Most Popular Books by Carl Sommer

Nell makes and flies a paper airplane, setting off a series of unexpected events in a hilarious story that reminds children of their experiences with accidents. In this advanced easy reader, the well-illustrated expressions on the red hen’s face leave no doubt she is upset. The events open opportunities to teach children to build a paper airplane and discussion points about accidents and ways to make pets feel better when scared.

Discover the importance of honesty and teamwork in Who Took My Acorns? Addition and Subtraction. In this heartwarming tale, Missy the squirrel works tirelessly to gather a stash of her favorite giant acorns for the winter, only to find them mysteriously disappearing one by one. Meanwhile, a curious family of chipmunks, led by Teddy, stumbles upon the acorns and mistakenly thinks the nest is abandoned. As the chipmunks eagerly take the acorns to surprise their parents, they learn valuable lessons about the consequences of their actions and the importance of making things right. Through the help of simple addition and subtraction, the story brings math to life, showing how numbers play a role in Missy’s counting and the chipmunks’ act of returning what doesn’t belong to them. This delightful book blends engaging storytelling with practical math concepts, helping children understand addition and subtraction in a fun and relatable way. Parents will appreciate the moral lessons of kindness and honesty, while kids will love the charming forest adventure. Who Took My Acorns? Addition and Subtraction is the perfect book to teach math skills while inspiring positive values!

In a thought-provoking comparison of old and new farming techniques, Our Amazing World Series, Advanced, brings history and young children together in a beautiful book. Learning the history of the world around them is an important part of a child’s education and inspires critical thinking. The family-friendly photos arouse their curiosity to read the narrative and discover the fun facts appended to each.

Zig, Ken, Jill, and Zig their pet monkey, are off for a fabulous family mountain hike. As usual, Zig, creates mayhem trying to make friends with a group of skunks and tries to jump on the back of a large deer for a ride, but he redeems himself when he saves Jill from a big bug. The exceptionally well-illustrated facial expressions of these fanciful characters and other wildlife in this adventurous tale provides an excellent opportunity for parents to discuss the joy of family time as their early readers master more advanced reading skills.

Resilience, determination, and the willingness to learn are keys to overcoming obstacles, as highlighted in Success: Elephant Ears and Eagle Eyes. Through the inspiring stories of Abraham Lincoln, Helen Keller, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington Carver, readers learn the importance of listening, observing, and persevering. This motivational book emphasizes the value of mentorship, self-discipline, and staying focused on one’s goals, making it an empowering guide for readers of all ages striving for success.

In this story, Super Math teaches the class how science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are used in everyday life to create products like cars, buildings, and robots. He explains how engineers and mechanics rely on math for design, safety, and production, from electrical systems to robotics and airplanes. Super Math encourages students to stay teachable and persevere in learning math for future success. He shares the motivational story The Eagle and the Chickens, reminding them to ignore discouragement and aim high, just like the eagle who learned to fly.

In this story, Super Math visits Mr. Smith's classroom to teach students how to subtract two-digit numbers up to 100. He guides the class through various subtraction problems using different tools like rods, units, cylinders, and dominoes, emphasizing the importance of understanding place value. Super Math encourages the students to practice consistently to improve their math skills. The class also plays "Math Bingo," where students use cards to perform addition and subtraction. Super Math concludes with a lesson on the value of working before playing, sharing a story about two families and the consequences of procrastination.

Bob and Dot return and ride their bikes at the boat dock with their parents. Detailed, rich illustrations depict Bob and Dot using safety practices such as life jackets and locks for their bikes, and having fun learning about fish, feeding seagulls, and taking an exciting speedboat ride. Similar sounding words and longer sentences that build on previous stories in the Sommer advanced series create a fun-filled learning experience for the early reader and support the importance of exercise for a healthy lifestyle.

Missy the mouse has a very big problem—she hates the way she looks! If only she were as big and beautiful as Horace the cat, then all her problems would be gone.One day, while being chased by Horace, the incredible happens. Missy’s wish comes true! She turns into a cat—not just any cat, but the biggest and most beautiful cat in the whole world. But she quickly discovers that cats have problems with dogs. As Missy wishes herself into becoming bigger and stronger creatures, she finally discovers that everyone has problems and learns to accept herself for who she is. Grades K-4.Virtues: Self-Esteem / Trust / Cheerfulness

The world’s oceans are home to amazing animals that wear gorgeous colors, as well as animals that are almost transparent or the color of the sand on the bottom of the ocean. This dazzling book from Our Amazing World takes youngsters on an enchanting underwater trip through exquisite close-up photographs with complementary fun facts. The book will fascinate children as they learn to read.

