Beginning the process of learning how to read is exciting and daunting, and it takes a constellation of committed adults, quality texts, and small successes to smooth the path toward fluency. The following reviews examine some of the growing number of decodable texts on the market to help librarians make informed decisions about how to build collections that support burgeoning readers and their grown-ups.

Elementary

Sutro, Robert. The Cake: Bk. 14. illus. by Beilin Xu. ISBN 9798765640081.
––––. Dad Is at Bat: Bk. 6. illus. by Beilin Xu. ISBN 9798765640005.
––––. Dax, Max, and the Box: Bk. 8. illus. by Samantha Jo Phan. ISBN 9798765640029.
––––. A Dog and a Bone: Bk. 16. illus. by L. Schlissel. ISBN 9798765640104.
––––. Gus on the Bus: Bk. 10. illus. by Tisha Leung Salibo. ISBN 9798765640043.
––––. Jen and Ken: Bk. 9. illus. by Tisha Leung Salibo. ISBN 9798765640036.
––––. The Kites: Bk. 15. illus. by Bobbie Houser. ISBN 9798765640098.
––––. No One Is Cute: Bk. 17. illus. by Linda Thai. ISBN 9798765640111.
––––. A Pig, a Cat, and a Bag: Bk. 4. illus. by Lucy Llewellyn. ISBN 9798765639986.
––––. Pip the Cat and Tim the Man: Bk. 2. illus. by Lucy Llewellyn. ISBN 9798765639962.
––––. Pip the Cat Can Beg: Bk. 5. illus. by Lucy Llewellyn. ISBN 9798765639993.
––––. The Red Hat: Bk. 18. illus. by Bobbie Houser. ISBN 9798765640128.
––––. Ron and His Red Hat: Bk. 11. illus. by L. Schlissel. ISBN 9798765640050.
––––. Sam and Tam: Bk. 1. illus. by Beilin Xu. ISBN 9798765639955.
––––. Sam, the Pig, and Gil: Bk. 3. illus. by Beilin Xu. ISBN 9798765639979.
––––. Val and the Vet Van: Bk. 12. illus. by Kale Lewis. ISBN 9798765640067.
––––. We Can Hop: Bk. 7. illus. by L. Schlissel. ISBN 9798765640012.
––––. Zak: Bk. 13. illus. by Tisha Leung Salibo. ISBN 9798765640074.
ea vol: 16p. (Phonics Fun Decodables — Level 1). Lerner. Jul. 2024. Tr $27.99.
PreS-Gr 1–The alignment with the science of reading appears to be lacking in the first set in the “Phonics Fun Decodables” series. For instance, Val and the Vet Van is marketed as focusing on the letter sounds /qu/ and /v/, yet it does not address short vowels and includes only one word with /qu/ throughout the text. Another example of misalignment is found in Dad Is at Bat. Although the “phonics focus” section highlights the consonant sounds /d/ and /b/, it would be more instructional to target short vowels or clarify the placement of phonemes, such as beginning consonant sounds. The book labels the words we and will as high-frequency words, and while these can be classified as high frequency, they are also decodable (falling under open syllables and the FLSZ rule). This misalignment may create confusion for parents and caregivers trying to support their children’s learning in alignment with classroom practices. The story is quirky enough to maintain engagement, particularly the amusing scene at the end where dad, the hen, mom, and the little girl all dab. The illustrations lack visual appeal, giving off a clip-art feel. VERDICT These titles may confuse more than offer support.
 

Painter, Taryn. Beach Day: Bk. 18. illus. by Linda Thai. ISBN 9798765640302.
––––. The Big Kick: Bk. 4. illus. by Kale Lewis. ISBN 9798765640166.
––––. Dee the Seal: Bk. 9. illus. by Lucy Llewellyn. ISBN 9798765640210.
––––. Frank and the Prank: Bk. 5. illus. by Samantha Jo Phan. ISBN 9798765640173.
––––. Fright Night: Bk. 11. illus. by Kale Lewis. ISBN 9798765640234.
––––. The Fudge Witch: Bk. 15. illus. by Kale Lewis. ISBN 9798765640272.
––––. A Gem for a Slice: Bk. 14. illus. by Kale Lewis. ISBN 9798765640265.
––––. Hank and Kent Go Camp: Bk. 3. illus. by Tisha Leung Salibo. ISBN 9798765640159.
––––. A Home for Moth: Bk. 7. illus. by Víctor Sandoval. ISBN 9798765640197.
––––. Joe and the Globe: Bk. 10. illus. by Beilin Xu. ISBN 9798765640227.
––––. Max the Pup: Bk. 1. illus. by L. Schlissel. ISBN 9798765640135.
––––. The Rainy Day: Bk. 8. illus. by Kale Lewis. ISBN 9798765640203.
––––. Ralph Can Help: Bk. 16. illus. by Kale Lewis. ISBN 9798765640289
––––. Ranching with Fred: Bk. 17. illus. by Linda Thai. ISBN 9798765640296.
––––. The Smell Spell: Bk. 13. illus. by L. Schlissel. ISBN 9798765640258.
––––. Sue and the Fruit Case: Bk. 12. illus. by Kuromo San. ISBN 9798765640241.
––––. Time to Bake: Bk. 2. illus. by Kale Lewis. ISBN 9798765640142.
––––. Who Is This?: Bk. 6. illus. by Víctor Sandoval. ISBN 9798765640180
ea vol: 16p. (Phonics Fun Decodables—Level 2). Lerner. Jul. 2024. Tr $27.99.
K-Gr 1–There is inconsistency with the way the scope and sequence is mapped out in the second “Phonics Fun Decodables” set. While the word count per page increases slightly, the content remains too broad and lacks a streamlined focus. For example, the first book in this level attempts to cover short vowels for all five vowels simultaneously, rather than introducing one vowel at a time and gradually building understanding. Another potential source of confusion for readers is the word choice within some of the texts. In the book The Smell Spell, which focuses on the FLSZ rule for ff, ll, and ss, many words in the text adhere to this rule and feature short vowels, and the inclusion of irregular vowel sounds, such as stroll and troll, which do not contain a short /o/ can lead to misunderstandings. Story content is also uneven. One of the more engaging stories features two children who come upon a witch who is brewing a cauldron of fudge, but the story gets bogged down by the need to include specific vocabulary, making the story clunky and awkward. VERDICT An uneven collection of texts.
 

