Bookbot Decodable Books: gn

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Literacy changes lives, and we want every young reader to feel capable when a silent letter appears. In gn words the g keeps quiet, and these gn decodable books show readers that it does so at the start or the end of a word. Children read gn words like gnome, gnat, gnash, sign, design, resign and reign in stories built around this skill.
Free Minecraft Decodable Reader with Silent gn Words

Follow That Smell!

4.3 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Tip’s nose wakes her up one snowy morning with a smell she’s never met before - cold, wild, and wonderful! But wait, what’s that sweeter scent drifting on the wind? Something warm, something spicy, something absolutely delicious is hiding out there in the snow. Can Tip follow her twitchy nose all the way to the source? And why is Brat Cat grinning like she knows a secret? This decodable reader practises the gn phonogram in words like ‘gnome,’ ‘sign,’ ‘design,’ and ‘foreign.’
Minecraft Animals Christmas <gn>
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Free Music Decodable Reader with Silent gn Words

The Secret Prima Ballerina

4 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Miss B walks with a cane and taps her way around the dance studio, calling out to her three giggling girls. But what if their sweet old teacher used to leap past gnarled bridges and float under starlight? What if she once danced on every stage in the world, from Paris to Rio? Could Miss B be hiding a dazzling secret behind that quiet tap, tap, tap? This decodable reader practises the gn phonogram in words like ‘gnarled,’ ‘reigned,’ ‘foreign,’ and ‘sign.’
Music Life Girls <gn>
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Free Animal Decodable Reader with Silent G Words

My Duck Beat the Flock!

3.8 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Jen says her wobbly duck is the fastest in town - but can a duck that barely lifts off the ground really beat a whole flock of sleek racers? When the Big Flock Race begins and the starting horn blows, will Jen’s feathery friend flap into glory or flop in front of the giggling crowd? This decodable reader practises the gn phonogram in words like ‘sign,’ ‘gnat,’ ‘reigned,’ and ‘resigned.’
Animals Sports Humour <gn>
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Free Fairy Tale Decodable Reader with Silent 'g' in 'gn'

Anansi, Turtle, and Soup

3.7 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Kwaku Anansi has cooked a feast fit for a king, and he plans to eat every last bite himself. But when dusty, hungry Turtle knocks at the door, will clever Anansi share his soup, or trick his tired guest away from the table? And when Turtle sends a leaf ‘signed’ with an invitation to his own river feast, who will go home with an empty stomach this time? This Bookbot level practises the ‘gn’ sound in ‘gnawed’, ‘gnarled’, ‘gnashing’, and ‘resigned’.
Africa Animals Fairy Tales <gn>
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Free Minecraft Decodable Reader with Silent gn Words

Llama Drama

3.5 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
BOOM. BOOM. BOOM. What is shaking the walls of Skel’s farmhouse in the middle of the night? When he stomps outside, he finds three llamas prancing on the grass - and by morning, there are forty-seven more! They are gnawing the crops, gnashing their teeth, and spitting sticky green goo. Can Skel and Zom ever get rid of this woolly, wobbling herd? This decodable reader practises the gn phonogram in words like ‘gnashing,’ ‘gnawed,’ ‘resigned,’ and ‘designed.’
Minecraft Animals Humour <gn>
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The Swamp Hut | Bookbot Decodable Reader

The Swamp Hut

4.3 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Deep in the misty swamp, a wooden shack sits high on stilts, wrapped in vines and guarded by a witch with too many teeth. Can Skel and his loyal dog Bones sneak past the gnarled trees, dodge glowing potions, and grab the glittering treasure inside? Or will Bones spot the witch’s black cat and blow the whole plan? This decodable reader practises the gn phonogram in words like ‘gnarled,’ ‘gnashing,’ ‘gnat,’ and ‘resigned.’
Minecraft Adventure Friendship <gn>
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Make It Yourself, Ned! | Bookbot Decodable Reader

Make It Yourself, Ned!

4.3 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
It’s Ned’s birthday, and The Book has promised him something truly special - but there’s a catch. The Book has no hands, so Ned will have to make the gift himself! Why does he need wheat, sugar, eggs, and milk? And what sort of surprise could possibly need chickens AND cows? Join Ned on a birthday adventure full of clues, chaos, and one very bossy book. This decodable reader practises the ‘gn’ sound in words like ‘sign,’ ‘design,’ ‘assign,’ and ‘reign.’
Minecraft Humour <gn>
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Grow Me a Head! | Bookbot Decodable Reader

Grow Me a Head!

4.2 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Ned has built a wall, a gate, and even a moat - but what if something still sneaks past? The Book says he needs a guard: a giant iron golem with a pumpkin for a head. But how do you GROW a head? And what happens when Ned finally plants the seeds and waits? Join Ned on a very strange, very silly building adventure. This decodable reader practises the ‘gn’ sound in words like ‘design,’ ‘sign,’ ‘gnaw,’ and ’lasagna.’
Minecraft Humour Fantasy <gn>
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I Smell Amazing! | Bookbot Decodable Reader

I Smell Amazing!

