Best Selling Books by Carl Sommer

Three boys grow up in the same drug-infested, gang-ruled, poverty-stricken neighborhood. Nelson becomes a successful doctor, his best friend Jesse, an award-winning architectural engineer, but Nelson’s brother Alvin ends up in jail. In this riveting tale, Nelson relates the story of their childhood, and how, with the love and guidance of his grandparents, they come upon valuable lessons on how against all odds to become successful. Featuring accounts from Benjamin Franklin, George Washington Carver, Helen Keller, and Abraham Lincoln, the boys are inspired by some of America’s greatest heroes. Although Alvin chooses differently, Nelson and Jesse are two friends who “Dare to Dream!” Virtues: Courage / Responsibility / Self-Discipline

"When a donkey, dog, cat, and a rooster become too old to be useful to their masters, they decide to find a new way to be of value to the community. The four friends learn that helping one another and a positive attitude reaps great rewards"--

A classic game of cops and robbers keeps Bob, Dot, and Dan on the run as this busy story unfolds. Detailed, colorful pictures illustrate the children and their neighborhood as they enjoy their game. A bushy-tailed squirrel adds wonderful context clues to accompany the narrative and dialogue in a fun-filled reading experience. Companion Reader 16 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

As a reward for winning the soccer championship, Davy is chosen “Mayor for a Day.” Tired of rules, Davy’s first official announcement as mayor, to the great delight of his friends, is the elimination of all rules for a day. What ensues is a rollicking and disastrous turn of events as order in school and the whole town breaks down and chaos reigns supreme. Davy finally saves the day. This fascinating story demonstrates the importance of rules at home, at school, and in society. Virtues: Citizenship / Civic Virtue / Respect for Law

Counting has never been so much fun! In I Can Count to 100, It''s Easy!, join the lovable Chippy Chipmunk on a cheerful journey through forests, farms, rivers, and seas. This interactive book helps children master counting from 1 to 100 with engaging prompts, vibrant visuals, and fun challenges. Chippy invites readers to identify animals, group numbers, and count by ones, fives, and tens—all while exploring different habitats and making new discoveries. Perfect for young learners, this book not only builds confidence in counting but also sharpens observation and critical thinking skills. Parents will appreciate how seamlessly it combines education with an entertaining story, making learning a joyous activity. Whether it’s counting forest animals or organizing sea creatures into groups, children will be captivated every step of the way. Packed with opportunities for hands-on engagement, I Can Count to 100, It''s Easy! is an essential addition to every child’s library. Dive in, count along, and let Chippy Chipmunk show your child just how fun math can be!

Combining heartwarming storytelling with practical lessons, How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur is a perfect read for kids and adults alike. Follow Hanna and Olivia as they turn compassion into action, launching a lemonade stand to help a classmate whose home was destroyed by fire. Along the way, they learn valuable principles like the Golden Rule, the importance of quality, honesty, and customer service, and how to inspire generosity in others. Packed with entrepreneurial tips and an uplifting message about making a difference, How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur is an inspiring guide for anyone dreaming of starting a business while helping their community.

To grow up to be big, little lions have to learn survival skills, but the cub Sangu doesn’t want to listen to Papa and Mama’s lessons—he just wants to play. Getting lost while escaping a charging rhino, Sangu learned how unprepared he really was to be out on his own. Befriended by some kind gazelles, Sangu didn’t have the slightest idea as to what a lion should be. After being taunted by his friends, Sangu finally learned to be assertive, to value learning, to listen to his parents, and to respect himself. Virtues: Self-Esteem / Respect for Parents / Assertiveness

This compelling story follows the journey of King Edward, who inherits a kingdom under attack and faces the burden of leadership. He builds walls, amasses an army, and creates a magnificent castle, but despite his worldly successes, he remains deeply unhappy. In his final days, a surprising encounter with his court jester leads him to a profound realization about the fleeting nature of material wealth and the eternal importance of preparing for the afterlife. Through repentance and faith in God, King Edward finds the peace he has long sought and shares this powerful message with his people. This tale of redemption, wisdom, and the pursuit of true joy will inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and the value of eternal preparation over temporary success.

