New Releases by Carl Sommer

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.

Discover the incredible world of honey bees in Honey Bees, a fascinating book that explores these hardworking insects and their essential role in nature. Learn how honey bees pollinate 80% of the world’s crops, helping plants like apples, sunflowers, and almonds grow and thrive. Dive into the structure of a hive, where bees build hexagonal honeycombs to store honey and beeswax. Meet the queen bee, who lays up to 3,000 eggs a day, the male drones whose sole job is to mate, and the female worker bees that collect nectar and pollen while maintaining the hive. Explore how beekeepers care for these tiny creatures, harvesting their honey while leaving enough for the bees to survive the winter. Packed with detailed descriptions and beautiful imagery, Honey Bees reveals how important these small creatures are to our world. From their role in pollination to the teamwork inside their colonies, this book will leave readers buzzing with newfound appreciation for honey bees.

This heartwarming story follows a proud, wealthy man who sends his children, James and Anna, to live with a humble farmer’s family, hoping they will learn to appreciate their luxurious life. What the children discover instead is a profound lesson about true wealth, as they experience the joy, peace, and simplicity of the farmer’s life. Surrounded by love, faith, and nature, they realize that material riches pale in comparison to the rich, fulfilling life that comes from serving God and cherishing the simple pleasures of life. This powerful tale will inspire readers to reflect on what truly brings happiness and the value of faith and family over possessions.

Ever wondered how a car’s engine turns gasoline into motion? How Car Engines Work unravels the fascinating mechanics behind the vehicles we use every day, making it accessible for readers of all ages. Discover how fuel injectors, pistons, spark plugs, and crankshafts work together in the four-stroke cycle—intake, compression, power, and exhaust—to power a car. Learn about key components like the radiator, battery, and transmission, and how they contribute to a car’s operation and safety. This engaging guide encourages curiosity and appreciation for the technology under the hood while inviting readers to enjoy the wonders of the world on their next family road trip.

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.

“That’s my mule! I’m not sharing!” cries Sally about Stiffy her mule. Benny and his mule Bossy feel the same way. So goes this entertaining saga about some very stubborn characters refusing to share, work, or play together.It’s only when Dad gets involved and ties the mules together that they learn an important object lesson: in order to eat, they must cooperate. After much struggling, the mules finally work together, and in the process teach their owners Benny and Sally that sharing brings happiness. Virtues: Cooperation / Tolerance / Respect

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

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. Para crecer y saber cómo vivir, los jóvenes leoncitos deben desarrollar habilidades de supervivencia. Pero Sangu está más interesado en jugar que en aprender; de modo que cuando el ataque de un rinoceronte lo separa de su familia, no está preparado para sobrevivir por sí mismo. Sangu se pierde y un grupo de amigables gacelas lo adoptan. Las gacelas le enseñan cómo sobrevivir en la selva, pero cuando Sangu intenta vivir la vida como una gacela, resulta un inadaptado total. En esta historia de un león perdido y encontrado, ¿descubrirá Sangu su verdadera identidad?

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

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

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

Proud Rooster, always ignoring everyone’s advice, gets into all sorts of trouble. Filling his tummy with green strawberries, falling off a tree while showing off, and skating on thin ice after being repeatedly warned, nearly do him in. But Proud Rooster’s final hard lesson changes him forever. While lying on a hospital bed, he’s glad to learn that it’s not too late to obey. Virtues: Humility / Respect for Parents / Self-Discipline Ignorando siempre el consejo de todos, el Gallo Orgulloso se mete en todo tipo de problemas. Pero la dura lección final del Gallo Orgulloso lo cambia para siempre. Mientras está acostado en la cama de un hospital, se alegra de saber que no es demasiado tarde para obedecer.

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

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

To Millie, the whole world is unfair. Even though Millie has a loving family and a nice home, she’s always miserable. She hates to be told what to do, and when things don’t go her way, she complains. Millie finally has enough! She runs away so that she can do whatever she wants to do. What starts out as a fun adventure turns out to become one disaster after another. Millie ends up on the streets, scared, without money, food, and a place to sleep. Desperate, she steals candy and gets caught by a police officer. When her parents are contacted, they are overjoyed and welcome her back home. Armed with a new appreciation for her former life, Millie becomes the happiest girl in the whole world. Virtues: Respect / Trustworthiness / Fairness

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.

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.

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.

Vibrant illustrations cover the pages of this family-friendly early reader, and an expressive frog leaps across the pages providing context clues. The family rides their bikes to the dock, and then encounter an exciting scene of exceptional tall fish. Words and sentences that build on previous stories in the motivational literacy program inspire young readers to success. Companion Reader 15 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

Children easily relate to this lifelike shopping story and they get a few surprises as they read. The deep, rich colors and fine detail of the illustrations sharpen the story of Kim and Tim’s trip to find Kim a new hat. This appealing book introduces new ideas and words, including a rim on Kim’s hat, a hatpin to hold the hat in place, and a mirror to see what the hat looks like on Kim. The sentences creatively repeat new words to form a comfortable reading experience in this advanced easy reader.

Friends enjoy an exciting game of baseball and Jan proves she can hit a ball well. The simple words with similar sounds help children recognize beginning and ending sounds. Rich colors illuminate the outdoor scenes and encourage new readers to use the picture and context clues to read the story. Companion Reader 3 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

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.

Children love to watch magicians, and they will enjoy watching the fox do his tricks in this amusing story. Introducing new one-syllable words for early readers to explore through their first and last letter sounds, the story keeps children turning the brightly colored pages to watch the fox amaze his four friends with his tricks. This book encourages reading skill growth through us of slightly longer sentences than the first thirteen books in this motivational phonics literature program. Target Reader 14 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 a fun game of soccer, Ed is cautioned to be careful when he goes into a mud puddle to retrieve the soccer ball. Ed ignores the warning and kicks the ball while standing on a rock. He loses his balance and falls, banging his arm. This precautionary tale includes opportunities to discuss safety tips. Crisp illustrations in bright primary colors and lively dialogue keep children turning the pages in this energetic advanced easy reader.

Children are fascinated with large vehicles, and in this charming sibling story, Jill and Rick stop with their father to watch a big rig digging and get a big surprise. Big Jim offers to let them sit up high in the cab with him. Bold colors and nice detail illustrate this early reader adventure story. It’s a good choice for repetitive phonic sounds that enrich a child’s vocabulary and inspire a love of reading. Companion Reader 11 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

Familiar with teddy bears, young children get a different perspective when introduced to the wide and wonderful world of nonfiction. Combining clear language and dazzling photos of bears in their natural habitats, this book gives the joy of observing bears fishing, seeing a mother watch over her cubs, and spying on an adorable panda lounging to eat bamboo. The carefully presented facts allow advanced early readers to begin mastering the narrative in this book from the Our Amazing World series.

Jan and Ted continue their fun at the farm in this delightful family tale. With their friends and parents, Jan and Ted play a spirited game of soccer and find themselves chasing goats when Ted forgets to lock the gate. Once the goats are safely returned to their pen, the children have fun riding ponies. The vivacious, amusing illustrations encourage word mastery and new reading skills.

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.

A warmhearted adventure, this family-oriented book includes life skills of respecting and helping others. An enjoyable early reader which promotes successful word recognition and skills in reading longer sentences. Picturesque woodland scenes animate the story and bring laughs when the cub helps itself to the family’s food without an invitation. Companion Reader 18 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.