Best Selling Books by Carl Sommer

Young children are introduced to the captivating world of nonfiction through authentic photos accompanied by fun facts about unusual animals in their natural jungle habitats. From a tapir to a lemur, an anteater to a gorilla, Our Amazing World opens the door to lively discussions about these exciting jungle animals that astonish youngsters. Look at the big teeth! Why is his nose so long? Look at his long fingernails!

The beauty of delicate butterflies is a joy to behold as they flit from flower to flower. But how does a squishy, crawling caterpillar turn into a delicate, flying butterfly? Our Amazing World Series, Advanced, explores the life cycle of monarch butterflies in this enchanting nonfiction book for young children. Did you know that the caterpillars that become monarch butterflies only eat milkweed? That’s where the monarch butterflies lay their eggs so the caterpillars have food when they’re born. The beautiful pictures and illustrations engage the imagination.

Discover the power of perseverance and the importance of math in I Can’t and I’ll Try, Importance of Math. This heartwarming and inspiring story follows twin brothers Billy and Tommy, who couldn’t be more different in their attitudes toward challenges. When faced with a tricky building kit for their birthday, Billy dives in with determination while Tommy gives up, saying, “I can’t.” But when their teacher, Mrs. Walker, shows Tommy the fascinating connection between math and the things he loves—like drawing and building—everything changes. Through engaging storytelling and relatable characters, this book teaches children the value of trying, the joy of learning, and the vital role math plays in everyday life. Parents will appreciate how it encourages problem-solving, resilience, and an appreciation for the practical applications of math, from designing blueprints to building space stations. Filled with life lessons and an inspiring message, I Can’t and I’ll Try: Importance of Math is the perfect book to motivate young readers to embrace challenges, develop a love for math, and realize they can achieve anything if they try!

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 vivid retelling of the classic tale Little Red Riding Hood, Red Riding Hood learns a powerful lesson about trust and obedience. When she strays from her parents’ warning not to talk to strangers, a cunning wolf tricks her into leaving the path—putting both her and her grandmother in danger. This abridged version from the Sommer-Time Story series emphasizes the importance of listening to wise counsel, recognizing danger, and making smart choices.

Dive into the fascinating world of Emperor Penguins with Life of Penguins! Set in the icy wilderness of Antarctica, this book explores the remarkable lives of these flightless birds as they survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Learn about the incredible partnership between male and female Emperor Penguins, as males bravely care for eggs in freezing temperatures while females hunt for food in the frigid ocean. Discover how these penguins huddle together to stay warm, slide across the ice on their bellies, and swim swiftly to evade predators like orcas and sea lions. Their unique black-and-white camouflage keeps them safe in the water, while their fluffy chicks grow warm brown coats before molting into their sleek adult feathers. Follow the penguins as they travel vast distances to find food, communicate with their unique calls to reunite with family, and feed their chicks through a fascinating regurgitation process. Life of Penguins is filled with astonishing facts, heartwarming details, and vivid descriptions that capture the resilience and beauty of these extraordinary birds.

When two children have new bikes and good imaginations, a sunny day in the countryside is an invitation to go for a bike ride and possibly forget to follow their parents’ instructions. Vibrant illustrations and creative dialogue remind children of experiences in their own lives. Words and sentences that build on previous stories in this motivational phonics literature program create an exciting learning opportunity for the early reader. Bob’s bravado leads to an injury and give parents an opening to discuss safety rules and the ramifications of ignoring them. Target Reader 15 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

Electricity powers our world, but have you ever wondered how it''s made? How Electricity is Made takes readers on a fascinating journey to uncover the science behind this essential energy source. From creating a simple electromagnet to exploring massive power plants and dams like Hoover Dam, this book reveals how motion, magnets, and turbines generate electricity. Discover the role of windmills, nuclear power, and even car batteries in producing and storing energy. With engaging explanations and real-world connections, this book inspires curiosity and gratitude for the electricity that lights up our homes and fuels modern life.

Discover the secrets to building a strong, happy, and healthy life in Healthy Body. This inspiring book, perfect for readers of all ages, teaches the importance of making good choices, staying active, and eating nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables. Through relatable examples like Ben and Ann’s classroom presentation, readers learn how exercise and healthy meals contribute to a vibrant life. The book emphasizes the importance of listening to your parents, choosing good friends, and confidently saying “no” to harmful influences. It also explores the value of self-esteem, reminding children that their parents’ love is more important than others’ opinions. Packed with practical advice and thoughtful lessons, Healthy Body encourages readers to help out at home, follow the Golden Rule, and stay on the path to success. Whether young or old, this book inspires everyone to take care of their bodies and lead a fulfilling life.

