Decodable Books for Jolly Phonics Classrooms: Group 5, ng /ng/
Every child deserves stories that spark curiosity and build a foundation for lifelong learning. The stories on this page focus on the Jolly Phonics ng sound from Group 5, where two letters make one sound. Children read words like king, ring, song, long and hang, then longer ones such as swing, string, spring and strong. Some titles are free to read online.
Free
Not a Sock in It!
Meg loves her socks more than anything, keeping every pair sorted and snug. When her best socks vanish, she starts seeking clues, peeking under everything with her hand lens, feeling mad and sad by turns. What could have happened to her precious best socks? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘sorting’, ‘keeping’, ‘seeking’, ‘peeking’, ‘clings’.
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Sing, Kip, Sing!
Kip walks a hot, dusty trail, singing his long rain song to the empty sky, but nothing happens. Then a big, grinning newcomer stomps up, keen to join the song. Can two voices together bring the rain that one alone could not? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘sing’, ’long’, ‘bring’, ‘swing’, ‘song’.
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The Long Rain Song
A girl loves the rain more than anything, singing along as it drums on the roof and fills the bucket outside. But on the way home from school, a fine peacock blocks her path, tail fanned wide and not moving an inch. What is it waiting for? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘sings’, ‘song’, ‘cling’, ‘strong’, ‘waiting’.
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Dog Springs In!
Sam has something amazing to show the kids, and it comes out of an old trunk with a whole wall of trophies behind it. It’s a big white ball for a brand new game, and everyone wants a turn, but Dog is not so sure this is a people sport at all. What happens when Dog decides the ball is his to keep? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘springs’, ‘brings’, ‘clings’, ‘gang’, ‘zing’.
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Bang Bang, Dr. Can Do
Bang, bang! Dr. Can Do is nailing plank after plank, building the greatest windmill the world has ever seen. Jill brings him hot stew and tells him to finish in the morning, but strange sounds creep through the night. Come morning, the sails lie torn and broken, and Dr. Can Do cannot understand what could be strong enough to wreck his masterpiece. Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘bang’, ’nailing’, ‘strong’, ‘groaning’, ‘hang’.
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Big Fang
Kim and Ben spot something strange: a guava with a huge bite taken out of it, high up in the tree. They blame a bug, then a hen, but nothing adds up. When morning turns to evening with no answer, Kim has an idea, what if the culprit only comes out at night? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘hangs’, ‘wings’, ‘clings’, ‘peeking’, ‘waiting’.
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A Pang Hits Ned!
Ned finally has a real house, but there’s a problem: he’s so hungry he’s practically turning into an apple. When a talking Book offers to teach him how to grow his own food, Ned agrees, not knowing just how much work is coming. Can Ned survive the grunting, soaking, gaining, and waiting it takes to grow his own snack? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘strong’, ‘bang’, ‘grunting’, ‘morning’, ‘waiting’.
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Python Longs to Nab
Anansi owes Python a debt, and Python has decided the only fair payment is Anansi himself. But Python is proud of being the longest, strongest creature in the forest, and Anansi knows just how to use that. Can a clever trick turn Python’s own boasting into his undoing? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘ring’, ‘strong’, ‘boasting’, ‘clings’, ‘fangs’.
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Mango Picking Morning
A fat mango hangs low on the big tree, and a girl longs to reach it before the birds do. With a sack on her back and a friend racing ahead, she climbs, picks, and loads basket after basket while Gran waits below with one rule: don’t drop it. But when the harvest heads for the market and then out onto the floating boats, can the whole crew keep every single mango safe? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘hangs’, ‘bring’, ‘sings’, ‘waiting’, ‘floating’.
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The Rift is Waiting
Jill and her friends are ready to head into the Nether, but there’s one problem: the ground there is made of lava. When a strange mob with long legs strides right across it, Jill comes up with a bold plan of her own. Could a bridge be the answer? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘strong’, ’longs’, ‘morning’, ‘waiting’.
Stomping, Stinging, Stinking Pets!
Jen has been waiting all morning for one thing: her very own birthday pet. Every animal her parents bring seems wrong somehow, from a stomping giant to a skunk with a terrible pong. Could there possibly be a pet out there that’s just right for her? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘strong’, ‘sting’, ‘bangs’, ‘clings’, ‘waiting’.
Bang! The Nest Drops
Pip has built the perfect nest, high in a tree with a view of the whole world below. But when a bump shakes the branch and her nest tilts and tips, she has to flap away fast on strong wings. Will Pip ever find a spot safe enough for a nest that lasts? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘sings’, ‘wings’, ‘strong’, ‘bangs’.
A Strong Tang Clings
Zara has one dream: to discover a brand new microbe that nobody has ever found before. When a strange, stinky smell drifts from spoiled fruit in the lab fridge, her super-powered nose picks up something she has never smelled before. Could this rotten, forgotten fruit be hiding the discovery of a lifetime? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘strong’, ‘waiting’, ‘forming’, ‘seeking’ and ‘springs’.
