Decodable Books for Jolly Phonics Classrooms: Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed

Steve has no fishing rod, and every scrap of string and stick in the village is already gone. He searches the beach, the fields, even an old stone bin in the hillside, but every rod he finds is cracked or worn thin. Will he find anything good enough to beat Alex’s brand-new one? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ’low’, ‘own’, ‘frowns’, ‘glow’, ‘hope’.

High up in an oak tree, a tiny town of little homes lines a trunk full of dark holes, and every hole belongs to one busy squirrel who has been stowing nuts all season. One morning she checks her holes and finds every single one empty. Who could have taken them, and where did all those nuts go? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘oak’, ‘below’, ‘holes’, ‘owner’, ‘window’.

Steve has explored every cave, mountain, and ocean; nothing surprises him anymore. Then he finds a hidden pool glowing green, where two goofy little creatures stare up at him. Could this strange new find finally be the surprise he’s been missing? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘glow’, ‘glows’, ‘roams’, ‘groans’, ‘home’.

Pang the cicada has never conducted a concert before, and the biggest show of the year is only five days away. His singers keep mixing up their high and low voices, and one shy little bug is too scared to sing loud at all. Can Pang pull his mixed-up choir together before the whole forest arrives to listen? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘show’, ‘groans’, ‘crowd’, ‘glows’, ‘frown’.

A cod rules the coast, too fast and too sneaky for any fisherman to catch. When Steve wades into the sea with no rod, no net, and no plan, the cod barely blinks. Every chase ends the same way, with the cod vanishing into the kelp and Steve gasping in empty water. But when Steve spots something washed up on the sand, will a clever fisherman finally outsmart the cleverest fish in the sea? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘boasts’, ‘boat’, ‘slowly’, ‘hollow’, ‘closer’.

Kate is racing to get The Rainbow Tower spotless before the Wind Princess arrives at sunrise, but one broom refuses to help. It growls, it dodges, it even drags her clean off her feet and out into the sky. Why is this one broom so furious, and can Kate ever get it working again in time? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘glow’, ‘below’, ‘growl’, ‘slow’, ‘soap’.

Spike the cactus has never had a friend, not one, not ever, but today feels different. He hops off to make one, sure this is finally his lucky day. Will anyone want a hug from the pointiest plant in the garden? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘howdy’, ‘slow’, ‘know’, ‘moan’, ‘glows’.

Anansi the spider smells Farmer Kofi’s one glowing melon and sneaks inside for a sweet, cool feast. But he eats so much he grows too big to fit through the hole he came in! Stuck fast, he hears footsteps on the road outside. Can Anansi find a way to turn his sticky fix into something clever? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘grows’, ‘road’, ‘crowd’, ‘glows’, ‘slowly’.

Dr. Can Do has a big mess in his lab, and stacks and stacks of stone. He groans and scowls, then owns up to a wild plan to get rid of it. What will he build to fix his stony problem? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘groans’, ‘owns’, ‘scowl’, ‘glow’, ’town’.

Vines love to stretch and grow, creeping low along the ground or climbing high for the sky, twisting their stems tight around anything they touch. As they travel, flowers bloom bright to bring in bees, and leaves spread wide over branches and fences alike. Can you spot how many different kinds of vines are growing near you? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘grow’, ’low’, ‘flowers’, ‘road’, ‘so’.

Ned’s furnace is down to its last flicker, and the caves below are too deep, too dark, and full of things that bite. The Book claims it knows a way to make fuel without ever going underground - if Ned is willing to start something with fire, a field, and a lot of patience. What could The Book possibly have in mind? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘grow’, ‘oak’, ‘rows’, ‘boasts’, ’loads’.

Zom the zombie is tired of eating brains for every meal. He storms off to bake something new, hunting for ingredients in a field instead of a shop. His first find, a small green egg, makes him grin from ear to ear, but why is it that colour? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘glows’, ‘groan’, ‘growl’, ‘boasts’, ‘croak’.

