Children's Books for 3rd Graders

Deep in the Ashanti forest, Kwaku Anansi finds a strange moss covered rock that puts anyone to sleep the moment he whispers seven secret words. Soon every animal is nodding off and losing their dinner. But who is that little deer watching quietly from the shadows, counting each stolen meal? When Anansi’s greed gets the better of him, will the trick he loves so much turn against him? This clever Bookbot level practises the ‘ph’ sound with words like ’elephant’, ‘atmosphere’, ‘aphids’, and ‘phew’.

Bones is the bravest hunting dog in the valley - until a terrible storm sends him running into a dark forest far from home. When a pack of wolves takes him in, Bones starts to forget his bandana, his treats, and the friend who taught him everything. Can a dog who has gone wild ever remember the way back? Will Skel find him in time? This decodable reader practises the ‘augh’ phonogram with words like ‘caught,’ ‘distraught,’ ‘fraught,’ and ’taught.’

When Dr. Can Do spots a speedy ginger cat darting behind the hay bales, he’s sure he can catch her in a flash - but can a man of science really outsmart a clever kitty? What happens when Jill tells him the secret trick involves sitting very, very still? Can Dr. Can Do be patient enough to make a new furry friend? This decodable reader practises the ‘kn’ phonogram in words like ‘knee,’ ‘knew,’ ‘knocked,’ ‘knot,’ and ‘knuckles.’

The homework assignment of a lifetime: catch a real insect and study it up close! But when Kim picks the fastest bug in the playground, can two kids really outsmart a dragonfly that darts at lightning pace? Every time they get close, it zips away like it notices their every move. What clever trick might finally work? This decodable reader practises the soft c sound in words like ‘centre,’ ‘circle,’ ’notice,’ and ‘silence.’

Deep in a huge cave, Steve’s pockets are stuffed with gems - but what is that strange shuffling in the shadows behind him? His torch has fizzled out, a mob of bats is swooping closer, and his armour is too fragile to take much more damage. Can he dodge the bats, leap the ridge, and emerge before they catch him? This decodable reader practises the soft g sound in words such as ‘gems,’ ‘huge,’ ‘dodge,’ ‘ridge,’ and ‘gentle.’

Jill is standing on the edge of a gigantic lava lake, and the only way across is a bridge that doesn’t exist yet! Can Dr Can Do’s strange new machine really build a path over all that bubbling orange sludge? And what happens when a clever invention turns out to have one tiny, terrifying problem? Join Jill, her cat, and one very mischievous mage for a brave dash through the Nether. This decodable reader practises the soft g sound in words like ‘bridge,’ ‘huge,’ ‘mage,’ and ‘village.’

When a mysterious new Mage moves in next door, strange things start happening all over the village. Why is Jill’s chicken walking upside down? Why are her sheep flashing rainbow colours, and what has the Mage done to her diamond pickaxe? Jill tries to keep her composure, but this unusually cheeky neighbour is going to be a real handful! This decodable reader practises si making /zh/ in words such as ‘casual,’ ’treasure,’ ‘unusual,’ and ‘composure.’

What happens when a gentle evening walk turns into something far scarier? Tip the Dog and Fig Pig are heading home from a hunting trip when a huge shadow blocks the sun - and a giant beast appears above them that should never leave The End. Can three small friends stand their ground against a dragon in a rage? This decodable reader practises soft g words such as ‘gentle,’ ‘giant,’ ‘gigantic,’ ‘ridge,’ and ‘village.’

Fig Pig puffs out his chest and promises Brat Cat the most AMAZING thing in the whole wide world! But what could possibly be amazing enough? Will he find it among the spotty mushroom cows, the shivery polar bears, or the sizzling desert sand? Join Fig Pig as he sails the seas, laughs at the wind, and hunts high and low for the perfect surprise. This decodable reader practises the augh phonogram in words like ‘caught,’ ’laugh,’ ‘haughty,’ and ’naughty.’

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.’