Wallace, Elise. Art in the Garden: Bk. 4. illus. by Kuromo San. ISBN 9798765640340.
––––. The Bird Bath: Bk. 5. illus. by L. Schlissel. ISBN 9798765640357.
––––. By the Shore: Bk. 3. illus. by Victor Sandoval. ISBN 9798765640333.
––––. The City Trip: Bk. 13. illus. by Dulce Muñoz. ISBN 9798765640432.
––––. Fern the Fawn: Bk. 11. illus. by Dulce Muñoz. ISBN 9798765640418.
––––. The Frozen Lake: Bk. 15. illus. by Kuromo San. ISBN 9798765640456.
––––. The Gnome Knight: Bk. 8. illus. by Kate Fallahee. ISBN 9798765640388.
––––. A Good Cook: Bk. 7. illus. by Beilin Xu. ISBN 9798765640371.
––––. The Hidden Clue: Bk. 18. illus. by Kuromo San. ISBN 9798765640487.
––––. In the Mood for Food: Bk. 6. illus. by Kuromo San. ISBN 9798765640364.
––––. New Cow in Town: Bk. 9. illus. by L. Schlissel. ISBN 9798765640395.
––––. The Purple Poodle: Bk. 12. illus. by Lucy Llewellyn. ISBN 9798765640425.
––––. Ray Rushes at Recess: Bk. 16. illus. by Kate Fallahee. ISBN 9798765640463.
––––. Redo Day: Bk. 14. illus. by Kate Fallahee. ISBN 9798765640449.
––––. Rocking Pals: Bk. 2. illus. by Kuromo San. ISBN 9798765640326.
––––. A Royal Pig: Bk. 10. illus. by Kate Fallahee. ISBN 9798765640401.
––––. Stop Hopping!: Bk. 17. illus. by Dulce Muñoz. ISBN 9798765640470.
––––. The True Blue Boat: Bk. 1. illus. by Kuromo San. ISBN 9798765640319.
ea vol: 24p. (Phonics Fun Decodables— Level 3). Lerner. Jul. 2024. Tr $27.99.
K-Gr 1–The third level in this series is undoubtedly the most engaging set, featuring funny and original stories complemented by varied illustration styles across the texts. One standout title, The Purple Poodle , targets the consonant pattern -le. In this story, Peg the poodle is frustrated with her little brother and just wants some alone time. However, she eventually misses him, leading them to team up to annoy their dad. The narrative is relatable and quirky, making it entertaining enough to keep new readers laughing and engaged. Other stories, such as Gnome Knight and Royal Pig, incorporate fantasy elements that will appeal to fairy-tale enthusiasts. VERDICT As with the other levels in this series, some titles excel in both content and illustration, while others fall short.
 

Alinas, Marv. Clark the Clam: The Sound of CL. ISBN 9781503889262.
––––. Crazy Crayons: The Sound of CR. ISBN 9781503889224.
Amoroso, Cynthia & Bob Noyed. Dreams: The Sound of DR. ISBN 9781503889231.
––––. It Is Friday: The Sound of FR. ISBN 9781503889248.
––––. What Do I Bring?: The Sound of BR. ISBN 9781503889217.
Ballard, Peg. Chad Checks: The Sound of CH. ISBN 9781503889200.
––––. Shoes: The Sound of SH. ISBN 9781503889170.
––––. This and That: The Sound of TH. ISBN 9781503889187.
Flanagan, Alice K. Blast Off!: The Sound of BL. ISBN 9781503889255.
––––. I Am Glad: The Sound of GL. ISBN 9781503889286.
––––. My Flower Garden: The Sound of FL. ISBN 9781503889279.
Noyed, Bob & Cynthia Amoroso. What and Where: The Sound of WH. ISBN 9781503889194.
ea vol: 24p. (Phonics Fun! Consonant Blends and Digraphs). The Child’s World/First Steps. Jul. 2024. Tr $32.79.
PreS-Gr 1–This collection builds targeted phonics skills with bold and captivating images that engage young readers. Some pages are text-free, inviting children to pause, observe, and explore the photos and illustrations more closely. The realistic, photographic images add an authentic touch, making the content more relatable. The vocabulary choices are excellent. For instance, the words for the dr blend—dreaming, dribbling, drifting, drilling—are engaging and contextually meaningful. An extension activity, which can be led by teachers or parents, involves listening comprehension and auditory discrimination. As children listen for words containing /dr/ sounds within a read-aloud story, they strengthen their ability to recognize these phonemes. VERDICT While some books in this collection stand out more than others, overall, it’s a valuable resource that draws readers in and solidifies foundational phonics skills.
 

Alinas, Marv. Ben’s Hen. ISBN 9781503889330.
––––. The Best Log in the Bog. ISBN 9781503889378.
––––. The Blob on Bob. ISBN 9781503889361.
––––. The Bug on the Rug. ISBN 9781503889392.
––––. Chap’s Cap. ISBN 9781503889439.
––––. A Crab in the Cab. ISBN 9781503889293.
––––. A Cub in the Tub. ISBN 9781503889385.
––––. Fun in the Sun. ISBN 9781503889408.
––––. Kip and Pip’s Trip. ISBN 9781503889460.
––––. Kit’s Banana Split. ISBN 9781503889354.
––––. My Big Wig. ISBN 9781503889347.
––––. My Tin Bin. ISBN 9781503889453.
––––. Nan and Jan’s Plan. ISBN 9781503889422.
––––. Ned, Ted, and the Red Shed. ISBN 9781503889323.
––––. The Nut Near the Hut. ISBN 9781503889484.
––––. Pop’s Mop Shop. ISBN 9781503889477.
––––. The Rag Bag. ISBN 9781503889309.
––––. Sharing Jam and Ham. ISBN 9781503889316.
––––. Tad’s Dad. ISBN 9781503889415.
––––. You Bet!ISBN 9781503889446.
ea vol: illus. by Kathleen Petelinsek. 24p. (Rhyming Words). The Child’s World/First Steps. Jul. 2024. Tr $32.79.
PreS-Gr 1–These are simple, engaging stories focused on word families and designed to build foundational reading skills. Each book features slightly larger text with limited words on each page, and the rime in each word family is highlighted in a different color within the words. The series includes 20 books, showcasing diverse characters engaging in everyday activities like cooking, painting a shed, or mopping. Other titles feature animal characters doing realistic things like building a dam or sitting on a log. While these stories don’t have extensive plots, they are more straightforward and less absurd than some other rhyming texts, making them easier for young readers to follow. Each book includes a few non-decodable words, and it would be helpful if these words were listed at the beginning of the book to allow children to preview them before reading. The focus of this series is not so much on decoding and fluency but on recognizing rhyme and visually identifying patterns within words. They serve as excellent practice books for early readers, with opportunities to explore vocabulary words like snag, slob, and bog. VERDICT With a bit of initial support for the non-word family terms, these books offer an accessible and enjoyable reading experience for beginners.
 