4.2 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Deep in the jungle lives Rafa, a huge red flower with bumpy, spotted petals and a smell so strong it can curl your toes! The orchids gnash their teeth, the roses turn up their noses, and the butterflies fly right past. But why do clouds of gnats adore her? And could Rafa’s stinky cologne actually be her greatest gift of all? This decodable reader practises the gn phonogram in words like ‘sign,’ ‘design,’ ‘reigns,’ and ‘gnaw.’
Nature Humour SEL <gn>
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Mythology Decodable Reader with Silent 'g' in 'gn'

Kaggen and Lost Paths

4.1 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
The nights grow so dark that children cry out in fear and even the great trickster Kaggen the mantis cannot fix it. When he catches a hundred fireflies, they only tumble back to earth. What happens when his own worn shoe flies off his foot and an idea takes hold? Will light ever find a way to stay in the sky? This Bookbot level practises the ‘gn’ phonogram making the /n/ sound, with words like ‘sign’, ‘gnaw’, ‘gnarled’, ‘design’, and ‘resigned’.
Africa Mythology Fantasy <gn>
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Up and Up | Bookbot Decodable Reader

Up and Up

4.1 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Yellow Rabbit Balloon wants nothing more than to float up, up, up - past the treetops, past the kites, past everyone telling him to hold still. But what happens when the sky turns out to be full of pecking birds, scary flames, and smoggy air? Will anyone down below look up in time to catch a tired little balloon? This decodable reader practises the ‘gn’ phonogram in words such as ‘reign,’ ‘gnat,’ ‘gnarled,’ ‘gnome,’ and ‘signpost.’
Adventure Fantasy Humour <gn>
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Here They Come! | Bookbot Decodable Reader

Here They Come!

4.1 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
When the sun sinks, the monsters come - and Ned only has a sword, two bone-chewing wolves, and a bossy floating Book to help him survive the night. Can a half-built wall and some rubbish leather armour really keep him safe? And what clever plan will The Book cook up before the next wave swarms in? This decodable reader practises the ‘gn’ sound in words like ‘design,’ ‘gnash,’ ‘sign,’ and ‘assign.’
Minecraft Adventure Humour <gn>
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Animal Decodable Reader with Silent G Words

Don't Eat That Book!

4.1 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Ting the mouse loves books more than cheese - but his little brother Tang loves to EAT them! When their mother assigns Ting the job of teaching Tang to read, can two tiny mice stay quiet enough to finish the lesson without waking the house cat? And what happens when one sneeze changes everything? A decodable reader practising the gn phonogram in words such as ‘assigned,’ ‘design,’ ‘gnawing,’ ‘sign,’ and ‘reign.’
Animals Humour Family <gn>
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Adventure Decodable Reader with Silent 'g' in 'gn'

Tiren's Long Walk

4 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Eight year old Tiren is the smallest herd boy in the camp, and this morning he must guide forty cattle to the water alone. Can a boy with short legs and one smooth stick outsmart a hungry hyena and a storm rolling in fast? When the herd scatters and the mud pulls the cows down, will his father’s rod really be enough? This Bookbot level practises the ‘gn’ spelling in words like ‘gnarled’, ‘gnashes’, ‘gnaw’, and ‘signs’.
Africa Adventure Animals <gn>
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Fairy Tale Decodable Reader with Silent 'g' in 'gn'

The Cow in the Dry River

4 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
High in the green hills of KwaZulu Natal, a boy named Siyanda tends his family’s cattle alone. His father is sick, his sisters are hungry, and there is never quite enough to go around. So when Siyanda’s quiet kindness draws a mysterious old woman bearing two magical horns, what will he dare to ask for? And when a greedy neighbour steals one away, can a clean heart set things right? This warm African folktale practises the Bookbot GN level, featuring the /n/ sound in words like ‘gnarled’, ‘sign’, ‘benign’, and ‘reigns’.
Africa Fantasy Animals <gn>
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Fantasy Decodable Reader with Silent 'g' in 'gn'

Demba Walks Far

4 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
‘Gnarled’ roots, ‘gnats’ hum, a ‘benign’ voice, a djinn who ‘gnaws’… The rains have failed and the animals have vanished, so when an ancient spirit offers hunter Demba a single gift, what will he choose? Not gold, not grain, but something his sharp young daughter Awa can carry all her life. Will his unusual wish be enough to feed twelve hungry families? This Bookbot level practises the ‘gn’ spelling making the /n/ sound, with words like ‘gnarled’, ‘gnats’, ‘benign’ and ‘gnaws’.
Africa Fantasy Mystery <gn>
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Animal Decodable Reader with Silent G in GN

Kaggen Hides the Eland

4 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Kaggen loves the eland above all the animals he has made, so when he finds a trembling calf alone by a dry river, he hides it deep in the red hills and feeds it in secret. But how long can a growing thing stay hidden? When hunters find the trail, can love alone call the eland home? This warm San tale practises the Level GN sound, with lesson words like ‘sign’, ‘benign’, ‘gnaws’, ‘gnarled’, and ‘reigns’.
Africa Animals Adventure <gn>
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Animal Decodable Reader with Silent ‘g’ in ‘gn’