Children return to this beautiful book repeatedly to learn more about the mammoth beauties of the sea. Did you know an octopus can change its color and the texture of its skin or that sunfish lay millions of eggs? Advanced early readers recognize words they know in this exceptional nonfiction book from Our Amazing World Series, Advanced, and are motivated to add new words to their vocabulary, such as plankton and tongue, as well as explore combinations from words they know like sun and fish (sunfish) and blue and fin (bluefin).

When Ted and Jan take a trip to the farm, their pet dog, Jed, goes with them. Havoc ensues, as Jed tosses his food around in the car and chases the chickens at the farm. Detailed, brightly colored illustrations lead new readers through the lively story with context clues. Similar beginning and ending word sounds that teach word recognition, and a few longer sentences begin to build children’s reading skills. Target Reader 7 is part of Phonics Adventure's systematic, leveled reading program.

Jill and Nick with their new red baseball caps return. When the two friends arrive for ball practice, their friends laugh at them for wearing hats. But when Jill and Nick surprise the team by catching balls with their caps, the whole team rushes to get one. Walking back to the ball field, the team sees an oak tree loaded with acorns, and they discover their new caps are perfect for holding acorns. This advanced early reader offers excellent opportunities for parents to discuss how learning new things can be beneficial.

A pleasant family fishing trip at the lake incorporates words with basic phonic sounds and introduces a word that begins with the rarely seen letter Q. Ken and his sister, Jen, both catch large redfish and Dad happily scoops them up with a large net. Similar phonic word sounds promote word recognition, and slightly longer sentences build reading skills in the advanced reader.

In this warm tale of friends on a baseball team, Nick and Jill arrive for ball practice wearing their new caps only to have their friends scoff at them. When they demonstrate their new skill at catching the ball using their caps, the team rushes off to buy caps of their own. Returning to play ball, they discover a tree loaded with nuts and stop to gather them, discovering baseball caps are also perfect for holding nuts. This adorable story builds on word sound mastery and reading skills. Target Reader 10 is part of Phonics Adventure's systematic, leveled reading program.

In this entertaining new take on the classic tale, the time comes for Dozy, Pokey, and Hardy to strike out on their own. Warned by their parents to build sturdy houses to protect themselves from the big, bad wolf, Dozey and Pokey ignore their parents’ advice and build flimsy houses. But Hardy is different; he listens, works hard, and builds a strong house.When the big, bad wolf appears, the story takes a unique twist. Hardy turns hero and his well-spent time researching saves the day. In the end, all three little pigs come to appreciate the wisdom of listening to your parents, not taking short cuts, and working hard. Virtues: Diligence / Proper Work Ethic / Self-Discipline

Nicholas, a bored teenager, had to spend long hours watching his family’s sheep. To break the boredom he dreamed of ways to have fun. His practical jokes caused him to suffer loss, but it also opened his eyes.

Even though Randy is much loved at home, he has a serious problem—everything he has is old! His rich neighbor Mike, who often teases Randy, has a new bike, new toys, and never does chores. Randy, however, rides an old bike, has old toys, and has to do all kinds of work around the house. Though Randy is often reminded that “things don’t bring happiness,” he desperately wishes he could be rich so he could buy everything new.To Randy’s great delight, his wish comes true. Everything he touches turns into gold, even his beloved dog. As he holds his lifeless gold dog, he realizes he’s the most miserable kid in the world. Remembering he has one more wish, he uses it to return things as they were before. His wish comes true, and he becomes the richest poor kid.Virtues: Appreciation / Cheerfulness / Trust

When a tiny, yellow egg appears on the scene, three friends, Speckles the spider, Crumbs the cricket, and Annie the ant, aren’t sure what to think. But when Katy the caterpillar appears, Speckles and Crumbs think the caterpillar is much too ugly to be their friend. Only Annie the ant looks past the caterpillar’s funny shape and makes friends with Katy. As Katy the caterpillar begins her strange transformation into a beautiful butterfly, Annie is shocked and amazed. This educational and beautifully illustrated story shows the true meaning of beauty and friendship and the pitfalls of judging others by their appearances. Virtues: Respect for Others / Kindness / Friendship

This is a family-friendly fishing expedition for advanced early readers. Rambunctious Bob ignores his father’s cautions about walking on the jetty, takes a big hop on a rock, and falls. Fortunately, he isn’t hurt. The cheerful, bright illustrations encourage young readers to follow the story and explore new word sounds. The story opens discussion points about listening and following instructions.