Long Wail in the Pit!
Jill has to cross a giant lake of lava to reach the pit, and the only way over is a bridge that hasn’t been built yet. Dr. Can Do has an idea, but will it hold before the lava wins? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ’long’, ‘strong’, ‘bring’, ‘clang’, ‘waiting’.
Big Fish Stuck in Strings
Big Fish is trapped in a fisherman’s net, and tiny Little Fish darts free to find help. He begs a gentle sea turtle and a giant whale, but neither has teeth sharp enough to cut the ropes. Then, deep in the swaying weeds, Little Fish spots a strange, long-snouted stranger, teeth glinting. Could this odd new friend be strong enough to save Big Fish? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘strong’, ‘bring’, ‘clings’, ‘seeking’, ‘along’.
Crab and the Long Thing
Crab keeps promising Turtle he won’t pinch anything, but a strange red creeping plant on the reef looks far too tempting to leave alone. What happens when Crab reaches out for one tiny pinch? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘cling’, ‘clings’, ‘strong’, ‘hang’, ‘creeping’.
Nomsa and Wet Prints
Nomsa’s family keeps waking to chaos, a tipped pot, wet footprints, and her little brother crying for no reason. Gogo says a small, cheeky water-sprite is to blame, one that hates being seen. Can Nomsa outsmart it before it strikes again? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘bang’, ‘morning’, ‘springs’, ‘hangs’, ‘peeking’.
Bee Is Lost!
Bee is completely lost, and a well-meaning elephant offers to help him find his way home. Her first idea turns out to be someone else’s nest entirely, and things only get louder from there. Will Elephant’s next guess finally lead them somewhere safe? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘wings’, ‘clings’, ‘gang’, ‘sing’, ‘ring’.
Stop It, Rock!
A girl and her friend have a wild plan to destroy a cursed emerald that turns anyone it touches to stone. She swings her axe to build a mine cart track, and her friend brews potions that should keep him safe when he grips the deadly rock. But when the drink has no zing and the cart starts rolling toward the lava, will their plan actually work? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘strong’, ‘clings’, ‘flings’, ‘wailing’, ‘song’.
Ned Longs to Hit the Mob
Ned thinks fighting monsters is easy from the safety of his tower, but arrow after arrow misses its mark. The Book has another idea: real skill, not shortcuts. Can Ned learn to hit his target before the next zombie horde arrives? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ’training’, ‘gaining’, ‘failing’, ‘strong’, ‘king’.
The Long Mud Hut
A player starts with a small hut, but it’s just a temporary shelter for the first few nights. Roaming out to find the perfect spot for a real home, gathering supplies, and clearing out creeping monsters are all part of the plan, but building a grand, strong house takes courage, careful sorting, and a gang of new furry friends. Will the plan come together before spring? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ’long’, ‘strong’, ‘morning’, ‘creeping’, ‘gang’.
Jill Springs In!
Jill and Dr. Can Do trek up the hill early one morning to meet Sam, a stranger with a tired horse who claims something amazing hides beneath their quiet town. Dr. Can Do is certain he knows every corner of Canville already, so when the gang follows Sam through a hidden opening and down long stone steps, what could possibly be waiting for them in the dark? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘gang’, ’long’, ‘bring’, ‘morning’, ‘rings’.
The Izim Robs Stock
Thandi is just a kid, but when a giant izim starts storming down the hill and robs the stock, no one else dares to stop it. Her dad comes home groaning, so Thandi starts seeking a plan of her own near the rocky den. Will a girl, a slim gap, and a glinting bottle be enough to stop something with long fangs? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘strong’, ‘bang’, ‘clings’, ‘wailing’, ‘moaning’.
Mosquito Sings a Boasting Song
A mosquito loves to boast, and one morning her wild story about a giant yam makes the iguana plug his ears with sticks. But when the python comes by with a friendly greeting and gets no reply, he panics, and one small misunderstanding starts tumbling through the whole forest. Could a single boast really stop the sun from rising? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘boasting’, ‘morning’, ‘song’, ‘clings’, ‘wings’.
Rain and a Dim Moon
Rain drips night after night, and the camp grows dim without the Moon’s silver light. A girl named Yei misses the songs and dancing more than anyone, so she braids a shining gift to carry up into the sky. Will the Moon notice a small light climbing toward her through the clouds? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘sing’, ’long’, ‘strong’, ‘clings’, ‘braiding’.
Nzou and the Spring
Nzou the elephant is bigger, louder, and stronger than every other animal on the plain, and he has claimed the last green meadow all for himself. When the rains fail and the grass turns dry, a clever hare named Kalulu comes hopping up with a bold challenge: a contest to see who really has the best memory. Can a small hare outsmart the biggest, most boasting animal along the river? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘strong’, ‘boasting’, ‘morning’, ‘groaning’, ‘spring’.
