This series presents the best picture fiction books for young readers. Each story has been specially written and illustrated for young readers, using appropriate language and close picture-text match. This series is an ideal resource for shared reading and independent reading as well as take-home reading. Suitable for 7-12 year olds.

A raucous, rhyming tale that will have children (and adults) in fits of laughter! Cat is sitting on his mat when Rat arrives wearing a very nice hat. Cat wants Rat’s hat and will stop at nothing to get it. But when Bat appears wearing a fancy cravat, well, what could be better than that? Chaos ensues as both Cat and Rat decide they must have Bat’s fancy cravat for themselves! This hilarious picture book is bursting with comic capers, slapstick antics, tongue-twisting text, and vibrant neon artwork.

We Read Phonics makes it easy for parents to help their children improve phonics skills and read a decodable story. Each book combines a fun story with simple games for phonics and sight words. The games are quick and easy to play, and they are all designed to help children read the story to improve their decoding skills. The result is faster reading development and kids who love to read! Pat, Cat, and Rat - Cat wants to catch Rat and turn him into a tasty snack, but Pat is determined to prevent it! The story offers lots of humor that will captivate young readers! LEVEL 1 - 60-80 word count, focusing on short "a" and short "i"

"Cat likes Rat and Rat likes Cat. Should Rat trust Cat?"--Back cover. Suggested level: junior.

To select the animals of the zodiac, the Jade Emperor has called for a race between all the animals. Full-color illustrations.

For centuries, stories have been used by one generation to pass on morals, truths and lessons to the next generation. In traditional African villages, in the evening, the elders or older family members gather around in a circle to share stories. The vivid, illustrated stories capture the imagination of children and present a simple message. The simplicity of each story is carefully designed to summarize a truth, maxim or moral in a manner that is easily understood or digested by the eager listening children. A well-told story is a powerful communication medium, using imagery to illustrate a lesson or pass on a message. We all remember stories that we heard many years ago – because they captured our imagination, amused and fascinated us. Today, stories are widely used by people in all works of life from conference presenters to spiritual leaders. They offer a great channel of communication and can be used to anchor and effectively pass on a lesson. This book presents 10 stories from the African forest / context. The stories are rich with local African color and involve animals (typical of the African forest). One of the stories provides an amusing explanation for why certain things are the way they are – for instance – Why Mr. Leopard is spotted. In this story, the reader / listener is cautioned about the use and perils of fire. The feature story, How Mr. Cat Fell Out With Mr. Rat, (after which the book is titled) provides an amusing explanation for why cats and rats do not get along – and cats are always chasing rats. Picking the wrong friend, who has different values and focus, will not result in peace. The simplicity and narration of the stories will entertain children in particular and readers of all ages! You are sure to learn something new or see something from a different light after reading each story.

Enter the world of Geronimo Stilton, where another funny adventure is always right around the corner. Each book is a fast-paced adventure with lively art and a unique format kids 7-10 will love. Enter the world of Geronimo Stilton, where another funny adventure is always right around the corner. Each book is a fast-paced adventure with lively art and a unique format kids 7-10 will love.Who Is Geronimo Stilton?That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! What's that? You've never read one? Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise!The Case of Curlypaw Cannycat's CastleI was lost in a dark, spooky forest! Until I stumbled upon Curlypaw Cannycat's Castle. The castle was completely empty, or so I thought. But I quickly discovered that it was haunted - by cats! Let me tell you, this was one case where curiosity almost killed the mouse!

How do you get rid of an unwelcomed pest? The plan was simple, but can you guess the rest?

What would you do if the tricks you played caused you to lose all your friends? The rat called Cat and his friend Panda Pat travel from Panda Peak to the big city to get cheese but end up in the middle of a road race. Cat is determined to win the race, but in the whirlwind of competition, things go awry. In this story of redemption, Cat learns how his words have affected others and how to treat others with humility and respect. Lifelong educator Neil Ballard has created this endearing story that captures hearts and teaches a valuable lesson. A manuscript of this short story was kept in Neil's desk for over 25 years. His hope was that someday he would make his first children's book from this story. Upon his second retirement from teaching and with the encouragement of his children, he did just that. Artwork by Steven Nosov brings the story to life with clever, vivid illustrations that can be appreciated by children and parents alike.