Life Books for Kids
How Many Ways Can You Use a Towel?
One plum towel, one windy day, and suddenly it is sailing off into the sky like a ghost with places to go! Who will grab it first as it drifts across the yard? Will a splashing neighbour claim it, a horn player use it as a cushion, or will our little hero ever get that perfect towel back? Hold on tight and find out! This decodable reader practises the ‘ph’ sound in words such as ‘phew,’ ‘phantom,’ ‘megaphone,’ ‘symphony,’ and ’triumph.’
I Grew That!
Meet a young farmer with big dreams and even bigger baskets! He digs straight lines, scatters seeds, and shoos away hungry birds, all so his family can share a special meal. But can one boy really grow an entire dinner by himself? And what happens when surprise visitors sneak into his garden? This decodable reader practices suffix words such as ‘proudly,’ ‘kindly,’ ‘hopeful,’ ’thankful,’ and ’lovely.’
I Sprinkled My Uncle!
From a sheet-castle with Jen to bike rides with Grandad, bedtime stories with Nan, and a backyard full of seedlings, this little narrator has a LOT of people to love. But what happens when a helpful watering job goes hilariously sideways? Who ends up dripping wet, still clutching a bundle of yellow flowers? This decodable reader practises the le/al/el/il pattern in words like ‘castle,’ ‘sprinkle,’ ‘uncle,’ and ‘gentle.’
It's All the Cat's Fault!
What happens when one curious cat climbs the tallest tree in the yard and flatly refuses to come down? A simple rescue soon turns into a broken ladder, a screaming baby, a kitchen-raiding monkey, and a very hungry dog with a nose for trouble. Can anyone possibly convince the teacher that every single wild word of this story is true? This decodable reader practises si making /zh/ in words such as ‘occasion,’ ‘confusion,’ ‘pleasure,’ and ‘unusual.’
It's On Backwards!
It’s the biggest morning of Min’s life - her very first day of school! But there’s just one tiny problem: nobody has ever taught her how to do up the buttons on her brand-new uniform. Mummy is busy, Daddy is busy, and even Grandpa walks right past. Can Min figure it out all by herself before the bell rings? And what happens when she finally tries? This decodable reader practises the augh phonogram in words like ‘caught,’ ‘daughter,’ ’taught,’ and ’laughter.’
The Cloud Above Diane
Diane is the proudest litterbug around - until she wakes up one morning to find a stinking cloud of rubbish hovering right above her bed! Flies buzz, wrappers swirl, and the cloud follows her everywhere she goes. Can Diane figure out how to make her smelly shadow disappear? Will anyone want to sit with her at lunch, or is a small grey rat her only friend now? This decodable reader practises 2-syllable open words such as ‘about,’ ‘open,’ ’even,’ and ‘only.’
Look What I Can Do!
Today, I have a plan - I am going to show Mom EVERY single thing I can do! Can I really chop vegetables, water the flowers, and hang up the washing all by myself? And what about riding my bike - will my wobbly knees let me down, or will I be flying down the street? This decodable reader practises the ‘kn’ sound in words like ‘knack,’ ‘knew,’ ‘knelt,’ and ‘knuckles.’
Lost in the Dark
When Max brags he can race to the river and back before dinner, his friends follow him straight into a forest shortcut that isn’t really a shortcut at all. Mist curls around the trees, something cracks in the bushes, and suddenly the dark has sounds in it. Will climbing an old elm tree keep them safe? And who on earth is calling their names? This decodable reader practises the ‘wr’ sound in words like ‘wrapped,’ ‘wrenched,’ ‘wriggled,’ and ‘wristwatch.’
My Comb
What do you do when every bird on the farm has a crown except you? On a sunny holiday visit, one determined child admires Rooster’s bright red comb, Peacock’s feathery fan, and Heron’s elegant plume - but none of them will share! Could there be another way to wear a crown that is just right? This decodable reader practises the ‘ui’ phonogram in words such as ‘suits,’ ’nuisance,’ ‘fluid,’ ‘pursuit,’ and ‘suitable.’
My Cousin Is Here!
Have you ever waited weeks and weeks for someone special to arrive? When a cousin finally comes walking up the road, there’s one kid with a big, big plan: a farm to show off, a fish to catch with bare hands, and the best snack in the whole wide world. But can one day really be the best day ever? This decodable reader practises the ‘augh’ sound in words like ‘caught,’ ’taught,’ ’laughter,’ and ‘granddaughter.’