Felendler, Shira. On the Mat.
––––. The Pit.
Friedman, N.H. Up! Up! Up!
Gross, Sara. Pop! Pop! Pop!
Heller, Yehudit. Nick & Rick Help.
Lieberman, DL. A Doll for Jill.
––––. Go Fish!
––––. Go, Chuck, Go!
––––. Hats, Caps, and Pans.
––––. A Jet for Ted.
––––. Nick and Rick and the Big Mess.
––––. Nick and Rick: Which Kid Is Which?
––––. Sledding with Dad.
––––. Snap! Flash! Clap!
––––. The Things I Do.
––––. A Trip with Dad.
Peterson, Sue. Jack the Cat.
––––. A Quick Quiz.
––––. Seth and Beth Get a Pet.
Full set: (ReadBright Level 1 Decodables). ReadBright. Dec. 2024. pap. $95. ISBN 9781940205427
PreS-K–The first set in the “ReadBright Decodables” series begins with short vowels but quickly transitions into suffixes before introducing other phonemes. The text in the initial books is highly controlled, resulting in stories that feel nonsensical and difficult for young readers to connect with. While the illustrations are detailed and provide visual support for the basic narratives, their computer-generated style may not resonate with children who are drawn to more dynamic aesthetics. The series features significant repetition of target words, which can be beneficial for building fluency and automaticity. For instance, in the story The Pit, the text states, “I sit and sit. I nap and nap. I sip and sip.” Although this repetition can enhance word recognition, it may also lead to a monotonous reading experience. Some of the terminology used in the scope and sequence does not align with the language typically used in science of reading curricula and could lead to confusion for students who encounter different terminology in a classroom setting. VERDICT While the series is effective for developing fluency and automaticity, it falls short in promoting engagement and comprehension skills.
 

Lieberman, DL. The Best Page of All. ISBN 9781940205953.
––––. A Day in Candyland.
––––. A Day in Playland.
––––. A Goat on a Boat!
––––. Hot on a Hike.
––––. Jake’s Cake.
––––. The Kind Queen.
––––. The Late Flight.
––––. Luke’s Flute.
––––. Lunch with Grandma.
––––. Notes from Camp.
––––. Up on a Ride. Full set: (ReadBright Level 2 Decodables). ReadBright. Aug. 2024. pap. $64. ISBN 9781940205434
K-Gr 1–The second “ReadBright Decodables” set features a consistent illustration style that may appeal to some audiences. In the story A Day in Candyland, the phonics focus is on the letter y as a vowel and its two sounds at the end of words. This book effectively provides opportunities for children to practice reading y at the end of both one- and two-syllable words, which is beneficial for building automaticity and fluency with this phonics rule. The phonics drill at the end of the title reinforces these skills, further supporting phonetic development. While there are embedded comprehension questions, they lack the engagement necessary to capture children’s interest. In contrast, The Kind Queen employs the outdated rule, “when two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking.” This approach does not align with current science of reading principles, and fails to reliably teach the sounds that certain vowel teams make. VERDICT While “ReadBright Level 2” has potential to reinforce phonics skills, it also contains elements that could confuse or mislead young readers.
 

Lieberman, DL. A Bike Story.
––––. A Bird in the Dirt.
––––. A Day in Clownland.
––––. A Hunt on the Farm.
––––. The Last Day of School.
––––. Mrs. Brooks and her Books.
––––. My New Friend, Shawn.
––––. Nick and Rick and the New Bowl.
––––. Roy Joins the Game.
Full set: (ReadBright Level 3 Decodables). ReadBright. Aug. 2017. pap. $45.00. ISBN 9781940205472
K-Gr 1–The “ReadBright Level 3” titles focus on r-controlled vowels and vowel teams, offering young readers essential practice with these phonics patterns. While the illustrations may come across as a bit quirky, they do include intriguing details that might captivate certain readers. These titles effectively build on the foundational skills introduced in the earlier levels of the series, providing continued phonics support and opportunities for practice. Aimed at kindergarten and first grade students, this level balances skill reinforcement with engaging content, and works well in the context of the series at large. VERDICT A valuable resource for emerging readers.
 

Lieberman, DL. The Bored Toys.
––––. Give in and Win.
––––. A Great Idea.
––––. Milly and Mike and the Musical Mess.
––––. Mr. Ben at The Library.
––––. Mr. Ben’s Penny.
––––. Mr. Ben’s Special Suit.
––––. Phillip’s Photos.
––––. Ron and Don and The Garden Surprise.
––––. Ron and Don and the Mismatched Shoes.
––––. Ron and Don Take a Trip to the Village.
––––. Trouble at the Farm.
––––. The Very Best Place for Me.
––––. The Whiz Kids and the Case of the Missing Robot.
––––. The Whiz Kids and The Mayor’s Plans.
––––. You Just Need to Try.
Full set: (ReadBright Level 4 Decodables). ReadBright. Jul. 2023. pap. $80.00. ISBN 9781947737693
Gr 1-3–The final set in this phonics-based series builds on the foundational skills introduced in earlier levels. At this stage, students tackle more advanced spelling patterns and are introduced to prefixes, suffixes, compound words, and syllable division—key skills that prepare them for more independent reading. The level also introduces important phonics rules, such as the soft “c” and soft “g” sounds, as well as the digraph “ph.” What sets this series apart is its unique illustration style, which feels like a mix between Cocomelon and 1950s early readers, and is colorful and full of detail. Each title includes word lists for focused practice and quick activities like shared reading, making these books not only useful for phonics instruction but also versatile for different classroom settings. VERDICT “ReadBright Level 4” provides a comprehensive and fun way for Kindergarten and first grade students to solidify key reading skills as they prepare for more challenging texts.
 

Koch, Leanna. Gus the Bus. illus. by Chad Thompson. 32p. ISBN 9780756595609.
––––. In the Mud. illus. by Veronica Rooney. 32p. ISBN 9780756596347.
––––. Let’s Go. illus. by Craig Cameron. 32p. ISBN 9780756595661.
––––. Tess Has Fun. illus. by Roberta Collier-Morales. 32p. ISBN 9780756596118.
––––. Tim’s Got This!illus. by Chad Thompson. 32p. ISBN 9780756596088.
––––. Tom’s Map. illus. by Amy Muehlenhardt. 24p. ISBN 9780756596002.
––––. Will and the Baby. illus. by Andrew Rowland. 32p. ISBN 9780756595944.
––––. Will Is All Set. illus. by Andrew Rowland. 32p. ISBN 9780756595920.
ea vol: (Stairway Decodables Step 1). Capstone/Picture Window. Aug. 2024. Tr $16.99.
PreS-K–This set is intended to support early phonics development, but it feels more suited to teacher-led instruction than independent reading. The books lack a clear scope and sequence, which makes it difficult for educators to determine which phonemes are targeted in each title. While the illustrations, such as those in Gus the Bus, may appeal to younger children with themes like vehicles, the stories themselves often lack depth and originality, with clunky text that fails to engage readers. Additionally, some of the illustrations come across as too simplistic and may not resonate with the older end of the intended audience. VERDICT Without a more defined phonics focus or age-appropriate content, these books fall short in providing an effective tool for early literacy development.
 

Koch, Leanna. Finn Swims. illus. by Sara Schultz. 24p. ISBN 9780756595104.
––––. I Can Do It!illus. by Shirley Beckes. 32p. ISBN 9780756595135.
––––. Jen’s Big Job. illus. by Chad Thompson. 32p. ISBN 9780756595050.
––––. On the Tracks. illus. by Craig Cameron. 32p. ISBN 9780756595081.
––––. Pet Tricks. illus. by Mike Byrne. 32p. ISBN 9780756595753.
––––. Sam Helps. illus. by Chad Thompson. 32p. ISBN 9780756594886.
––––. Will’s Friend. illus. by Andrew Rowland. 32p. ISBN 9780756596415.
––––. You Can Swim, Duck!illus. by Burak Senturk. 24p. ISBN 9780756594732.
ea vol: (Stairway Decodables Step 2). Capstone/Picture Window. Aug. 2024. Tr $16.99.
PreS-K–The books in this set intend to support early readers, but frequently do not meet developmental and curricular benchmarks. The stories can feel disorganized, with texts that introduce too many different phonemes at once, making it difficult for young readers to focus on decoding skills. For example, in Pet Tricks, the plot is cluttered with too many characters, making it challenging to follow and distracting from the phonics practice. VERDICT This lack of controlled text and focus undermines the series’ effectiveness as a decodable reading tool for early literacy.
 

