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.

A warmhearted family adventure in picturesque woodlands brings laughs when a bear cub helps herself to the family’s food while they are outside watching the ducks in a pond. This adorable advanced easy reader promotes successful word recognition and includes life skills—respecting others, helping others, even counting others.

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.

Bob, Dot, and their parents return (Rock Fishing) for another adventure by the sea, but first the family works as a team to get ready for their trip. Vibrant illustrations in this advanced early reader include a cute frog hopping onto each page and making youngsters smile. In addition to a superb combination of one-syllable and larger words that build on previous stories in the Sommer literacy program, this lovely book has tips on bicycle safety and following instructions on public signs.