This charming family adventure uses bold colors and detail to illustrate a family’s voyage on a ferry with their pet dog, Vick. Using repetitive phonic sounds to enrich a child’s vocabulary, the story promotes good reading skills. The family rides in their van as it drives onto the ferry. Vick is fed dog food, and learns that seagulls like his food also. Vick goes after a seagull. The children worry about Vick chasing the gulls and learn that the birds are too fast for him to harm them. Target Reader 11 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

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.

A thought-provoking and engaging tale of two men with opposing worldviews—one driven by faith, the other by science and pride. As a self-assured professor sets out to prove evolution and deny the existence of God, he encounters a humble, faith-filled farmer who challenges his beliefs in simple yet profound ways. Their lively debates about creation, science, and faith lead to eye-opening moments of reflection, offering readers a deeper look at the meaning of life and the search for truth. This story is not just about intellectual arguments but also about life, death, and what truly matters. Will you stand with the professor or the farmer?

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.

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

Children join Ben and Nell on their adventures to visit their grandparents, a trip which many children have taken. Bell, their flamboyant and arrogant pet monkey, intrigues young readers when he misbehaves on the plane and with the ponies on the farm. The family’s adventures are built on the phonic sounds of similar words, slightly longer sentences, and hilarious dialogue, creating an enjoyable book for the advanced early reader.

It was time for the beautiful princess Elizabeth to be married. Charming Simon and strong, handsome Thomas came to ask her hand in marriage. Then there was John, a handsome but not-so-flashy commoner. Elizabeth first noticed him helping an old man get his wagon out of a muddy ditch.Not sure about the true character of her three suitors, Elizabeth asks her father the king for advice. The king plans a race to reveal the character of the three suitors. This story tells the action-packed tale of how perseverance and love are more important than anything in winning the Great Royal Race. Virtues: Perseverance / Caring / Trustworthiness

Step into the buzzing world of Bees, a captivating book that reveals the incredible lives of these hardworking insects and their vital role in nature. Bees are more than just honey-makers—they are essential pollinators, helping flowers produce seeds, fruits, and nuts like apples, sunflowers, and almonds. Learn how wild honey bees build nests in trees and fill hexagonal cells in their hives with sweet honey. Discover the teamwork within a hive, led by a queen bee who lays eggs fertilized by male bees, while worker bees collect nectar and pollen to keep the colony thriving. Explore how bees’ hairy bodies carry pollen from flower to flower, making them indispensable to farmers and gardeners alike. This book also highlights the important relationship between bees and humans, from beekeepers harvesting honey to the vital role bees play in our food supply. With fascinating details about bee behavior, anatomy, and their contributions to the ecosystem, Bees inspires readers to appreciate and protect these amazing insects.

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.

In this entertaining story for readers big and small, Jill and Nick go on a quest to find the perfect hat—but Nick isn’t so sure hats are any good. From silly moments like sitting on a pin to a surprising lesson on ball caps and baseball, Nick learns that the right hat might be more helpful than he thought.

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!

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.

From the Wright brothers'' first historic flight to the thrilling heights of space exploration, Airplanes to Rockets brings the story of human flight to life for readers of all ages. Discover how Wilbur and Orville Wright''s determination paved the way for the first airplanes, how jet engines transformed air travel, and how rockets propelled humanity beyond Earth''s atmosphere. Learn about the innovation behind helicopters, spacesuits, and space stations, and explore the science that made these breakthroughs possible. This engaging and informative book inspires curiosity and celebrates the creativity that has taken us from the skies to the stars.

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.

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.

Discover the majestic world of elephants in Elephants—Land Giants! This fascinating book takes readers on a journey into the lives of African elephants, the largest and heaviest land animals on Earth. Learn about their incredible social behavior, their powerful tusks, and their unique ways of cooling down, from splashing in water to rolling in mud and sand. Elephants are more than just land giants—they are skilled swimmers who can travel up to 30 miles in water and use their trunks for everything from drinking to comforting their friends. Explore the differences between African and Asian elephants, discover how elephants migrate to find food, and see how their tusks protect them from predators like lions. From their role in forests as workers to their place in tourism as stars of rides and shows, elephants continue to amaze us with their intelligence and strength. Whether you''re interested in their family dynamics, their love of water, or their ability to help humans, this book offers something for everyone.