Koch, Leanna. Beth’s Bath. illus. by Hye Won Yi. ISBN 9780756595371.
––––. Let’s Get Some Shells. illus. by Amy Muehlenhardt. ISBN 9780756596385.
––––. Lucky Rat. illus. by Mike Byrne. ISBN 9780756596439.
––––. Pets Wash Up. illus. by Mike Byrne. ISBN 9780756595012.
––––. Tim’s Trip. illus. by Chad Thompson. ISBN 9780756596040.
––––. Truck Pals. illus. by Veronica Rooney. ISBN 9780756596569.
––––. Where Is Dot?illus. by Mike Byrne. ISBN 9780756594831.
––––. Will’s Pet. illus. by Andrew Rowland. ISBN 9780756594800.
ea vol: 32p. (Stairway Decodables Step 3). Capstone/Picture Window. Aug. 2024. Tr $16.99.
PreS-K–The titles in this set are designed for emergent readers aged three to four. Each book includes consistent front matter with strategies for parent support before, during, and after reading. While this guidance encourages adult involvement, the effectiveness is limited by the simplistic nature of the content. The bright illustrations are reminiscent of early concept books, appealing to young readers but lacking the depth to fully engage them. The large print and sparse text may aid emergent readers, but the minimalism can result in flat narratives that fail to capture children’s imaginations. VERDICT These books offer foundational skills, but they need richer narratives and more engaging illustrations to stand out in the growing market of decodables for very young readers.
 

Koch, Leanna. Attack of the Slime. illus. by Steve Harpster. 32p. ISBN 9780756595333.
––––. Blake Can Skate. illus. by Troy Olin. 24p. ISBN 9780756596262.
––––. Busy Spring Days. illus. by Corinne Doerrfeld. 32p. ISBN 9780756595432.
––––. Camping with Squish and Squeeze. illus. by Mike Brownlow. 32p. ISBN 9780756595210.
––––. Ezra Makes Magic. illus. by Amy Muehlenhardt. 24p. ISBN 9780756595555.
––––. Pets Dress Up. illus. by Mike Byrne. 32p. ISBN 9780756595791.
––––. Princess Grace Is Saved. illus. by Svetlana Zhurkin. 32p. ISBN 9780756596477.
––––. Sage’s Plants. illus. by Roberta Collier-Morales. 24p. ISBN 9780756596491.
––––. Truck Race. illus. by Veronica Rooney. 32p. ISBN 9780756596590.
––––. Trucks Hide. illus. by Patrick Girouard. 32p. ISBN 9780756595982.
––––. Will’s Bike. illus. by Andrew Rowland. 32p. ISBN 9780756594862.
––––. Zane Is Brave. illus. by Steve Harpster. 32p. ISBN 9780756594763.
ea vol: (Stairway Decodables Step 4). Capstone/Picture Window. Aug. 2024. Tr $16.99.
PreS-Gr 1–This is a delightful collection of relatable decodable text featuring a wide range of titles. The illustrations are colorful and captivating, while the content includes diverse characters engaging in activities that children can easily relate to, connecting with their own experiences. This level also ties in themes from previous levels, such as vehicles and animals, allowing readers to master new skills while reviewing and reinforcing what they’ve already learned. The front matter provides useful information for comprehension, vocabulary practice, and even a word count. VERDICT The stories are developmentally appropriate and effectively engage the target audience.
 

Koch, Leanna. Cat Food Clues. illus. by Mike Byrne. 32p. ISBN 9780756595159.
––––. Cleaning Day. illus. by Stacey Previn. 24p. ISBN 9780756595180.
––––. Drew’s New Fits. illus. by Hye Won Yi. 24p. ISBN 9780756595494.
––––. Eel Hides. illus. by Steve Harpster. 32p. ISBN 9780756595524.
––––. Fall for Old Oak. illus. by Corinne Doerrfeld. 32p. ISBN 9780756595579.
––––. Laila’s New Room. illus. by Frances Moore. 24p. ISBN 9780756595630.
––––. Riley Likes to Fly. illus. by Benton Mahan. 24p. ISBN 9780756594947.
––––. Training Squish and Squeeze. illus. by Mike Brownlow. 32p. ISBN 9780756594916.
ea vol: (Stairway Decodables Step 5). Capstone/Picture Window. Aug. 2024. Tr $16.99.
K-Gr 1–The books in this set center on vowel teams, aiming to build foundational phonics skills for young readers. While the content is straightforward and age-appropriate, the titles in this level feel repetitive and lack the variety and uniqueness found in the stronger offerings of the previous level. This repetitiveness may lead to diminished engagement, as the stories do not captivate the imagination the way their predecessors do. The illustrations are suitable for the target age group, maintaining a colorful and accessible style, but they do not compensate for the overall sameness of the narratives. While this level effectively reinforces important phonics concepts, it could benefit from more diverse and engaging content to hold the interest of young readers. VERDICT This set provides a solid foundation for phonics practice but may leave some children wanting more in terms of creativity and excitement.
 

Koch, Leanna. Birthday Party with Squish and Squeeze. illus. by Eva Sassin. 32p. ISBN 9780756595401.
––––. A Birthday Surprise. illus. by Sara Schultz. 24p. ISBN 9780756595319.
––––. Caring for Coco. illus. by Evelyne Duverne. 32p. ISBN 9780756595456.
––––. Dino Game. illus. by Michael Laughead. 32p. ISBN 9780756596286.
––––. Fair Play. illus. by Erik Christenson. 32p. ISBN 9780756596323.
––––. Let’s Go Camping!illus. by Mike Byrne. 32p. ISBN 9780756595692.
––––. Old Oak in Winter. illus. by Corinne Doerrfeld. 32p. ISBN 9780756595722.
––––. Points and Fouls. illus. by Evelyne Duverne. 32p. ISBN 9780756595821.
––––. Rory and Robot Go Camping. illus. by Michael Laughead. 32p. ISBN 9780756594978.
––––. Save the Orca. illus. by Steve Harpster. 32p. ISBN 9780756595845.
––––. Save the Zoo. illus. by Gina Carey. 32p. ISBN 9780756596521.
––––. Shark’s Sore Tooth. illus. by Steve Harpster. 32p. ISBN 9780756596224.
––––. Snorp at the Snowboard Park. illus. by Dennis Messner. 32p. ISBN 9780756596194.
––––. Summer at the Park. illus. by Corinne Doerrfeld. 32p. ISBN 9780756596170.
––––. Taking Care of Erin. illus. by Gina Perry. 32p. ISBN 9780756596149.
––––. Zuri’s Flower Garden. illus. by Corinne Doerrfeld. 32p. ISBN 9780756595883.
ea vol: (Stairway Decodables Step 6). Capstone/Picture Window. Aug. 2024. Tr $16.99.
K-Gr 2–The final set in Capstone’s “Stairway Decodables” series, focuses on more advanced spelling patterns providing a robust foundation for developing readers. This level features a diverse range of titles, showcasing varied content and illustration styles that engage young readers while maintaining the cohesive elements that define the series. Each title includes valuable front matter that aids comprehension, offering insights into the text as well as extended phonics practice. In addition to phonics reinforcement, this set incorporates comprehension exercises that focus on identifying cause and effect, skillfully tied to the content of each story. The stories feature diverse characters and story lines, some of which include familiar faces from earlier levels, creating continuity that can enhance readers’ connections to the material. VERDICT This set not only solidifies essential reading skills but also encourages a deeper understanding of text through its thoughtful design and varied content.
 