Millie is convinced her parents and the world is unfair. With money stolen from her mother’s purse she runs away. Her dream comes true to do whatever she wants. But when her money runs out, things dramatically change.

On a hike in the mountains with their parents, Ed and Jill are excited to see a large buck drinking in the mountain stream. Careful to follow their parents’ instructions when walking on the rocks in the water, the brother and sister enjoy a happy day picnicking and feeding fish in this advanced reader. The lush colors of nature provide a beautiful backdrop as young readers master their new reading skills.

In Missy''s Big Wish, a little mouse named Missy wishes she could be anything but herself. Thinking her small size and big ears are problems, she dreams of becoming other animals—stronger, bigger, and more impressive. But each transformation brings unexpected troubles. Through this imaginative journey, Missy learns a valuable lesson: everyone has problems, and happiness comes from accepting and appreciating who you are. This heartwarming tale builds character and self-confidence in young readers.

Curiosity is at the heart of discovery, and Why? answers the questions that inquisitive minds ask every day. From understanding why seasons change to uncovering the mystery of why ice floats, this book blends science, nature, and life lessons to explain the world around us. Packed with fun facts and insightful explanations, it encourages readers to think critically, embrace their curiosity, and uncover the secrets of the universe, inspiring them to make the world a better place.

Christopher has big dreams—from avoiding school to inventing the first airmobile. He acquires a time remote, and it sends him quickly through life trying to avoid problems. When he discovers a new button, he’s engulfed in fear.

An adventure with a big rig engages the imaginations of new readers when Jill and Rick get a big surprise. The friendly man driving the big rig offers them to come inside the rig, as their father watches. Who hasn’t wanted to be in a big rig as it does its work? Perched high in the cab with the man, they get to see how he picks up large loads of dirt with the big scoop and drops them into a dump truck. This advanced easy reader uses repetitive phonic sounds and dialogue to enrich a child’s vocabulary and reading experience.

Everyone enjoys a spirited competition, but when the challenger is a big-headed braggart, it''s easy to cheer for the underdog or in this case, the under-tortoise. The colorful characters in this retelling of Aesop''s beloved fable will tickle the fancy of any child. The forest animals are beyond tired of Harry Hare''s boasting. So what if he is the fastest animal in the forest? Unfortunately, Teddy Tortoise is the only animal willing to race Harry Hare, but everyone knows that tortoises are not famous for their speed. What follows, illustrates the benefits that can come from having the courage to try. Readers will also gain a new appreciation for the saying, Slow and steady wins the race

After being attacked by a large rhino, Sangu, a fun-loving lion cub, gets lost. Some gazelles befriend him and teach him their ways. Sangu is a total misfit. Finally he discovers his true identity.

In this easy-to-follow tale for readers young and old, four friends set off on a fun-filled fishing trip. Kim and Nell are determined to catch the biggest fish, while Tim and Rick are sure they’ll win the day—until a soggy twist involving a big boot tips the scales. This lively adventure shows that sometimes, the best part of fishing isn’t just what you reel in—it’s the fun you share along the way.

Early readers will enjoy returning to the farm with Ted and Jan. This energetic story will appeal to a child’s adventurous spirit as Jan and Ted and their friends play soccer, chase escaping goats, feed goats and ponies, and go on pony rides. The vivacious, amusing illustrations encourage word mastery and reading skill. Target Reader 8 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

Teen Success in Career & Life Skills offers no-nonsense guidance to help young adults succeed academically, professionally, and personally. Written by Carl Sommer—a former U.S. Marine, educator, and business leader—this book blends real-world advice with inspiring stories and hard truths. It challenges teens to take responsibility, avoid destructive choices, and develop the character and grit needed to thrive in today’s fast-changing world. Packed with practical tips on education, career planning, finances, and leadership, this book is an empowering roadmap for teens who want to build a meaningful and successful life.

Children will enjoy the exciting game of baseball in this colorful story. When Jan proves she can hit a fastball, her friends are happy for her. With a combination of one- and two-syllable words with similar sounds, this advanced reader helps children build reading skill. Rich primary colors illuminate the outdoor scenes and add a nice incentive to follow the story.

