’thin,’ ’thud,’ and ’through.'
They Use My Cloth!
What happens when one special towel keeps disappearing? First a girl grabs it to dry her hands, then a man scoops it up after a big splash, and then an old man sits on it to play music under the moon! Can the owner ever get their purple-and-gold towel back - and who will use it last of all? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ‘bath,’ ‘cloth,’ ’then,’ ’this,’ and ‘with.’
Will They Get It?
When Gran spots a cheeky little mouse zipping across the floor, the whole family panics! Ma grabs a broom, Pa hides behind the curtain, and even the cat refuses to help. But what happens when the baby sees the mouse too? Will anyone in this house be brave enough to catch the naughty creature - or might they all end up laughing instead? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ‘both,’ ’then,’ ’there,’ and ‘with.’
Gran Made That Up!
Jill races to Gran’s house, where books fill every shelf and a black cat blinks hello. Today Gran says Jill gets to choose the story - but will Gran read what’s actually on the page, or sneak in her own wild, made-up bits again? Can Jill catch her in the act this time, and what surprise might Jill add herself? Curl up and find out! This decodable reader practices the th phonogram in words like ’this,’ ‘both,’ ’thinks,’ ’three,’ and ’through.’
Emma can Roll!
Emma receives an exciting gift on her special day—a shiny new bike! She decorates it to make it extra special and learns important safety rules. Now Emma is ready to ride through her neighborhood and discover all the wonderful places waiting for her. Where will her bike adventures take her?
Kittens!
Meet a playful kitten and its adventures! From napping on its back to chasing flies, this curious kitten explores the world with a furry pup pal by its side. Watch as kittens tumble through the park, get silly scares, and snuggle with their mom. What exciting adventures will this kitten discover next? A purr-fect story about growing up!
Caterpillars!
Meet some amazing caterpillars! These fascinating little creatures come in many different shapes and sizes. Some have bumpy spines, some have stripes, and some are covered in soft, fuzzy hair. Each caterpillar is special and unique. What makes these caterpillars so different from each other? Discover the wonderful variety of caterpillars in the world around us!
Little Book of Big Facts: Orangutan
Did you know orangutans aren’t monkeys? These amazing creatures swing through the trees of Indonesia with their long, powerful arms! Discover what makes orangutans so special—from their favorite foods to their incredible climbing skills. Learn fascinating facts about these smart and adorable forest dwellers.
Little Book of Big Facts: Sun Bear
Did you know there’s a bear that doesn’t live on the sun? Meet the amazing sun bear! These small but mighty creatures have some surprising secrets. What do you think they eat? Where do they make their homes? Join us as we discover the incredible world of sun bears and learn what makes them so special!
Callum Can Speed!
Meet Callum, a young racer who loves cars more than anything! He’s won lots of races before, but now he has a big dream - to build his very best car ever. Callum gathers all the parts he needs and carefully puts his new creation together. When race day arrives, he starts all the way back in tenth place! Can Callum zoom past the other drivers and prove that his homemade car is truly the fastest?
Spencer Can Advance!
Spencer loves sports and staying active! When disaster strikes his community, Spencer springs into action to help. Will Spencer and his friends be able to make a difference when families need them most? Join Spencer on an inspiring journey of community service and teamwork.
Little Book of Big Facts: Sumatran Elephant
Meet the amazing Sumatran elephant! These gentle giants have ears so big they might look like wings. But can elephants really fly? And what do these huge creatures like to eat - could it be YOU? Journey to the island of Sumatra to discover how these incredible animals live together and learn some surprising facts about one of the world’s most fascinating creatures. What secrets will you uncover about these big, beautiful elephants?
Little Book of Big Facts: Javan Leopard
Have you ever seen a cat with spots? Meet the Javan leopard - a big, beautiful wild cat that roams the forests! But why does it have those amazing spots all over its fur? And what does this powerful hunter like to eat for dinner? Discover the secrets of one of the world’s most incredible big cats and find out why these spotted creatures need our help!
Inès Can Twirl!
Meet Inès, a talented dancer with fans who absolutely adore her! She performs in amazing costumes and dances on stage, from mysterious dances in the dark to magical performances. What special surprises await Inès as she takes the stage for her next incredible show? Follow along to discover the magic of dance!
No Fun With the Mouse!
Meet Hantu, a playful creature who loves to pop up and surprise everyone he meets! But his fun-loving antics don’t always go as planned. Will Hantu find a friend who actually enjoys his games, or will he keep searching for someone who thinks he’s fun instead of frightening?
That Pig Wants My Crop!
Ned loves building things on his farm, but he’s tired of growing only wheat. What happens when he wanders off and discovers a field of strange orange carrots poking out of the ground? And why is a round, pink, sneaky pig suddenly following him home at sunset? Can Ned keep his new carrot safe - and can he build a pen strong enough to protect a whole herd of hungry pigs? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’that,’ ’then,’ ’this,’ and ’three.'
Ned Thumps Them!
Ned has a cozy home, golden crops, and a magical Book by his side - but what happens when the sun goes down? Every night, grim things creep across the grass, hissing and snarling in the dark. Ned is tired of hiding under his quilt while thumps and thuds shake the walls. Could a lump of iron and a brave plan finally turn the tables? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’them,’ ’then,’ ’thinks,’ ’thuds,’ and ‘with.’
