Animal Books for 2nd Graders
The Big Sneeze
Jack is stuck in the grumpiest mood ever, frowning at flowers, butterflies, and even the sun itself. But what happens when his friends Skel and Zom drag him deep into a bamboo forest? Could a munching panda mum, a cake-loving baby, and one enormous, slime-splattered sneeze finally crack Jack’s sour face? Get ready for giggles, gasps, and the grossest surprise in the whole forest! This decodable reader practises the igh phonogram in words like ‘bright,’ ‘flight,’ ‘fright,’ ’night,’ and ‘sight.’
He Spied a Big Barn
Rabbit thinks his cosy farm is the best place in the whole wide world - until one bumpy basket ride sends him tumbling into the wild unknown! With new smells, a big red barn, and a very growly dog blocking his path, will Rabbit be brave enough to find his way back home? Can an explorer rabbit outrun trouble? This decodable reader practises the ‘ie’ phonogram in words like ‘cried,’ ‘spied,’ ‘flies,’ and ‘shriek.’
The Dog Got Out!
When Mum heads to work, one clever little dog has big plans - and they definitely don’t involve staying in the yard! Can he leap the fence, find his pals, and sneak back home before anyone notices he’s gone? With wagging tails, wiggling bottoms, and a surprise sing-along next door, every day is an adventure waiting to happen. What mischief will he get up to today? This decodable reader practises le/al/el/il endings in words like ‘kennel,’ ’little,’ ‘purple,’ ‘wiggle,’ and ‘scrambled.’
The Fawn Chewed My Herbs!
Meg is the busiest vet in the whole forest, and today her most important jar of medicine is nearly empty! Can she hurry deep into the woods, find the rare herb, and make it home before anything else goes wrong? With a scratchy monkey, a hurt bird, and one very hungry fawn along the way, Meg’s simple trip turns into a wild adventure. This decodable reader practises the ’ew’ phonogram in words like ‘blew,’ ‘brew,’ ‘chew,’ and ‘phew.’
The King Did It!
Arrows are raining down from the sky, and Hop has had quite enough! Who would dare shoot at a little rabbit hiding in a tree? There’s only one person in the whole kingdom with arrows like that - and Hop is going to find him. Along the way, he’ll gather a brave crew of friends, but will they be ready to face the mysterious king hiding in the clearing? This decodable reader practises the ‘ow’ sound in words like ‘brown,’ ‘crown,’ ‘down,’ and ‘frown.’
The Lost Bee
Bella is the fastest bee in the hive - and she knows it. When the queen expects fresh nectar today, Bella spots a giant purple flower glowing at the edge of the dark woods and zooms off alone to grab it. But what if that shimmering bloom isn’t a flower at all? Can a tiny firefly help her before it’s too late? This decodable reader practises prefixes in words like ’exclaimed,’ ‘inhaled,’ ‘retreat,’ and ‘unsafe.’
Mer Joins In
Jack leaps into the sea with a shout of joy - until the fish start vanishing! Who is the huge shape lurking in the deep? When a gang of honking, hissing lotls zooms up from the dark, Jack, Zom and Skel bolt for shore. They need someone brave, someone who never flinches. Could Mer be the answer? This decodable reader practises the oi/oy sound in words such as ‘joy,’ ‘join,’ ‘choice,’ ‘foil,’ and ‘ploy.’
The Need for Seed
Zom is bored while Skel is out hunting, so he decides to try something brand new - becoming a farmer! He digs plots in his backyard, gathers seeds by moonlight, and dreams of giant pumpkins by daybreak. But what happens when wild chickens stomp in? And why do his animals keep turning a funny shade of green? Can teamwork save Zom’s biggest daydream yet? This decodable reader practises compound words such as ‘backyard,’ ‘daydream,’ ‘moonlight,’ ’nightfall,’ and ’teamwork.’
The Nest
Bird has waited three long weeks for her eggs to hatch, but when hunger pulls her off the nest, a curious dog comes sniffing around the leaves. Will she make it back in time? And what will her chicks do when they tumble out and meet the wrong mum first? This decodable reader practises le/al/el/il words such as ’little,’ ‘gobbles,’ ’tremble,’ and ‘huddle.’
The Odd Egg
When Zom and Skel race to the top of a giant hill, Skel wins in triumph - but what has Zom found down below? A strange, glowing egg sits quietly in the dirt, humming with blue and white light. Is it a bird’s? A fish’s? A dragon’s? Will anyone claim this odd egg before Zom turns it into his next snack? This decodable reader practises vowel team syllables in words like ‘diet,’ ‘giant,’ ‘quiet,’ ‘ruins,’ and ’triumph.’