Nip is finally on her way to the sea, but every shell along the path is impossible to resist. Between waving crabs, a very still round crab, and a whole crowded shore of new friends to meet, will Nip ever actually reach the water? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘crowd’, ‘howdy’, ‘slow’, ‘glow’, and ‘foam’.

Tip is having the worst day ever: zombies chased her through a cave, and her brand-new farm flooded completely. She pulls her blanket up and moans that she’s never leaving bed again. But when Brat Cat and Fig Pig show up with surprises of their own, will they change her mind? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘glow’, ‘frown’, ‘growls’, ‘soak’, ‘pillow’.

A hedgehog and a girl think being best pals is easy, until a rough day at school leaves her feeling low and out of sorts. Then a splashy rainstorm turns into a scowling standoff between friends. Can two best pals patch things up and find their way back to each other? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘boat’, ‘glows’, ‘scowls’, ‘frown’, ’throat’.

Bop has waited all year for the parade, and he’s sure he can learn every dance move before it starts. But every time Big Brother shows him how, his arms and legs seem to go the wrong way. Will Bop ever get his feet under control before the parade begins? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘slow’, ‘follow’, ‘boasts’, ‘groans’, ‘oak’.

Rabbit has a big plan: be first at everything on the first day of school. But every time he races ahead, someone beats him to it, and his pride takes a knock. Will Rabbit find out what he’s really first at? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘slow’, ‘glow’, ‘road’, ‘groans’, ‘mellow’.

A donkey is sure there must be another donkey out there somewhere, since everything else in the world comes in twos. He checks the pond, the meadow, and every shadow, sure he’ll spot a familiar face any moment. Could there really be another donkey just like him? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘slow’, ‘road’, ‘groans’, ‘close’, ‘glow’.

Ned finally has a shed with a stone roof and a crafting table, but every night he sleeps on the cold, hard floor. Fed up with waking up grumpier each morning, he decides he needs a big, soft wool bed. But a talking book warns him that catching sheep takes more than just running at them with shears. What will Ned have to learn before he gets any sleep at all? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘oak’, ‘slow’, ‘own’, ‘coals’, ‘groans’.

May the princess bee always says she’s the fastest, and she doesn’t need her helpers to fetch the queen’s nectar. But when a huge flower glows at the edge of the dark woods, will going it alone turn out to be a good idea? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘glow’, ‘own’, ‘drowsy’, ‘boast’, ’throne’.

A young hero spots two dangerous fellows with bows up on the hill, and must find a way to keep the whole town safe when arrows start to fly. With a golem, two brave dogs, and a growl louder than any cow, can this small defender hold the line before the raid rolls in? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘bows’, ‘road’, ‘slow’, ’town’, ‘window’.

Dr. Can Do has a big problem: his fire box burns coal fast, and now the coal is low. He tugs at his tie and stares at the empty bins, sure he’s the best inventor in town. Can he find a free fuel that never runs out? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘coal’, ’low’, ‘boasts’, ‘glow’, and ‘road’.

Mother Crow is loud, proud, and always ready to remind the whole town below that she’s around. But her three hungry chicks don’t want presents, they want breakfast, so Mother Crow soars over roads and rooftops on the hunt for food. Will she find something tasty enough to keep them quiet? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘crow’, ‘below’, ‘growls’, ’town’, ’load’.

A boy finds a cursed emerald deep underground and picks it up, even though his brother once warned him never to touch one. Now stranded in a strange town with the emerald’s green glow pulsing in his hands, he must find a way to destroy it before it hollows him out completely, but first he needs a map. Can he trade for one before the emerald’s curse catches up with him? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘glow’, ‘roam’, ‘moan’, ‘hoax’, ‘oaf’.

Amina is the best swimmer on the reef outside Mombasa, and she can name every rock below the waves. One morning she dives deep and spots a green glow glinting in the dark water, tangled around an old coral throne. When a slow, booming voice tells her the bracelet belongs to someone else, Amina must decide what to do next. Will she dare to return it? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘glow’, ‘slow’, ‘below’, ’throne’, ‘grows’.