Dig Through the Stone!
Diamond sword? Check. Diamond armor? Check. But to beat the Ender Dragon, our hero needs something tougher - Netherite! And that only comes from one place: the scary, lava-filled Nether. Can a brave miner dodge grumpy pigmen, dig through endless stone, and haul home enough ancient debris to craft the ultimate armor? With CLANG, THUMP, and CRACK around every corner, this adventure is packed with action. This decodable reader practices the th sound in words like ’through,’ ’that,’ ’thump,’ and ‘with.’
There Are Ants!
A thin path of ants is winding right across Seth’s yard - hundreds of them, maybe thousands! Where are they all marching to, and what on earth are they hunting for? Seth and his dog follow the tiny army as it climbs his things, storms the kitchen, and sniffs out every crumb it can find. But can Seth stop them before they reach his favorite snack? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ‘path,’ ’thanks,’ ’through,’ and ’things.’
Stand Still, Herd!
Ned is the bravest knight around - but every monster fight leaves him covered in bumps and bruises! What he needs is armor, and armor means leather, and leather means… cows. Easy, right? But when Ned charges down the hill yelling at the top of his lungs, the cows have other ideas. Can one small knight outsmart a herd of very fast cows? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’thick,’ ’three,’ ’thud,’ and ’thumps.'
Thanks to the Rat
Diane is the proudest litterbug around - until one morning, a stinky, buzzing cloud of rubbish appears above her bed and refuses to leave! What happens when the trash cloud follows her to school in front of all her friends? Can a lonely girl and one brave little rat figure out how to make the mess disappear before it swallows the whole park? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’thank,’ ’that,’ ’think,’ and ‘with.’
No Pals on the Path
Tig loves her quiet pond - no noisy pals, no fuss, just sunshine and snacks… or so she thinks. But when she tries to grab a mouse, a fawn, and a whole herd of deer, every creature bolts before she can blink. Why does everyone run from Tig? And when the forest goes silent, will she still want to be all alone? This decodable reader practices the ’th’ sound in words like ’this,’ ’them,’ ‘path,’ and ’through.’
Ned Ate It All!
Ned has built the best beehive ever, and the honey inside is the yummiest thing he has ever tasted! But what happens when Ned eats honey for breakfast, honey for lunch, and honey on EVERYTHING in between? Why is his tummy grumbling like a grumpy bullfrog, and what strange dream waits for him when he finally falls asleep? Will Ned ever listen to The Book? This decodable reader focuses on the ’th’ sound in words like ’thanks,’ ’thumps,’ ’thud,’ and ’three.'
Pep Thinks Big
Pep the bird has ENORMOUS plans for the village parade, and he is absolutely, definitely a genius - just ask him! But when a giant paint spill turns his wall into a masterpiece, Pep gets a dangerous idea. Why stop at one cart when he could paint every house in the village? Will his neighbors cheer, or will they chase him up the hill? This decodable reader practices the th sound in words such as ’this,’ ’them,’ ’these,’ ’they,’ and ’thinks.'
Thumps in the Dark!
Ned’s tiny green seedlings are finally poking through the dirt, and his very first wheat field is almost ready. But what happens when a hissing creeper sneaks in after dark? Can Ned and The Book save the farm before the whole field goes BOOM? And if everything blows up, will Ned have the courage to start again and thwart those sneaky creepers for good? This decodable reader practices the th sound in words like ’thick,’ ’thumps,’ ’thwart,’ ’thrill,’ and ’thanks.'
That's My Bell!
Dibs the little dragon has the shiniest, jingliest bell in the world - until one clumsy tumble sends it bouncing straight into Dragon School! Can he sneak past the guard dragons, wait patiently in line, and rescue his treasure before a cheeky purple dragon snatches it away? And what happens when Dibs discovers he might have a tiny spark of fire inside him? This decodable reader focuses on the ’th’ sound in words like ’thud,’ ’thumps,’ ’thanks,’ and ‘breath.’
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some th words?
Th words come in two groups. The unvoiced sound, made with air only, is in thin, thick, think, path and bath; the voiced sound, which buzzes, is in the, this, that, then and with. Several of the most common words in English use voiced th, so children see them in almost every story they read.
What is the difference between voiced and unvoiced th?
Both sounds are made with the tongue resting lightly between the teeth. For voiced th words like this and them, the voice switches on and you can feel a buzz with a hand on your throat; for unvoiced th in thin and moth, only air flows. Trying the hand-on-throat test together makes the difference easy to feel.
What is a digraph?
A digraph is a pair of letters that spell a single sound, like th, sh and ch. It differs from a blend, where each letter keeps its own sound, as in st or gr. Seeing th as one unit stops children from sounding /t/ and /h/ separately, and these th digraph decodable books are a first step before later levels add wh, sh, ch, ng and ck.
Why do some children say f or d instead of th?
The th sounds are among the later speech sounds for young children to master, so many five- and six-year-olds say fink for think or dat for that. It is usually a speech habit rather than a reading problem, and it often fades with time and gentle modeling. Bus, van IJzendoorn and Pellegrini (1995) linked shared book reading with children’s language growth, so reading aloud together gives lots of chances to hear the sounds.