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 Tres niños crecen en el mismo vecindario infestado de drogas, gobernado por pandillas y empobrecido. Nelson se convierte en un médico exitoso, su mejor amigo Jesse, en un galardonado ingeniero civil, pero el hermano de Nelson, Alvin, termina en la cárcel.

In a creative imaginary world, this fun story unfolds with easy-to-pronounce words, assisting children in development of word recognition. Ben and Nell’s pet monkey, Bell, misbehaves on the plane trip to visit their grandparents. Bell continues his bad behavior when riding horses on the farm, making for funny situations that children will love. The colorful illustrations and exciting adventures will encourage children to read. Target Reader 5 is part of Phonics Adventure's systematic, leveled reading program.

In Bitsie desperate attempt to provide for the necessities of life, she encounters the King of the Forest. The table gets turned and only one tiny creature comes to the rescue.

Mama duck is sitting in the nest and Papa duck is nearby waiting for the eggs to hatch into fluffy ducklings in this lovely introduction to nonfiction from Our Amazing World. An enchanting look inside the mallard home is shared through aquatic photos, rich with detail and ready for a curious child’s questions and comments. The babies are swimming!

In a lovely introduction to nonfiction, children learn the life cycle of mallard ducks. The story of the mallard duck is brought to life through aquatic photos rich in detail from Our Amazing World Series, Advanced. The book takes young readers inside the mallard’s habitat. Advanced early readers build fluency in literacy skills as they explore this enchanting book about ducks.

Animals of all sizes fascinate children. Our Amazing World’s arctic animals, written especially for younger children, is a great way for children to begin learning about these magnificent animals. This book features crisp photos of arctic animals in their natural habitats and fun facts that will stimulate a child’s curiosity and prompt enjoyable conversations.

Stephanie witnesses the deterioration of her inner-city neighborhood and school. There are gangs and violence on the street, and chaos in the school. Stephanie decides to “light her candle” against the darkness. After convincing her two friends, they begin with one simple act of kindness. Next, they recruit their parents and neighbors to join them in the difficult task of cleaning up their street and bringing order to their school. Follow this heartwarming story of how one girl’s determination and passion to do good, sparks a “Light Your Candle” crusade that transforms an entire community. Virtues: Citizenship / Caring / Community Service

In this engaging and educational story, Joy teams up with the alphabet letters to help children learn the importance of vowels and their sounds. The vowels—A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y—unite to teach both their short and long sounds through fun examples and mini-stories. As they explore words like "apple" and "ape," "igloo" and "ice cream," young readers discover how vowels are essential in nearly every word. The letters also demonstrate how "Y" can act as a vowel with sounds like "happy" or "fly." Filled with interactive dialogues and cheerful cooperation, the story celebrates the joy of learning and shows how working together makes education exciting and memorable.

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 Para crecer y ser grandes, los leones pequeños tienen que aprender habilidades de supervivencia, pero Sangu no quiere escuchar. Después de perderse, algunas gacelas se hacen amigas de él y le enseñan su forma de vida. Después de muchas decepciones, Sangu finalmente aprende a aceptarse a sí mismo.

Animals fascinate children, who enjoy learning about what they eat and how they live. Our Amazing World Series, Advanced, introduces the excitement of Arctic animals to young children through interesting nonfiction concepts. In this book, with crystal-clear, up-close-and-personal photos of Arctic animals, children get to know these unique animals. Advanced early readers will recognize many of the words in the narrative and delight in adding new words to their vocabularies, including the names of the animals.

Teased by their friends that no one will ever know, Johnny and Janie ignore their parents' warnings about the big, bad wolf. Wanting big, delicious acorns at Mr. Smith’s farm, they and their friends hatch a plan to sneak out of their homes during the night. They can’t wait to feast on the delicious acorns from Mr. Smith’s farm.The young squirrels’ moon-lit adventure and delightful meal suddenly ends when a very hungry wolf chases them. Barely escaping with their lives, the young squirrels learn to disobey is wrong even when you think no one will ever know. Virtues: Honesty / Respect for Parents / Trust Ignorando las reglas, cuatro jóvenes ardillas escuchan a sus amigos y se escabullen para comer bellotas grandes y deliciosas. Pero surgen problemas cuando se encuentran con un lobo hambriento. Apenas escapando con sus vidas, las ardillas aprenden que desobedecer está mal incluso cuando crees que nadie lo sabrá nunca.