BARKMAN, Rod & Gemma McMullen. I Am Big & The Map. illus. by Danielle Webster-Jones & Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888226599.
––––. It Is A… & Big Fin and Kid Ben. illus. by Danielle Webster-Jones & Farah Shah. ISBN 9798888226582.
McMullen, Gemma. The Mop & Dad at the Top. illus. by Jasmine Pointer. ISBN 9798888225752.
McMullen, Gemma & Rod Barkman. Tick Tock! & I Can Spot It. illus. by Jasmine Pointer. ISBN 9798888225769.
––––. The Tub of Bugs & A Big Kid. illus. by Farah Shah & Paula Ramos. ISBN 9798888226575.
Seretny, Rachel. Ron in the Mud & Ted and the Duck. illus. by Richard Bayley. ISBN 9798888226353.
Tennant, Georgie. In the Pit & Pop, Pop, Pop!illus. by Irene Renon. ISBN 9798888226339.
Twiddy, Robin & Rod Barkman. Ben Can Run & Sam Is Fun. illus. by Drue Rintoul & Paula Ramos. ISBN 9798888226568.
Tyler, Madeline. I Can Pat & Mom Sat, Dad Sat. illus. by Brandon Mattless. ISBN 9798888226322.
Wood, John. Pig Man & Tin Dog. illus. by Jasmine Pointer. ISBN 9798888226346.
ea vol: 32p. (Supersonic Phonics 1 Pink). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr $27.95.
PreS-K–In the first set in this series, the focus is on short vowels, consonants, and a couple of introductory blends and a digraph. The text has three to four words per page making it an appropriate level for ages three to five. The computer illustrated illustrations, odd titles, poorly executed text and story lines, and some grammatical nuisances, like including sentence fragments, lead to a disappointing set of beginning-practice decodables. One title that had a more inviting illustration style, The Tub of Bugs and A Big Kid, purported to focus on /l/ and /ll/ but there is not a single word in the entire text that includes a word with a double /ll/ at the end. It feels irresponsible to publish a decodable title that doesn’t match up to the alleged focus. VERDICT Compared to other series on the market, this one falls short.
 

Anthony, William. The Big Fan & Get Off!illus. by Gareth Liddington. ISBN 9798888225400.
––––. Kim the Boss & Less and Less. illus. by Danielle Webster-Jones. ISBN 9798888225394.
––––. POP! & Mom Has a Ban. illus. by Brandon Mattless. ISBN 9798888226414.
––––. Rick’s Gum & The Red Pot. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888225448.
Dufresne, Emilie. The Jazz Sax & Yum, Yum!illus. by Amy Li. ISBN 9798888226407
McMullen, Gemma & Robin Twiddy. The Picnic & Rick Gets It. illus. by Amy Li. ISBN 9798888226643.
Tennant, Georgie. In the Cot & Tim and Bill. illus. by Rosie Groom. ISBN 9798888226421.
Twiddy, Robin. Bed Bugs & Bad Hen. illus. by Amy Li. ISBN 9798888225424.
––––. Ben’s Bag & Hal Is Big. illus. by Silvia Nencini. ISBN 9798888226636.
––––. Can Bill Sell It? & Len in the Hot Sun. illus. by Danielle Webster-Jones. ISBN 9798888225431.
––––. Dip and Bop & Can Kim Fit?illus. by Gareth Liddington. ISBN 9798888225783.
––––. Ella and the Imp & Tap, Tap, Tap. illus. by Maia Batumashvili & Alex Dingley. ISBN 9798888226629.
––––. Get the Hat & Dad Has a Nap. illus. by Alex Dingley & Maia Batumashvili. ISBN 9798888226612
––––. Pop It in the Sack & Go, Ken, Go!illus. by Amy Li. ISBN 9798888225417.
Tyler, Madeline. No, Rin! & Bedtime. illus. by Danielle Webster-Jones. ISBN 9798888226438.
Tyler, Madeline & Robin Twiddy. Sam and Dot & A Troll and a Doll. illus. by Marcus Gray. ISBN 9798888225776.
ea vol: 32p. (Supersonic Phonics 2 Red). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr $27.95.
PreS-K–The second set in the “Supersonic Phonics” series may be one of the stronger sets of titles in the entire series. Readers are provided with additional practice activities like finger-tracing letters to build fine motor and pre-writing skills. There are a few practice words that align with the phoneme focus, and there are two stories in one, which is a clever format to entice emergent readers. Illustrations for the series titles are varied and diverse. The review skill is also aligned with the text. VERDICT This set features very simple stories with only a few words on each page, making it a “just right” practice book for this skill level.
 

Anthony, William. Gangsta Goat & The Big Moo. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888226551.
Gunasekara, Mignonne. A Quail in Jail & The Rain Is a Pain. illus. by Amy Li. ISBN 9798888225318.
––––. Thing Will Sing & King Biff and the Gong. illus. by Danielle Webster-Jones. ISBN 9798888225271.
––––. Toad on the Road & Zoom to the Moon. illus. by Danielle Webster-Jones. ISBN 9798888225387.
Holmes, Kirsty. Bonza the Monster & Sing! Sing! Sing!illus. by Drue Rintoul & Sean Chambers. ISBN 9798888226681.
––––. Fang & Quick! Run!illus. by Sean Chambers Jan Dolby. ISBN 9798888226674.
––––. The Goat and the Coat & Joan and the Big Sail. illus. by Jan Dolby & Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888226698.
––––. Max’s Fez & Is Willa Bad?illus. by Lynne Feng & Julita Smiarowska. ISBN 9798888226667.
Holmes, Kirsty & Robin Twiddy. I Am Izza & Chuck Is on a Quest. illus. by Lynne Feng & Amy Li. ISBN 9798888226704.
––––. Let’s See Jen & Pat Is Fed Up. illus. by Julita Smiarowska & Amy Li. ISBN 9798888226650.
Tennant, Georgie. The Checkup & The Fish and Chip Shop. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888225295.
––––. Dad Gets Fit & Jobs on a Jet. illus. by Rosie Groom. ISBN 9798888225301.
––––. The King and the Ship & The Quiz. illus. by Lynne Feng. ISBN 9798888226537.
––––. Mom Is Sick & Zap, Zap, Zap!illus. by Chris Cooper. ISBN 9798888226520.
––––. No Nap for Zack & Zack Gets Zapped. illus. by Lily Fossett. ISBN 9798888225288.
––––. Queen Gail Waits & Wait!illus. by Simona Hodonova. ISBN 9798888226544.
ea vol: 32p. (Supersonic Phonics 3 Yellow). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr $27.95.
PreS-1–One particularly effective feature of this set is that several of the books come in a “two stories in one” format, a clever design that gives readers more material to explore within the same book. This setup allows emergent readers to practice phonics skills while moving through different stories, enhancing their reading stamina and engagement. The content in this level feels slightly more polished than in other levels, with stronger humor and more cohesive plotlines, making it one of the stronger offerings in the series. Despite some of the broader issues with inconsistent phonics focus across the series, the third level manages to keep readers entertained and practicing essential phonics skills. VERDICT This level is best suited for readers looking for imaginative and quirky stories.
 

