Most Popular Books by Carl Sommer

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.

Ed and Jill hike in the mountains with their parents and are excited to see a large buck. Careful to follow their parent’s instructions when walking on the rocks in the water, the children enjoy a happy day in this tender early reader. The lush colors of the mountain scenes provide nice context clues as early readers master their new reading skills and slightly longer sentences. Companion Reader 20 is part of Phonics Adventure''s systematic, leveled reading program.

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

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.

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?

Sometimes it takes a unique event to spark an appreciation for the small things in life as evidenced by this delightful retelling of Aesop''s lovable fable. About to be devoured by the fearsome King of the Forest, Bitsy the Mouse manages to convince Leo the Lion to let her go in exchange for future assistance. While Leo cannot conceive of any way that a tiny mouse could help him, he does admire Bitsy''s pluck and releases her. What he later discovers is that big help can indeed come in small packages. Through Bitsy, Leo also realizes the importance of keeping your word

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.

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

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.

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.

“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

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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"--

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.

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.