Ajapa and the Sky Food

4 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
High in the sky, the sky folk are holding the greatest feast of the year, and every bird in the forest is invited. But when a clever tortoise longs to taste sky food, how will a creature with no wings ever get there? And once he arrives, what mischief might a hungry trickster stir up among his feathered friends? Read to find out how he lands in the end! This Bookbot book practises the ‘gn’ sound with words like ‘design’, ‘gnash’, ‘gnarled’, and ‘benign’.
Africa Animals Fantasy <gn>
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Fantasy Decodable Reader with Silent 'g' in 'gn'

A Sign of Change

4 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Old Wanjirũ has grown thin and weary, so Ngai sends a message down the mountain: lay her outside tonight and she will wake young and strong again. But the messenger stops to nibble a fig, and a hurrying crow snatches only half the words. What happens when a gift arrives broken? Can young Kamau ever set things right? This Bookbot level practises the ‘gn’ spelling for the /n/ sound with lesson words like ‘benign’, ‘assigns’, ‘gnarled’, ‘gnashes’, and ‘poignant’.
Africa Mythology Animals <gn>
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Fantasy Decodable Reader with Silent 'g' in 'gn'

Juma's Empty Net

4 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Juma is the unluckiest fisherman on the whole waterfront, hauling up empty nets while every other boat comes home full. But one morning his net drags up something strange in the deep water past the reef. What is trembling inside the little sealed jar? And when a spirit offers three wishes, what will Juma choose when his last wish arrives? This Bookbot GN level practises the /n/ sound in words like ‘sign’, ‘foreign’, ‘gnarled’, ‘benign’, and ‘signs’.
Africa Fantasy Adventure <gn>
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It's Butter's Birthday! | Bookbot Decodable Reader

It's Butter's Birthday!

4 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Summer holidays are finally here, and Bon has BIG plans - water balloons, games, and no homework! But when Mum is busy, Dad rushes off to work, and Su ignores him completely, is this going to be the most boring summer ever? Just when Bon’s about to give up, a wild idea sparks involving the family parrot, a polka-dot hat, and a very special party. This decodable reader practises the ‘gn’ sound in words like ‘sign,’ ‘gnaws,’ ‘assigned,’ and ‘designing.’
Family Animals Humour <gn>
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Get Me Out of Here! | Bookbot Decodable Reader

Get Me Out of Here!

3.9 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
The town is hot, the crowds are loud, and gnats are buzzing right in Brat Cat’s ears - can she find a quiet place before her whiskers snap? Deep in a peaceful wood, she spots the perfect clearing and dreams up a cosy little hut. But will Fig Pig and Tip help her build it just right? This decodable reader practises the ‘gn’ sound in words like ‘gnats,’ ‘gnash,’ ‘sign,’ ‘design,’ and ‘aligned.’
Minecraft Friendship SEL <gn>
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That Tiger Is Following Me! | Bookbot Decodable Reader

That Tiger Is Following Me!

3.8 Books are rated by kids in the Bookbot app
Prince Din wants the biggest leaf ball in the kingdom, but the best leaves grow deep in the wild forest - where nobody dares to go! When a fierce tiger bursts from the bushes with gnashing teeth, the brave little prince finds himself hopelessly lost among the bamboo. Is that striped shadow really hunting him, or could it be something else entirely? This decodable reader practises the ‘gn’ sound in words like ‘gnarled,’ ‘reign,’ ‘sign,’ and ‘assign.’
Adventure Animals Friendship <gn>
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which words begin with a silent g?

Words starting with gn include gnat, gnaw, gnome, gnash and gnu, and in each one the g is silent, so the word begins with an n sound. There are only a handful of them, which makes gn at the start easy to learn as a small set. Acting out gnaw and gnash is a fun way to make the group memorable.

What words have gn at the end?

The gn spelling also comes at the end of words, as in sign, design, resign, assign, reign and foreign, where the g is again silent. In some related words the g comes back to life: sign becomes signal and signature, and design becomes designate. Showing children these links turns silent g words into a lesson about how word families share spelling, even when the sound changes.

What word has a hard g sound?

A hard g is the sound at the start of go, gate and gum, and it usually appears when g comes before a, o, u or a consonant, as in glad and grow. In gn words the g joins the silent letters and makes no sound at all, which is why comparing pairs such as sign and signal is so useful. Children who can tell hard, soft and silent g apart are well prepared for the soft g books that follow.

How can I keep an older child interested in decodable books?

By this stage many readers are older than a typical beginner, so topic and story matter as much as the phonics. Let your child choose gn decodable books by subject, mix in books you read aloud, and celebrate each level they finish. Stanovich (1986) showed that children who read more gain more in vocabulary and skill, and our guide to engaging reluctant readers has more ideas.

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