Dufresne, Emilie. Baboon on the Moon. illus. by Richard Bayley. ISBN 9798888225813.
––––. The Land in the Jar. illus. by Maia Batumashvili. ISBN 9798888226094.
––––. Lorna Starts Classes. illus. by Andrew Owens. ISBN 9798888225820.
––––. The Lurking Turnips. illus. by Kris Jones. ISBN 9798888225790.
––––. The Trolls in the Forest. illus. by Cassie Gregory. ISBN 9798888225806.
––––. The Wait for the Monster. illus. by Silvia Nencini. ISBN 9798888225837.
––––. The Zorbs’ Ears. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888226605.
Hibberd, Sophie. The Not-So-Fun Fair. illus. by Marcus Gray. ISBN 9798888226087.
Twiddy, Robin. Ow, Oi!illus. by Chris Cooper. ISBN 9798888226117.
Twyman, Kelby. Orla and Midnight Wing. illus. by Sandra Stalker. ISBN 9798888226100.
ea vol: 32p. (Supersonic Phonics 4 Blue). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr $27.95.
K-Gr 2–This set in the “Supersonic Phonics” series aims to help children practice phonemes through decodable stories, but it falls short in several areas. While each story has a phonetic focus, the story lines often feel forced and disjointed. For example, in The Lurking Turnips , the plot reveals that the protagonist is having a nightmare about everything turning into turnips, but the confusing visuals make it hard to follow, with similar-looking characters adding to the difficulty. Another story, Ow, Oi!, features a boy finding old socks that mysteriously say “ow” and “oi” when worn, leading to a strange sequence involving his family and a purple clown. The skill focus here is unclear, as the text combines vowel teams with short vowels, creating an inconsistent phonics progression. The Land in the Jar introduces the phonemes /igh/ and /ar/ which also feel poorly matched for practice together. The comprehension questions across the series are vague and don’t effectively reinforce the content. Although teacher tips are included to guide reading, the odd plots, confusing illustrations, and scattered phoneme scope make it challenging for educators to use effectively. VERDICT This set could confuse rather than support young readers in their phonics development.
 

Anthony, William. Abigail Toenail and the Clipper of Doom!illus. by Irene Renon. ISBN 9798888225080.
––––. The Fox and the Hen. illus. by Silvia Nencini. ISBN 9798888225066.
––––. A Holiday Gift. illus. by Maia Batumashvili. ISBN 9798888225059.
––––. The No-Kids Club. illus. by Rosie Groom. ISBN 9798888225073.
––––. Prawns at Dawn. illus. by Kris Jones. ISBN 9798888225097
Twiddy, Robin. The Big Chew. illus. by Marcus Gray. ISBN 9798888225127.
––––. Burt and His Bag of Dirt. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888225233.
––––. Do Not Feed the Cow Sprouts. illus. by Emre Karacan. ISBN 9798888225103.
––––. The Flute of... illus. by Irene Renon. ISBN 9798888225202.
––––. Not-So-New Mathew. illus. by Rosie Groom. ISBN 9798888225219.
––––. A Spot to Haunt. illus. by Danielle Webster-Jones. ISBN 9798888225226.
––––. A Toy for a Boy. illus. by Simona Hodonova. ISBN 9798888225110.
Tyler, Madeline. The Alphabet Is Missing. illus. by Richard Bayley. ISBN 9798888225172.
––––. The Cat’s Whiskers. illus. by Lynne Feng. ISBN 9798888225189.
––––. Helena the Fighter. illus. by Marianne Constable. ISBN 9798888225165.
––––. Lights in the Snow. illus. by Amy Li. ISBN 9798888225240.
––––. Montague and the Missing Statues. illus. by Eidvilė Viktorija Buožytė ISBN 9798888225196.
Wood, John. The Bot in Bede. illus. by Beth Barnett. ISBN 9798888225134.
––––. No Time for Bed. illus. by Eren Arpaci. ISBN 9798888225141
––––. Odd Gardeners. illus. by Kris Jones. ISBN 9798888225264.
––––. Stuck at Home with Jokes Malone. illus. by Chloe Jago. ISBN 9798888225158.
––––. The Wishing Starship. illus. by Simona Hodonova. ISBN 9798888225257.
ea vol: 32p. (Supersonic Phonics 4/5 Blue/Green). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr $27.95.
K-Gr 2–The stories and content in this set are fairly unstructured. While The Big Chew and its companion stories attempt to address the need for decodable books focusing on building phonemic awareness, the series is marred by awkward plots, confusing illustrations, and a lack of cohesion in the phonetic focus. The inclusion of teacher tips featuring questions to be asked before, during, and after reading is a nice feature but it is the same set of questions for each story, so none of the questions are specific to the narrative. Given the overall disjointed structure of the books, it may be challenging for educators to utilize these tips effectively. VERDICT With adjustments to the sequence, narrative clarity, and illustrations, this could better serve its purpose as a phonics practice tool.
 

Anthony, William. The Buzz Box. illus. by Danielle Webster-Jones. ISBN 9798888225868.
––––. The Food-Fest. illus. by Emre Karacan. ISBN 9798888225875.
––––. I Quit!illus. by Brandon Mattless. ISBN 9798888225851.
––––. Mom’s Tum. illus. by Maia Batumashvili. ISBN 9798888225899.
––––. The Queen’s Coat. illus. by Emily Cowling. ISBN 9798888225882.
––––. Thump, Bump, and Ping-Pong. illus. by Kris Jones. ISBN 9798888225844.
Dufresne, Emilie. The Night of the Elephants. illus. by Silvia Nencini. ISBN 9798888226186.
Vallepur, Shalini & Rachel Seretny. Ray Round and the Cloud Hunters. illus. by Simona Hodonova. ISBN 9798888226162.
Wood, John. I Am So Lost. illus. by Steph Burkett. ISBN 9798888226179.
Vallepur, Shalini. A Stew for the Crew. illus. by Rebecca Flitcroft. ISBN 9798888226193.
ea vol: 32p. (Supersonic Phonics 5 Green). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr $27.95.
K-Gr 2–The content, illustrations, and clarity of scope and sequence in this set is lacking. While some of the covers and titles are compelling, it’s clear upon digging into the text that the phonics targets are disorganized and disconnected from a logical flow. For example, in the title I Am So Lost, the target phonemes are /oy/ /ir/ /ay/ and /ea/. There is no rhyme or reason to why this group of phonemes are grouped together for practice, none of them are represented in the words of the title, and there are only one or two instances of words that include these phonemes in the text. This grouping contains a dipthong, an r-controlled vowel, a long /a/ vowel team, and a second vowel team that can make two distinct sounds. Other titles at this level are equally baffling. VERDICT This set in the series could not successfully support a developing reader in building accuracy, automaticity, and fluency without them potentially reaching a frustration point.
 

