Most Popular Books by Carl Sommer

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

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.

Spike the Troublemaker makes his mark by bullying the area kids, pulling girls’ hair, tripping kids, tattling, and hurting others. But his plan of bullying backfires when he’s caught by one of his own traps

"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"--

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

Take a journey around The World in this engaging and educational book that introduces readers to the Earth’s geography, features, and the wonders of how our planet works. Explore the seven continents, learn about rainforests and deserts, and discover the diverse animals that call these environments home. Satellite images show Earth’s natural beauty, from icy poles to lush green forests and expansive deserts. Through maps, globes, and compasses, readers gain an understanding of directions and navigation, essential for exploring the world and even driving. Learn how the Earth’s rotation creates the illusion of the sun moving across the sky and how time zones vary across the globe, affecting international connections. With vivid imagery and simple explanations, The World inspires curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the planet we all share, making it perfect for both kids and adults eager to learn more about their home.

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

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!

Majestic settings provide the perfect backdrop for the vibrant photos of ranch life. This inviting book from Our Amazing World Series, Advanced, entices young children who are mesmerized by cowboys, cowgirls, and horses to visit the wide, wonderful world of nonfiction. Advanced early readers appreciate reading about life on the ranch using words they recognize in the fun facts and mastering some ranch words such as lasso, corral, and longhorn.

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.

A soccer ball accidently hits Dan’s cat as Jan and Dan play, which instigates a series of unfortunate events. The angry cat with muddy paws perches on the neighbor’s clean van and upsets him. Dan rushes to get his cat off the van and trips over a bucket, spilling the water. No one is hurt in this advanced easy reader, but the story opens multiple discussion points, including dealing with upset pets and people.

Give a child a pot and a spoon and music beckons. Mom gave Dot a mop to clean the floor and Bob a pot to wash, but they discover there is a lot of banging and hopping to do before they settle to do the jobs. A lifelike, fun story engages early readers with cheerful illustrations and easy-to-master beginning and ending word sounds that encourage a love of reading. Companion Reader 13 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

Pat learns an important lesson that children can relate to when she doesn’t put her pretty hat where it belongs. Pat’s cat finds the soft hat on its favorite chair and curls up on top of it, which upsets the little girl. The bold colors in the illustrations in this book light up the advanced easy reader, and the storyline blends new words and easy one-syllable words into longer sentences to guide children to reading success. This advanced reader contains excellent parent and child discussion points on responsibility and anger.

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.

Teddy is a grumpy bear cub. Even though he comes from a loving family, along the way he lost his smile. He doesn''t enjoy any of the things that usually make children happy, such as playing baseball, riding a bike, taking rides at Playland, and swimming. Teddy tries real hard to find his smile, but nothing works until he asks Grandpa, who shares some surprising advice. Teddy can''t understand how making others happy will help, but he’s willing to try. He starts doing helpful things for his family and friends at school. Teddy’s life is transformed. As this moving story unfolds, Teddy discovers the joy that comes from helping others. Virtues: Caring / Cheerfulness / Citizenship

Machines shape the world we live in, and World of Machining delves into the tools and technologies that make it possible. From traditional lathes to CNC systems, laser cutters, and 3D printers, readers will explore how these machines transform materials into precision-engineered products. This book highlights the incredible accuracy of wire EDMs, the versatility of water jets, and the revolutionary potential of 3D printing in medicine. With engaging explanations and real-world connections, it celebrates the creativity and innovation driving modern manufacturing.

Rockets are a high-interest, exciting topic for readers of all ages, and an excellent way to engage young children in the awesome world of nonfiction. Our Amazing World features rockets in impressive photos complemented by fun facts about astronauts and rockets to stimulate lively discussions with children. What do they eat in space? Can I go on a spaceship one day? Wouldn’t it be fun to float around!

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.

A classic game of cops and robbers keeps a group of friends on the run in this advanced reader. Detailed, colorful pictures illustrate the children playing in their neighborhood. This motivational book tells the story with creative narrative and dialogue that make for a fun reading experience, and it includes a subtle reminder to finish a job before playing.

