Children's Books for 2nd Graders
Crack! Got It!
Gran has a plan to make the best coconut bars in the whole world - but will they ever actually be done? From climbing trees and cracking husks to cranking, stirring, and baking, every step is harder than the last. Can one determined kid stick with Gran through all the pulling, puffing, and “we are NOT done” moments to reach that first sweet bite? This decodable reader practises the ‘ie’ phonogram in words like ’tied,’ ‘spied,’ ‘flies,’ ‘piece,’ and ’tries.’
Cuckoo Can't Cuckoo!
What happens when a cuckoo wakes up one morning and discovers its famous “CUCKOO!” has vanished? Follow this brave little bird as it hops along the ground, peers beneath every leaf, and flies across fields, forests, and a quiet suburb searching for its missing call. Will it ever sing again, or has its voice disappeared forever? This decodable reader practises 2-syllable open words such as “begin,” “open,” “over,” “tiny,” and “music.”
Don't Eat That, Ned!
Ned is marching across a boiling desert in full iron armour, hunting for treasure - and ignoring every single warning from The Book. What happens when he smashes into ancient ruins rigged with traps? What will he do when his stomach growls and the only “food” around is a cactus or something far, far worse? Join this clumsy duo for a sandy, sizzling adventure full of BOOMs and bad decisions. This decodable reader practises vowel team syllables in words like ‘ruins,’ ’trials,’ ‘quiet,’ and ’naive.’
Don't Flatten My Curls!
Mara has one big rule: curly is ALWAYS better than straight! But what happens when she meets a lion with a perfectly straight tail, climbs a spiral staircase fit for a princess, and spots a golden carpet of silky hair belonging to her very own sister? Can curly really beat straight every single time, or might Mara discover a few surprises along the way? This decodable reader practises VC/CV syllables through words like ‘basket,’ ‘carpet,’ ‘rabbit,’ and ‘picnic.’
The Calf and the Tiger!
A little calf spots a beautiful blue butterfly and just has to see where it goes. But what happens when she wanders deep into the jungle, past hidden snakes and chattering monkeys, and finds herself nose to nose with a tiger? Can she find her way back to Mum before it’s too late? This decodable reader practises VC/CV syllables in words such as ‘butterfly,’ ‘follow,’ ‘yellow,’ and ‘sudden.’
Don't Go Deeper!
Little Fish is tired of the same sandy floor, the same boring rocks, the same shallow sea every single day. What wonders might be hiding in the deeper water below? When he sneaks off while his mother’s back is turned, he finds glittering coral, curious crabs - and something far, far scarier resting on the ocean floor. Can Little Fish find his way back to safety? This decodable reader practises suffixes in words like ‘kindly,’ ‘boldly,’ ‘deeper,’ ‘faster,’ and ‘bravely.’
Don't Go Outside, Ned!
Ned’s tiny shed is freezing, and nightfall is creeping in fast. What is lurking out there in the dark trees? And how can a boy with only a talking Book survive until sunrise? From bedtime shivers to a crackling fireplace, Ned must brave his backyard, chop firewood, and race the sunset home - but will he make it back inside before the monsters find him? This decodable reader practises compound words such as ‘bedtime,’ ‘sunrise,’ ‘firewood,’ and ’tonight.’
Don't Run, Lady!
Meet a puppet maker who builds every show by hand - but what happens when the wrong backdrop drops a fancy Rich Lady straight into a jungle with a hungry tiger? Will she panic, run, or do something nobody expects? With a calm doctor puppet, a confused tiger, and an audience leaning in close, tonight’s show might not go exactly as planned. This decodable reader practises prefixes in words like ‘pretend,’ ’explain,’ ’nonstop,’ and ‘design.’
Don't Shoot That Rabbit!
Ned is hungry, and rabbit stew sounds just perfect - but what happens when you shoot at a field of fluffy bunnies? The Book warns him to stop, yet Ned just can’t resist one more shot. Will the little rabbits hop away safely, or is something much bigger and scarier watching from the tall grass? Can Ned find a kinder way to fill his stomach? This decodable reader practises le/al/el/il words such as ’little,’ ‘middle,’ ‘wiggle,’ ‘settle,’ and ’trouble.’
Don't Sit on That Cloud!
Birds swoop, dragonflies dart, and butterflies drift past on fancy yellow wings - but what about kids without feathers? Could you climb onto a soft cloud and float away at sunset? Could a kite carry you upwards over forests and valleys? Three brilliant friends are determined to find out, even if a silly mistake or two might send them tumbling! This decodable reader practises VC/CV syllables in words like ‘rabbit,’ ‘sunset,’ ‘yellow,’ ‘mountains,’ and ‘until.’