Anthony, William. My Turkey Is Blue. illus. by Irene Renon. ISBN 9798888226292.
––––. That’s Not True!illus. by Marianne Constable. ISBN 9798888226315.
Dufresne, Emilie. The Parts of the Pure Stone. illus. by Rachel Sawyer. ISBN 9798888226308.
Hibberd, Sophie. You Cannot Play with Us, Pete!illus. by Kris Jones. ISBN 9798888226285.
Vallepur, Shalini. The Elf with Ear Hair. illus. by Angelika Waigand. ISBN 9798888225943.
––––. The Enchanted Cornet. illus. by Andrew Heather. ISBN 9798888225929.
––––. The Monster Cookbook. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888225950.
––––. The Perfect Gown. illus. by Emily Cowling. ISBN 9798888225936.
––––. Sammy the Silly Hot Dog. illus. by Simona Hodonova. ISBN 9798888225905.
––––. Surfing Summer. illus. by Cassie Gregory. ISBN 9798888225912.
ea vol: 32p. (Supersonic Phonics 6 Orange). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr $27.95.
K-Gr 2–The sixth set in this series is disorganized and the phonics focus is not consistently featured in the text. For example, in Sammy the Silly Hot Dog the phonics focus highlighted is the long /o/ magic/silent e pattern and the long /u/ magic/silent e pattern. A word that follows that pattern is included a negligibly small number of times in the text, leaving the reader with scant opportunity to practice the targeted skill. As with some of the other titles in this series, the content and plotlines are absurd and unengaging. The comprehension questions don’t feel designed for kids to answer successfully and do not highlight the most important themes and takeaways of the books. VERDICT This series doesn’t deliver on what it promises.

Dufresne, Emilie. The Time Finders. illus. by Emre Karacan. ISBN 9798888226452.
Twiddy, Robin. The Big Sleep. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888226445.
––––. The Secret Cow Club. illus. by Andrew Owens. ISBN 9798888226469.
Tyler, Madeline. The Big Outdoor Adventure. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888225981.
––––. The Great Pie Lie. illus. by Eidvilė Viktorija Buožytė. ISBN 99798888226001.
––––. The Magic Pea. illus. by Margherita Borin. ISBN 9798888226018.
––––. Maud and the Big Witch Meet. illus. by Amy Li. ISBN 9798888225974.
––––. The Pirates of Oyster Bay. illus. by Ryo Arata. ISBN 9798888225998.
––––. Whitney’s Birthday Party. illus. by Ryo Arata. ISBN 9798888225967.
Vallepur, Shalini. Over the Rainbow. illus. by Chloe Jago. ISBN9798888226476.
ea vol: 32p. (Supersonic Phonics 7 Turquoise). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr $27.95.
K-Gr 2–This set in the “Supersonic Phonics” series shares many of the same flaws seen throughout the series. The writing is weak, with plotlines that lack a clear, logical sequence, making it difficult for young readers to stay engaged. The illustrations, though varied, come across as clunky and fail to elevate the reading experience. Additionally, while the text is categorized as decodable, it is not structured to provide the necessary 80–100 percent accuracy for effective phonics practice. As a result, emergent readers may struggle to build fluency and confidence. The text does not consistently align with targeted phonemes, which limits opportunities for focused practice. Although marketed for early readers, this level, like some others in the series, doesn’t fully deliver on its promise of supporting phonics development. VERDICT While these titles may appeal to some readers, the overall lack of cohesion in both content and phonics focus reduces its effectiveness as a decodable resource.
 

Anthony, William. Boring Rick and the Junk Factory Mystery. illus. by Kris Jones. ISBN 9798888225370.
––––. Have You Seen This Hamster?illus. by Amy Li. ISBN 9798888225363.
––––. The Tale Jail. illus. by Sasha Richards. ISBN 9798888225349.
Hibberd, Sophie. Chloe’s Adventure to Merlantis. illus. by Marianne Constable. ISBN 9798888226391.
Twiddy, Robin. The Cat That Grew and Grew. illus. by Angela Mayers. ISBN 9798888225356.
––––. The Thief Hunt. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888225325.
Vallepur, Shalini. The Little Painter. illus. by Irene Renon. ISBN 9798888226384.
––––. Top of the Mountain. illus. by Lynne Feng. ISBN 9798888226377.
Wood, John. The Dame of Faketown. illus. by Simona Hodonova. ISBN 9798888226025.
––––. The Fixer. illus. by Amy Li. ISBN 9798888226049.
––––. The Fridge Is Being Rude. illus. by Chloe Jago. ISBN 9798888226070
––––. Good Morning, Monster Town. illus. by Kris Jones. ISBN 9798888226056.
––––. A Message in Mashed Potato. illus. by Irene Renon. ISBN 9798888226063.
––––. Sir Squash. illus. by Emre Karacan. ISBN 9798888225332.
––––. The Smell That Wasn’t Funny. illus. by Simona Hodonova. ISBN 9798888226032.
––––. Treasure in the Toilet. illus. by Marcus Gray. ISBN 9798888226360.
ea vol: 32p. (Supersonic Phonics 8 Purple). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr $27.95.
Gr 1-3–The books in this set initially appear to focus on just one or two phonemes at a time, with some logic to how the phonemes were paired. But the problems present in some of the earlier sets in this series arise, including ill-conceived plotlines (including one about DVDs, which children are unlikely to be familiar with) and mismatched text and focus skills. For example, the title The Tale Jail should logically focus on the long /ai/ /a-e/ sound, but the front matter claims it focuses on /ea/. While the text does include words with the /ea/ phoneme, the title is misleading. The story line is one of the more engaging ones, about the “baddies” from well-known fairy tales being stuck in jail together. If the content and text were aligned with the phonics target, this could have been a winner. VERDICT Unfortunately, the titles at this level aren’t cutting the mustard.
 