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.

Dive into the fascinating lives of some of the largest creatures on Earth with Whales—Water Giants! This book explores the incredible world of whales, from humpbacks and gray whales to narwhals, belugas, and blue whales. Each species has its unique traits and behaviors, making them some of the most captivating mammals in the ocean. Discover how humpback whales migrate thousands of miles, hunt cooperatively using bubble nets, and care for their calves in warm tropical waters. Learn about the friendly gray whales that approach boats, the mighty blue whale, the largest animal on the planet, and the mysterious narwhals with their unicorn-like tusks. Meet beluga whales, known for their social behavior and underwater chatter, and the powerful orcas, members of the dolphin family that are skilled hunters. Filled with fascinating facts about whale diets, their role in the Arctic food chain, and how they breathe through blowholes, this book reveals the remarkable adaptations that make whales true giants of the water. Whether you’re amazed by their size, intrigued by their behaviors, or curious about their ecosystems, Whales—Water Giants offers something for everyone.

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.

In this story, Super Math visits Mrs. Martin''s classroom to teach the children about fractions. He explains that fractions represent equal parts of a whole and guides the class through exercises using circles, fraction bars, and number lines. The students learn how to write numerators and denominators, compare fractions, and measure objects using fraction rulers. Super Math also shares an important life lesson through the story Time Remote, about the value of learning and perseverance. The children express their gratitude for both the math lesson and the life advice, thanking Super Math enthusiastically.

Fishing is a sport for all seasons and many different places. This action-packed nonfiction book from Our Amazing World pleases children of all ages. Intriguing pictures of children and grownups enjoying the sport no doubt reel in some questions from young readers. Why are they standing in the water? Don’t fish freeze in the cold water? Fishing is a wonderful way to introduce nonfiction to toddlers. Early readers enjoy reading the easy words and short sentences.

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

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!

Life on a ranch with cowboys and cowgirls, cattle and horses, is intriguing to all of us. Colorful photos in majestic ranch settings provide an inside look at life on a working ranch. Our Amazing World introduces nonfiction concepts to young children through the variety of ranch activities presenting great discussion points, which children love.

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.

Trapped by deep snow high on a mountain, hungry townspeople wait desperately for one of the three big trains to bring them food. All three big trains refuse to go up the mountain. In spite of the ridicule from the big trains, The Little Red Train and a family of brave helpers decide to go up the snow-covered mountain to help the starving people. This vividly illustrated story demonstrates the value of compassion, hard work and perseverance. The Little Red Train’s triumphant arrival to the top of the mountain elicits the eternal gratitude of the townspeople, and its accomplishment proves to be an inspiration for all. Virtues: Perseverance / Compassion / Civic Virtue

Leap into the fascinating world of kangaroos with Kangaroos—Jumping Champs! This book explores the unique lives of these extraordinary marsupials, from their incredible strength and agility to their close-knit family groups, known as mobs. Learn about gray and red kangaroos, the largest marsupials in the world, and discover their remarkable pouches where baby kangaroos, called joeys, grow and stay safe. Follow the life of a joey as it ventures out to graze and returns to the pouch for comfort. Meet tree kangaroos, skilled climbers found in New Guinea, and see how kangaroos use their muscular tails to swim, jump, and even box. With over 50 million kangaroos in Australia, these animals are not just a symbol of the land but a vital part of its ecosystem. Whether it’s their record-breaking jumps, their playful boxing matches, or their life in a mob led by a dominant male, kangaroos never fail to amaze. Perfect for readers who love animals and the wonders of nature, Kangaroos—Jumping Champs brings the wild adventures of these Australian icons to life.

Deserts around the world are home to unique animals with unusual abilities. Did you know a cheetah runs 75 miles an hour and the desert bald eagle is different from the American bald eagle? Our Amazing World Series, Advanced, presents these distinctive facts especially for young children with dazzling photos to foster a love of learning and an interest in reading. Children of all ages and their parents will enjoy this book. Advanced early readers will like adding new compound words to their vocabulary from known root words, such as “wildflowers” and “waterless”.

Soft, fluffy chicks are adorable, but where do they live and what are their parents like? The special jobs of Papa rooster and Mama hen are explained in this charming nonfiction book, and young children see fluffy chicks grow up to look just like their parents. Through crisp, clear photos, Our Amazing World’s book about chickens opens excellent talking points, such as: Why are the chicks hiding under their mother? Why does the rooster look different from the hen?

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.