Ken, Jill, and their pet monkey Zig continue their adventures with a mountain hike. As usual, Zig’s misbehavior creates mayhem when he’s scared trying to make friends with a group of smelly skunks and then scares a flock of colorful ducks. Zig redeems himself when again he saves Jill from a big bug. The exceptionally well-illustrated facial expressions of these fanciful characters and the wildlife on the pages provide excellent context clues as early readers master their new reading skills. Target Reader 20 is part of Phonics Adventure’s systematic, leveled reading program.

This timeless story is about the joy of a family fishing trip and the frustration of sibling rivalry. A creative, fun early reader, it includes plenty of one-syllable words with similar sounds, making it an enjoyable experience for a child learning to read. 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 trying your best without holding a grudge in competitions. Target Reader 12 is part of Phonics Adventure’s systematic, leveled reading program.

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.

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.