In Davy Becomes Mayor, a young soccer star learns a powerful lesson about the importance of rules. After leading his team to victory, Davy is named “Mayor for a Day” and declares a day with no rules—only to see chaos quickly unfold. What starts as fun turns into disorder at school, danger in the streets, and trouble at home. This humorous and insightful story teaches children that rules exist for a reason: to keep life safe, fair, and joyful for everyone.

The beautiful princess is undecided about three handsome suitors. All three men behave perfectly in the princess’s presence: how can she tell their true characters? The king plans an unusual race to discover the best man to marry.

The richly colored illustrations in this book beautifully reflect the majesty of this timeless retelling of this ancient oriental fable. When an aging emperor begins the search for his successor, he wisely listens to an elderly advisor and creates a test to find a courageous boy of character and integrity. To choose a worthy successor, he gathers seven of the best students in the land and gives them each a seed to cultivate and return to the palace. Even with careful research and tending, Ming''s seed does not grow. While many urge him to use another seed, he refuses to be dishonest. When it is time to return the pots, six students display vibrant plants, but Ming''s pot is barren. Does Ming even have a chance to become the next emperor? This clever fable highlights the importance of honesty, courage, and integrity.

Step into the awe-inspiring universe of Enormous Stars! This captivating book introduces readers to the wonders of our sun, the star that gives life to Earth, and takes you on an adventure through the vastness of space to discover stars like the colossal UY Scuti, the largest star ever found. Learn why the sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west, how the Earth''s tilt causes seasons, and how life on Earth depends on the sun''s warmth and light. Explore the night sky and uncover the mysteries of stars—why they shine so brightly in rural areas but are harder to see in cities. Imagine the size of UY Scuti, so massive it could hold five billion of our suns, and marvel at the Milky Way, a galaxy filled with 100 billion stars stretching 100,000 light-years across. Whether you''re fascinated by the science of astronomy, the beauty of the night sky, or the sheer scale of the universe, Enormous Stars will inspire readers of all ages to look up and wonder.

When a cat grabs the rag Pat uses to help her father clean the van and runs away with it, Pat gets very upset. Pat and Nat chase the cat across the vibrant pages and introduce new words that sound alike in this early reader. Context clues guide young readers to experience the story as they learn to correlate sounds with letters or groups of letters and begin to read. Companion Reader 4 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

Life couldn’t have been better for Buzzie Bee. But she heard something that made her furious! Buzzie and the younger bees revolt and start a new hive. It’s a disaster! Then they make a great discovery.

An engaging story for children who like to play chase and hide-and-seek. This thoughtful tale reveals what the cat, the rat, and the dog think as they race to win, each using different strategies. Filled with spirited dialogue and colorful illustrations that promote a love of reading, this advanced early reader opens opportunities for parents to discuss helping others, finishing chores, and trying one’s best until the race is over.

Ken and his sister, Jen, catch redfish on a happy family fishing trip to the lake. Pastel colors create a summer day mood for this friendly story. Similar beginning and ending word sounds teach word recognition, and slightly longer sentences enhance children’s reading skills. Companion Reader 7 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

Bright photos take children right to the fields, where they see adults and children working together to grow food, and pique their curiosity. Did you know carrots aren’t all orange? Where do French fries come from? Appropriate for children of all ages who return to the book again and again as they learn to read. Advanced early readers recognize many of the words and add new ones to grow their reading skills. Our Amazing World Series, Advanced, nonfiction books, filled with fun facts, stimulate a child’s enthusiasm to learn about the world around them.

Introduce your little one to the wonderful world of numbers with My First Book of Numbers. This beautifully illustrated book combines vibrant, engaging images with easy-to-read sentences, creating a captivating learning experience for young children. Each number is paired with fun visuals—from a butterfly in flight to children playing—making counting an interactive and joyful journey. Perfect for early learners, this book not only helps children recognize numbers from 1 to 10 but also encourages them to associate each number with real-life scenarios. Parents will love how it lays the foundation for number sense in a way that feels more like play than learning. Whether you’re looking to inspire curiosity or simply share a special reading moment, My First Book of Numbers is the ideal tool to foster a lifelong love of numbers and counting!