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.

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.

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.

This exciting beginning reader shows Sam and his friends in a rollicking chase to catch a misbehaving cat. The words in the story teach children to recognize beginning and ending sounds, as they learn to recognize words with similar sounds. Brightly illustrated pages illuminate the narrative, encouraging children to use the picture and context clues to follow the story. The misbehaving cat offers opportunities for parents to discuss positive ways to deal with an upset friend. Target Reader 3 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

A family camping trip brings readers along for a fun-filled adventure in the mountains. From Our Amazing World, this irresistible early reader uses simple words plus a few word surprises like marshmallows to encourage young readers to discover our world. Introducing young children to the joys of nonfiction books that include pictures of other children leads to an interest in life-long learning.

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.

Two persnickety mice, Marcus and Marcella, keep complaining about the noisy forest animals and the hard work they have to do every day in searching for food. They become very excited when a chipmunk tells them about a quiet farmhouse with lots of good food. In spite of warnings from the forest animals, they immediately move to the farm. Their dreams come true. But their wonderful life comes to an abrupt end when the farmer and his wife come home to their unwelcome guests. After barely escaping with their lives, Marcus and Marcella quickly return to their forest home. They learn to appreciate that even with all the noise and hard work, the forest is a wonderful place to live. Virtues: Tolerance/Friendship/Appreciation

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.

In this heartfelt story, Jill and Nick enjoy playing with their beloved pet dog, Sig. After Jill accidently kicks the ball into the goat pen, the brave Sig jumps the fence to retrieve it. Sig doesn’t see the angry goat, and it butts him with its head. Jill and Nick go with their father to take Sig to the vet for treatment. Colorful illustrations add realism to this advanced easy reader as Jill and Nick worry about Sig and then get happy faces when Sig will be fine. The family-friendly story provides an opportunity for parents to discuss a veterinarian’s work.

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.

Soft, fluffy chicks are adorable, but where do they live and what are their parents like? This charming book filled with color-rich photos from Our Amazing World Series, Advanced, acquaints children with the wonderful world of nonfiction by examining the life cycle of chickens from egg to adulthood. Advanced early readers enjoy reading the uncomplicated narrative and growing their vocabulary with new words such as rooster.

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.

This timeless story is about the joy of a family fishing trip and the frustration of sibling rivalry. A creative, fun early reader, it includes plenty of one-syllable words with similar sounds, making it an enjoyable experience for a child learning to read. The lush colors of the water scenes coupled with the facial expressions of the characters leave no doubt that Kim and her mother are enjoying the fishing trip more than Tim and his father. The story is a good opportunity for parents to discuss jealousy and trying your best without holding a grudge in competitions. Target Reader 12 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.

In this playful family adventure, Rick and Jan’s family drive to their mountain cabin to go biking and swimming. Crisp, bright illustrations with sparkling blue water, lush green forests, and glowing fish and ducks create an enchanting experience for early readers, including underwater scenes. One and two-syllable words and lighthearted dialogue motivate early readers to explore their reading skills and reinforce having fun with their parents.

This engaging book from Our Amazing World Series, Advanced, takes children on an underwater journey through exquisite close-up photographs and illustrations. The world’s oceans are home to amazing animals outfitted in gorgeous colors while others are almost transparent. This book is a marvelous introduction to nonfiction for advanced early readers. Children will boost their reading confidence by recognizing many of the words and learning to combine familiar words into compound ones such as newborn, seaweed, and lionfish.

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.

Zig, the rascally monkey, creates hilarious chaos when he teams up with Vick, the farm dog, in this advanced early reader. Ken and his sister, Jill, are helping their grandparents by feeding the goats and ducks, but their pet, Zig, and Vick have other ideas. Warm colors in the delightfully detailed illustrations encourage giggles to bubble up as youngsters follow the story. Easy to sound words and simple sentences create a comfortable and fun reading experience.

"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"--