Hare and Grim Fangs
Hare longs for the sweet berries on the far bank, but Old Crocodile is strong, grim, and blocks the river, snapping up anything Hare tries to offer. Peeking from the grass as the hot sun wilts the berries, Hare knows he must act and can’t keep waiting. Can he find a trick clever enough to get the whole crocodile gang to form a long line across the water? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘gang’, ’long’, ‘strong’, ‘peeking’, ‘waiting’.
Tipilit Is Lost
Tipilit the milk-calf vanishes from the pen before sunrise, and Naserian knows it’s her fault for leaving the gate loose. She sets off alone, seeking small hoofprints across the sand and up a steep, rocky slope, keeping her eyes low even as the light starts to fade. Will she find Tipilit before something bigger does? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘strong’, ‘seeking’, ‘bring’, ‘morning’, ‘song’.
Bouki and the Grain
Bouki the Hyena drags heavy logs across the village well and declares himself its owner, demanding grain and fish before anyone can drink. A clever girl named Aissatou notices a long crack in the old stone rim and hatches a plan with her friends. Can a hollow moan and a well that seems to speak scare a greedy hyena into giving everything back? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ’long’, ‘strong’, ‘sings’, ‘waiting’, ‘rings’.
Run, Ned, Run!
Ned finally has a home, a friend in the talking Book, and full days working the wheat fields. But when the sun sinks, monsters creep across the land, and Ned must slam the door before dark. Every night he lies awake, groaning mobs outside his window, longing for morning and a way to fight back. Could an iron sword change everything? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘groaning’, ‘strong’, ‘creeping’, ’longs’, ‘bang’.
Jill Runs Back
Jill longs to bring home a wild wolf pup she meets by the pond, but the cheeky creature keeps snatching her snacks and darting off before she can get close. Will patience win the wolf’s trust, or will Jill run out of tricks first? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ’long’, ‘bring’, ‘gang’, ‘morning’, ‘springs’.
Alex Longs to Dig
Alex has packed diamonds, gold, and more spare tools than any miner could need, but no armor and no sword. When a deep, dark pit swallows her whole haul, she’s left facing danger with nothing but a pickaxe. Will she dig deep enough to set things right? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ’long’, ‘strong’, ‘clang’, ‘bring’, ‘song’.
The Fog Clings to Sam
Sam and his sister used to be the greatest monster slayers in the world, taking down every beast that came their way. But one day a strange new monster creeps inside Sam’s head, and this one has no claws, no teeth, nothing a broom can hit. Can his sister find a way to reach him before the fog wins? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘clings’, ‘gang’, ‘morning’, ‘feeling’, ‘strong’.
Mkhulu and the Big Cat
Mkhulu the jackal is small, but a hungry lion named Shaka blocks his path to the waterhole and wants him for dinner. Mkhulu is not fast and not strong, so he must think his way past those fangs instead. Can a clever jackal outwit a king? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘strong’, ‘king’, ‘sting’, ‘fangs’, ‘creeping’.
Jill and the Strong Kit
Jill has found a stunning purple crystal cave, and she’s sure diamonds are hiding somewhere below it. Kitted out in her sturdy diamond armor, she climbs into her minecart and rides down through the dark, past strip mines and glowing stone, certain the hardest part will be the digging. But when her pickaxe cracks through into an enormous new cavern, what is waiting for her in the shadows below? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ‘strong’, ‘grinning’, ‘clings’, ‘hangs’, ‘zing’.
Bang! Long Fangs!
Bob is the worst fisherman in town, and today his line finally catches something that isn’t a fish at all. Up springs a huge creature with long fangs, and Bob suddenly finds himself pulled from the dock into the deep. What could a sleeping fisherman possibly do to help a monster in trouble? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Group 5: ng /ng/), this book practices words like ’long’, ‘strong’, ‘fangs’, ‘clings’, ‘morning’.
Decodable Books for Jolly Phonics Classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ng sound in phonics?
The ng sound is made at the back of the mouth, with the back of the tongue raised and the air coming out through the nose. It is one sound, not an /n/ followed by a /g/, so sing ends in a single hum rather than a hard g. Helping children hear it as one sound builds the phonemic awareness they need for blending.
Why is ng a digraph?
A digraph is two letters that together make one sound, and the ng digraph fits that exactly: the n and g stop being separate sounds and merge into /ng/. It sits in Group 5 alongside oo, the other digraph in that group. The National Reading Panel (2000) found that teaching children to notice and work with the sounds in words helps them learn to read, and digraphs are a clear example of that skill.
Why does ng never begin an everyday English word?
In English, the /ng/ sound only follows a vowel, because it grew out of an n said just before a g or k sound, as in sing and sink. That is why children meet ng in the middle or at the end of words, as in long and hanging, and never at the start of an everyday word. Some names from other languages do begin with ng, which is a nice fact for curious readers.
What ng words are in these books?
The books for the Jolly Phonics ng sound use words such as bang, hang, king, ring, sing, song, long, hung and lung, plus blends like bring, swing, sting, string and strong. Longer -ing words built from earlier sounds, such as feeling, meeting, boating and morning, can appear too. These give children an early taste of reading a word ending, long before suffixes are taught directly.
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