SEL Books for 2nd Graders
Crocodile Is Unwell
Why does Crocodile lift his armored head and boast that he sees everything? When the dry season cracks his skin and the mud pit shrinks around him, will pride let him crawl to the cool river he needs? And when cruel baboons follow to jeer at his hiding place, how will Crocodile answer? A warm tale of patience and finding where you belong. This Bookbot level builds two-syllable words with prefixes, practicing ‘declare’, ‘invite’, ‘retreat’, ‘unseen’, and ‘unwind’.
Tsuro Hears It All
Why the Rabbit Has Long Ears retells an old African tale about Tsuro the Hare, a clever creature who simply cannot bear to miss a single thing. What happens when curiosity leads him to listen at a door that was never meant for his ears? Will his cleverness be a gift or a punishment when the Creator finally decides? A warm, funny story about listening, patience, and learning to wait your turn. This Bookbot level practices two-syllable words with stable final syllables, including ’little’, ‘beetle’, ‘single’, and ‘able’.
Don't Cry, Blue Train!
Blue Train loves racing under the stars faster than anything in the world - but what happens when he zooms so far that he doesn’t know the way home? Lost among scowling trees and staring at a purple elephant, can a boy with a flute help him find his courage again? A heartwarming adventure about being brave even when you’re scared. This decodable reader practices 3+ syllable words such as “elephant,” “dangerous,” “terrified,” and “everywhere.”
Don't Squeeze Me!
Lila the artist is ready to paint something magical, but poor Yellow the paint tube is quaking on his tiny ladder! All the other tubes have been squeezed flat, and Yellow is afraid he’ll be next. Can Lila convince him that sharing his vivid color is worth one little squeeze? Will Yellow be brave enough to help finish her masterpiece? This decodable reader practices 2-syllable open words such as ‘begin,’ ‘famous,’ ‘open,’ and ’tiny.’
Don't Tell Lily!
Mia spots Lily’s shiny new birthday jacket hanging on the bedspread and just HAS to try it on - only for a second, right? But what happens when paint spills all over it in the classroom? Can Mia hide it in the microwave, scrub it clean in the bathtub, and keep her sister from finding out? Or will the truth come tumbling through the doorway? This decodable reader practices compound words such as ‘bedspread,’ ‘classroom,’ ‘microwave,’ ‘bathtub,’ and ‘birthday.’
Get Me Out of Here!
The town is hot, humid, and far too loud - and Brat Cat has had ENOUGH! Can a cranky cat find a little peace among the birch trees? With Fig Pig and Tip by her side, she hatches a big plan for a very quiet hideaway where crowds and carts can’t follow. But will her perfect escape turn out as silent as she hopes? This decodable reader practices 2-syllable open words such as ‘cozy,’ ‘humid,’ ‘silent,’ and ’twilight.’
Hold On, Brother!
Boy’s little brother snatches everything - even his favorite purple toy! When Mom marches in and sends them both to bed, Boy wishes, just once, he could have something all his own. But what happens when a wild adventure with an enormous elephant puts his brother in real danger? Will Boy reach him in time? This decodable reader practices es plurals in words like ‘bushes,’ ‘dishes,’ ‘branches,’ and ‘crosses.’
In the Deep
Anika stands at the water’s edge, clutching her snorkel and feeling very unsure about this whole ocean thing. What if it tastes like pickles? What if something with tentacles is waiting? But once she dips below the waves, a secret world of glowing specks, baby turtles, flying fish and a color-changing octopus opens up. Will Anika find her courage in the deep blue? This decodable reader practices prefixes in words like ‘inhale,’ ’explore,’ ‘detect,’ ‘retreat’ and ‘debrief.’
My Comb
On a sunny morning at the farm, a boy spots Rooster’s magnificent red comb gleaming like a royal crown - and suddenly he wants one too! But Rooster says no, Peacock struts away, and even Heron refuses to share. Will anyone give him a crown of his very own? When nobody will help, what clever idea might save the day? This decodable reader practices the ‘ow’ sound through words such as ‘crown,’ ‘down,’ ‘frown,’ ‘show,’ and ’now.’
A New Driver In Town!
Meet one speedy ambulance who is tired, oh so tired, of driving slowly with kind Mr. Chow! When a bold new driver hops in and hits the gas, will zooming through town be everything our little ambulance dreamed of? Or could going too fast lead to a very bumpy surprise? Buckle up for a wild ride full of sirens, splashes, and a runaway wheel! This decodable reader practices the ow phonogram in words like ‘cow,’ ‘down,’ ‘frown,’ ‘howl,’ and ’town.’