A boy lives near a pool guarded by a great snake, the inkanyamba, and no one has crossed in weeks. His grandmother is sick on the far bank, and the medicine she needs is close but out of reach. Can he find a way to earn the snake’s trust and get across? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘coax’, ‘below’, ‘groans’, ‘flower’, ‘slow’.

Tiren is the smallest herd boy in his village, and everyone lets him know it. When all the older boys fall sick, forty cattle need him to lead them to the watering hole alone, past dangers waiting in the grass. Can a boy with short legs and a good stick get them all home safe? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘road’, ‘slow’, ‘follow’, ‘close’, ‘home’.

Ekun the leopard has been watching a slow-moving ram named Agbe from the branches above for days, and hunger is making him bold. Certain that a fat, unhurried grass-eater with no claws or speed poses no threat, Ekun creeps down through the shadows to say howdy, ready to claim the grass for himself. But will Agbe’s calm and unhurried manner be as harmless as it looks? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘slow’, ‘growl’, ‘prowl’, ‘shadow’, ‘howdy’.

Demba the hunter never takes more from the bush than his family needs, and each morning he leaves a small offering of millet at the roots of the old baobab tree. But the rains stop early, the animals roam far away, and Demba comes home with less and less. What will he do when a strange voice speaks to him from inside the ancient tree? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘roam’, ‘groan’, ‘grow’, ’load’, ‘home’.

Kaggen the Mantis loves the little foal he finds alone by a dry riverbed, and he hides it deep in the red hills to keep it safe. But a hidden thing always wants to grow, and a hunter’s eyes are sharp. Can Kaggen keep his secret safe once the foal grows too big for its narrow hideaway? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘foal’, ‘grow’, ’narrow’, ‘shadow’, ‘own’.

High on a hill above the Simien Mountains, a boy named Girma watches his family’s goats from before dawn until dusk. When a royal messenger rides up with news of an impossible test set by the king, and every wise man in the land has already failed it, what could a young goatherd possibly say that they could not? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘goats’, ‘coat’, ’throne’, ‘scowl’, ‘road’.

Pili the weaver bird spends ten days building the finest nest in the forest, but the careless Elephant who boasts that nothing small could ever matter to him never once looks down. When his huge foot crushes her home in an instant, what can one tiny bird possibly do about it? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ’low’, ‘boasts’, ‘own’, ‘grows’, ‘flow’.

Skel just wants one thing: a brave, loyal hunting dog to stand beside him in the wide fields near the oaks. But the pup he brings home has a strange obsession with bones, Skel’s own bones, and soon arms, legs, even a skull start going missing. Can Skel find a way to keep his dog close without losing himself piece by piece? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘bones’, ‘oak’, ‘roams’, ‘boasts’, ‘vow’.

Jack finds a mysterious glowing thing at a travelling trader’s stand, and it turns out to be cursed. Everything it touches starts to change: pets, walls, even his friends’ weapons. Jack thinks it’s the best thing that has ever happened, but his friends are furious. Will Jack be able to get rid of the curse before it changes everything for good? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘glow’, ‘road’, ‘scowl’, ’throat’, ‘close’.

Lila’s paintbox is full of colours ready to bring her canvas to life, but one stubborn yellow tube refuses to be squeezed. Trees sway, clouds drift, and a hidden sprite blooms among the flowers, yet something is still missing from the painting. When golden light pours through the window, will yellow finally show what it’s made of? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘glow’, ‘yellow’, ‘window’, ‘blows’, ‘crown’.

A girl finally gets to walk to Grandad’s house all by herself, and she promises to go slowly and sensibly the whole way. But a sharp bark from around the corner sends her running the wrong way instead, her heart thumping as the sound grows closer and closer. What could be making that noise? Written for Jolly Phonics classrooms (Step 3, Unit 7: /oa/ mixed), this book practises words like ‘slow’, ‘road’, ‘grown’, ‘howdy’, ‘close’.