Join Joy and the alphabet letters in this delightful story as they teach children how to read by blending letter sounds. After successfully helping kids learn individual letter sounds, the letters decide to create words and sentences to make reading more accessible. Through engaging examples and interactive lessons, Joy and the letters introduce word families like "at" and "an," demonstrating how adding different consonants can form new words such as "bat," "cat," "rat," "ran," "Dan," and "van." As the children practice blending sounds and reading simple sentences, they become excited and confident readers. The story emphasizes perseverance and encourages young learners to keep trying, making reading a fun and rewarding experience.

Kim and Tim return for another boating adventure where the family goes on a fishing trip. A creative advanced early reader packed with lively dialogue and plenty of words with similar sounds produce an enjoyable reading experience. 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 doing your best without holding a grudge if you don’t win.

Did you know orangutans are seven times stronger than humans or that a sloth can stick out its tongue up to 12 inches? Learn these and other fun jungle animal facts from Our Amazing World Series, Advanced, a nonfiction book dedicated to children. The powerful photos in this captivating book feature animals in their natural habitats. Basic words known by advanced early readers make for a comfortable reading experience and entice curious readers to master new words toward independent reading.

Tombo the tadpole declares himself King of the Pond. He brags that he’s the biggest, the fastest, and the strongest tadpole, and he teases and chases all the other tadpoles. But one day while showing off doing a triple flip, Tombo’s life takes a major turn. He’s captured by a boy and taken from his lush pond to a fish tank. There Tombo is fed dry fish flakes, a food he despises.When Tombo turns into a frog, the boy releases him back into his pond. Tombo discovers that he’s no longer the biggest and fastest. It’s then he discovers something much more important than being King of the Pond. Explore the themes of bullying, friendship, and forgiveness in this beautifully illustrated story. Grades K-4.Virtues: Respect for Others / Forgiveness / Sportsmanship Tombo, el renacuajo, se declara Rey del Estanque. Se jacta de ser el renacuajo más grande, el más rápido y el más fuerte, y molesta y persigue a todos los otros renacuajos. Tombo finalmente descubre que tener amigos es mejor que ser el Rey del Estanque.

Join Joy the bluebird in this enchanting story where she helps the sad alphabet letters find happiness by uniting to form words. Realizing that they need to make friends and work together, the letters team up to create words and sentences, bringing joy to children learning to read. As they form words like "cat," "hen," and "fish," and even craft short stories, the letters discover that helping others learn makes them happy too. This delightful tale celebrates friendship, cooperation, and the magic of learning, showing young readers how working together can bring joy to everyone involved.

In this story, Super Math arrives in Mr. Johnson's classroom to teach the children subtraction. He explains subtraction as "taking apart" and leads the class through several subtraction problems using animals, dice, and cards. Super Math emphasizes the importance of practicing subtraction to become successful in math and life. The students also play "Math War: Subtraction," a game to make learning fun. Alongside math, Super Math shares a motivational story from Carl Sommer's book Dare to Dream, encouraging the children to make wise choices and dream big for their futures. The class ends with everyone shouting, "DARE TO DREAM!"

Engines power the world, and their fascinating mechanics come to life in Internal and External Combustion Engines. From the intermittent combustion of gasoline and diesel engines to the continuous combustion in jets and rockets, this book explains how heated gases create motion for vehicles, aircraft, and spacecraft. Readers will learn how jet engines generate thrust, why diesel engines are ideal for heavy-duty trucks, and how rockets carry their own oxidizers to reach space. It also delves into external combustion engines, such as steam locomotives and power plants, inspiring readers to imagine their contributions to science and engineering.

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.

The national educational crisis can be solved by practical yet inexpensive methods, according to Carl Sommer. Shortly after becoming a high school teacher, he found serious limitations with the education his students received. He probed into the reasons why some schools were successful, even among traditionally low-achieving children, while so many others failed to provide students with a proper education. He interviewed parents, students, teachers, assistant principals, and principals. For 10 years he researched to find solutions for the problems facing American education. One basic reason for the massive educational decline, Sommer believes, is that many administrators have embraced progressive policies, such as: not encouraging reasonable educational standards for both students and teachers, lack of concern over students' deficiency in the basics, and permitting unqualified children to advance automatically from grade to grade.