Anthony, William. Professor Molebody’s Potato Panic. illus. by Amy Li. ISBN 9798888226131.
––––. Whatever. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888225615.
Benjamin, A.H. Flynn’s Fantastic Flight. illus. by Marcus Gray. ISBN 9798888225585.
Dufresne, Emilie. Chameleon Kid and the Shock: Lunch Is Served. illus. by Katy Jones. ISBN 9798888226155.
Gunasekara, Mignonne. The Bee Who Couldn’t Fly. illus. by Kris Jones. ISBN 9798888226124.
Holmes, Kirsty. Bawdy McPea’s Circus of Fleas. illus. by Rosie Groom. ISBN 9798888225608.
––––. First Kid on Mars. illus. by Brandon Mattless. ISBN 9798888225622.
––––. Riley Rye, Private Eye. illus. by Marianne Constable. ISBN 9798888225592.
––––. We Didn’t Mean to Go on a Voyage!illus. by Brandon Mattless. ISBN 9798888225578.
Mather, Charis. The Day the Wishing Well Went Dry. illus. by Lynne Feng. ISBN 9798888225509.
––––. The Knight Who Couldn’t See Where He Was Going. illus. by Eidvilė Viktorija Buožytė. ISBN 9798888225462.
––––. A Trogen Surprise. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888225486.
Redshaw, Hermione. Dad’s Dancing Decorators. illus. by Irene Renon. ISBN 9798888225493.
––––. The Scarecrows of Crowhill. illus. by Lily Fossett. ISBN 9798888225479.
––––. Stringstorm. illus. by Marianne Constable. ISBN 9798888225455.
Twiddy, Robin. Sally Comet and the Space Pirates. illus. by Richard Bayley. ISBN 9798888226148.
ea vol: 32p. (Supersonic Phonics 9 Gold). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr $27.95.
Gr 2-3–In the ninth set of this series, texts become increasingly engaging and begin to feel more like trade books. By this point, students will have mastered most of the syllable types needed to decode the majority of English words and they can use what they have learned to build independence and practice fluency and deeper comprehension. Some titles in this series span genres like fantasy, realistic fiction, and mystery, providing a range of options for a variety of readers. While some titles are better executed than others, the content as a whole feels more kid friendly. Comprehension questions at the end of the book include literal, inferential, and multiple-choice questions. Students will be more engaged with the content and therefore build stamina, making them better equipped to move towards reading chapter books and short fiction. VERDICT It remains unclear which specific phonics skills are being targeted here, and this set feels more like leveled readers than decodables, but are still worthwhile tools for building fluency, engagement, and stamina.
 

Anthony, William. Great Things. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888226483.
––––. A Town Made of Sweets. illus. by Maia Batumashvili. ISBN 9798888225684.
––––. You’ve Got to Be Calmer, Llama!illus. by Richard Bayley. ISBN 9798888225660.
Gunasekara, Mignonne. Dai the Spy. illus. by Emre Karacan. ISBN 9798888226506.
Holmes, Kirsty. I Really Do Have a Dragon!illus. by Silvia Nencini. ISBN 9798888225653.
––––. The Magic Button. illus. by Brandon Mattless. ISBN 9798888225677.
Twiddy, Robin. Power of the Grannies. illus. by Rosie Groom. ISBN 9798888226513.
Vallepur, Shalini. Parina and the Purple Giant. illus. by Brandon Mattless. ISBN 9798888226490.
––––. The Pine Pig. illus. by Abigail Hookham. ISBN 9798888225639.
––––. When Ozzy Ocelot Forgot. illus. by Rosie Groom. ISBN 9798888225646.
ea vol: 40p. (Supersonic Phonics 10 White). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr $28.55.
Gr 2-3–The 10th set of “Supersonic Phonics,” features a variety of animals as main characters in the stories. There’s a pig, an ocelot, a dragon, a llama, and a tiger. In keeping with the other sets in the series, many titles focus on fantasy, magic, and surprise. The variation in titles and illustration styles is engaging, with some stories being especially humorous and original. Power of the Grannies has a great cover, featuring a gang of grannies in leather jackets perched on motorcycles. VERDICT This set is one of the stronger ones in the series.
 

Anthony, William. The Cake That Wasn’t a Cake. illus. by Rosie Groom. ISBN 9798888226247.
Gunasekara, Mignonne. The Human Under My Bed & King for the Day. illus. by Irene Renon. ISBN 9798888225745.
––––. The Mysterious Key. illus. by Farah Shah. ISBN 9798888225738.
––––. The Shed. illus. by Chris Cooper. ISBN 9798888226254
Holmes, Kirsty. My Brother Is a Zombie!illus. by Richard Bayley. ISBN 9798888225707.
––––. Tiger Eyes. illus. by Drue Rintoul. ISBN 9798888225691.
Twiddy, Robin. Billy Swift Goes to Space School & Bears on the Brain. illus. by Emre Karacan. ISBN 9798888225721.
––––. Nathan Chase in Thunder Chase. illus. by Kris Jones. ISBN 9798888226278.
––––. Norman Normal: Day of the Gnomes. illus. by Kris Jones. ISBN 9798888225714.
Wood, John. This Story Has Gone Wrong. illus. by Irene Renon. ISBN 9798888226261.
ea vol: 48p. (Supersonic Phonics 11 Lime). Bearport. Aug. 2024. Tr $29.85.
Gr 2-3–The titles in the eleventh set of this series are categorized as decodable leveled readers, but neither label fully fits. At an average of 45 pages, these books feel like short readers, but they are not well-executed enough to compete with trade titles and lack the targeted phonics focus to be considered true decodables. If they are meant to be leveled readers, it would be helpful to explicitly state the reading level in the front matter for clarity. As with most titles in this phonics series, the content and illustrations are inconsistent. Many of the stories revolve around fantasy themes including monsters, trolls, gnomes, zombies, outer space, and superheroes, but these elements are often introduced in a disjointed way, leading to a confusing reading experience. Additionally, the end-of-book comprehension questions are sparse, with only five questions for these longer texts, making it difficult for early readers to maintain engagement. VERDICT Improvements in narrative structure and phonics focus would enhance its value.
 

Anderhagen, Anna. -at as in Cat. ISBN 9781098286828.
––––. -en as in Hen. ISBN 9781098286835.
––––. -ig as in Pig. ISBN 9781098286842.
––––. -og as in Dog. ISBN 9781098286859.
Luciow, Chelsey. -ug as in Bug. ISBN 9781098286866.
––––. -y as in Fly. ISBN 9781098286873.
ea vol: 24p. (Word Families). ABDO/Launch!. Aug. 2024. Tr $32.79.
PreS-Gr 1–This series focuses on word families featuring short vowels and CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) spelling patterns to reinforce early decoding skills while emphasizing onset and rime. Each cover is bright and cheerful, featuring die-cut photographs of animals that highlight the corresponding word family. The stories are simple yet engaging, offering themes that prompt inferential questions. For example, “Dog Jog” is a delightful and humorous story with sentences like “The dog jogs with clogs in the bog.” There’s plenty to discuss, thanks to the illustrations, which provide opportunities for making inferences and connecting to prior knowledge. The vocabulary and story structure are sophisticated, enhancing the reading experience. Each book introduces a new word family, allowing children to expand their understanding progressively. The practice activities before and after the stories are valuable for previewing and extending phonics knowledge. The varied sentence structures and inclusion of dialogue and different types of punctuation help readers enhance their understanding of text features. VERDICT A successful set for introducing word families.