Children's Books for 3rd Graders

Kalulu the Hare is just a small animal by the Zambezi River, so what can he do when mighty Simba the Lion bullies every creature and steals their food? When the proud, boastful king demands to be led to a feast, clever Kalulu offers to be his royal scout. Could a trick and a patch of soft mud teach a lion to change his ways? A gentle, giggly tale that practises the ‘augh’ sound in words like ’laugh’, ’taught’, ‘caught’, ’naughty’, and ’laughter’.

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.’

In a village where magic is as common as mud, Aidan has finally saved enough coins to buy his very first wand. But what happens when the only wand he can afford is crooked, scratched, and just a little bit grumpy? Can a boy with big dreams and a dodgy wand ever cast a proper spell? Join Aidan as sparks fly, candy rains, and magic misbehaves! This decodable reader practises the soft g phonogram through words like ‘village,’ ‘magic,’ ‘courage,’ ‘huge,’ and ‘gentle.’

Tom the Baker makes the best pumpkin pies in all of Canville - at least, that’s what he says! But when sneaky creepers sneak past the golems and blow his beloved bakery sky-high, Tom is ready to pack up his pies and leave for good. Can Dr Can Do and the villagers come up with a plan to save the day? This decodable reader practises the soft c sound in words like ‘city,’ ‘face,’ ‘fence,’ ’nice,’ and ‘magnificent.’

When the sun goes down and monsters come creeping, most folks hide under the blankets - but not Ned! Tonight he’s grabbed his magic sword and marched right out the door. Can one brave farmer really fight off a giant zombie, a sneaky skeleton, and a huge spider with mean little eyes? And what strange treasure might glint on the floor when the night is done? This decodable reader practises soft g words such as ‘gem,’ ‘gentle,’ ‘giant,’ ‘danger,’ and ‘charged.’

Skel has a list of chores longer than his arm, and he’s far too busy for rest. But when night falls and glowing green eyes appear in the sky, can a tired skeleton outrun a hungry phantom? Will Bones and Jack reach him in time, or has Skel’s no-sleep adventure finally gone too far? This decodable reader practises si making /zh/ in words such as ’treasure,’ ‘decision,’ ‘vision,’ and ‘pleasure.’

Bea has one simple plan: fly through the garden and pick her ONE favourite flower. Easy, right? But with bouncing bees pointing every which way, roses hiding in fancy corners, and daisies wearing lace collars like tiny suns, how can anyone decide? Every bloom feels like the best one - until the next one appears. Will Bea ever make up her mind? This decodable reader practises the soft c in words like ‘cinch,’ ‘centre,’ ‘circled,’ ‘decide,’ and ‘face.’

Red loves three things: swimming, looping, and lunch in his cool, cool pond. But what happens when Big Bad Fish comes gliding out of the dark, with rows of sharp teeth and a creepy little light on his head? Can one tiny fish and his nervous pals outsmart a giant with snapping jaws? Red has a really big idea - but will it work? This decodable reader practises the ‘ph’ sound in words like ‘phenomenal,’ ‘phantom,’ ‘phew,’ and ’triumphant.’

When the barn window is left open just a crack, Starfang the spider slips out for a wild adventure in the forest. At first the world is full of tasty flowers and juicy berries - but what happens when a nest of cave-spider bruisers comes creeping after him? Can Bones the farm dog pick up the trail and track down his missing friend before it’s too late? This decodable reader practises the ‘ui’ sound in words like ‘fruit,’ ‘juicy,’ ‘pursuit,’ and ‘suits.’

High in a sunny tree, Mother Crow sings to the whole neighbourhood - but her three hungry chicks need breakfast right now! Can she spot something tasty from the sky? When she sees a lady strolling by with a basket full of silver fish, Mother Crow makes a bold decision. But two rival crows have spotted the prize too, and they want it just as badly! This decodable reader practises si making /zh/ in words like ‘decision,’ ’treasure,’ ‘vision,’ and ‘precision.’