Embark on a thrilling journey of discovery with Exploring the World, a captivating book that takes readers of all ages from the depths of the oceans to the far reaches of the galaxy. Dive into the fascinating lives of fish, marvel at the diversity of flowering plants, and uncover the hidden wonders of microscopic worlds. Learn about the mysteries of distant stars through telescopes, the strength of ants in their colonies, and the surprising seashells atop Mount Everest. Whether you''re exploring a zoo, an aquarium, or the vast resources of a library, this book invites you to uncover the incredible secrets of our planet and beyond. Perfect for budding explorers and curious minds, it celebrates the wonders that surround us every day.

In Why Are You Always Late?, Telling Time, join Louis, the Comets’ best soccer player, as he overcomes a secret challenge that’s been holding him back: he can’t tell time. Constantly arriving late to games, Louis faces frustration from his teammates—until Billy, a kindhearted teammate, steps in to help. Through Billy’s patient teaching, Louis learns how to read analog and digital clocks, count minutes, and master the concept of time. As Louis gains confidence, he begins to shine even brighter on the soccer field, incorporating the special tricks his father taught him. The bond between Louis and Billy deepens as they support one another, with Louis teaching Billy soccer moves in return. Their teamwork not only transforms Louis’s punctuality but also helps the Comets win the championship game. Packed with heartwarming lessons about friendship, perseverance, and self-improvement, this story also introduces the fundamentals of telling time in a way that’s relatable and easy to understand. Why Are You Always Late?, Telling Time is perfect for parents and kids who want to make learning time fun while exploring the value of teamwork and kindness.

This spirited story introduces the concept of teamwork, an important skill for children to learn. With similar sounding names, friends gather supplies to play soccer, divide into teams, and then play in the park. The colorful illustrations appeal to a child’s playfulness and encourage interest in word mastery and reading success. The emotional faces of the winners and losers foster discussions of teamwork and appropriate game behavior.

Our Amazing World introduces young children to fascinating nonfiction ideas about large land animals using simple, clear language. Remarkable close-up photos and fun concepts compare the size of a little boy to the weight of a polar bear and the height of a giraffe. Advanced early readers know many of the words in the main facts under each picture, making for a pleasant reading experience. This informative book stimulates wonderful conversations with children and is a reference they will use for years to come.

In this story, Super Math visits Mrs. Williams'' classroom to teach the children how to tell time. He explains how to read the hour and minute hands on analog clocks and guides the class through several exercises, including identifying times like o''clock, half-past, and quarter-past. The students also practice calculating the time between clocks. Super Math concludes the lesson with the story of The Ant and the Grasshopper, teaching the importance of balancing work and play. The children learn both time-telling skills and a valuable life lesson.

Explore the extraordinary lives of Emperor Penguins in Penguins, a heartwarming and informative book about these fascinating birds that thrive in the icy wilderness. Learn how penguins form tight-knit groups to stay warm and how dedicated fathers care for eggs and chicks while mothers hunt for food. Discover their impressive swimming skills, using their white bellies and black backs for camouflage to evade predators and catch fish in freezing waters. Marvel at how baby penguins grow from fluffy brown chicks into sleek, graceful adults, all while staying close to their families through unique vocal calls. From sliding across the ice on their bellies to diving into the depths of the ocean, Penguins showcases the strength, resilience, and teamwork of these incredible birds. Perfect for animal enthusiasts of all ages, this book brings the frozen world of penguins to life.

The bear cubs Stubby and Prissy can’t seem to agree on anything—not even on who should close the door while playing a game. Disgusted, their forest friends walk out because of their bickering. The cubs finally decide to settle the issue with a most outrageous game of “You move, you lose.” However, two raccoon burglars show up for an unforgettable game of their own.When a wolf chases a little kitten, their stubbornness is tested to the limit. Stubby declares victory, but he soon realizes that the true winner is his sister Prissy. Stubby and Prissy finally learn the folly of stubbornness and the importance of friendship. Virtues: Tolerance / Friendship / Cooperation

"When Leo the lion spares the life of Bitsie the mouse, Bitsie promises to return the favor someday. The lion roars with laughter at her. But everything changes when he''s caught in a hunter''s trap and Bitsie''s bravery rescues him"--