Friendship Books for 3rd Graders

There’s a naughty little mouse in the house, and nobody knows how to catch it! Grandma shrieks, Mum swings her broom, Dad hides behind the curtain, and even the cat refuses to help. Can one tiny, cheeky critter really outsmart a whole family? And when the baby giggles instead of screaming, could laughter be the secret to making a new friend? This decodable reader practises the ‘augh’ phonogram in words like ‘caught,’ ’naughty,’ ’laugh,’ and ’taught.’

Kalulu the hare is small, but is small always the same as weak? When mighty Nzou the elephant charges through the plain, driving every other animal off the last green meadow and bellowing that he alone remembers every river, who would dare challenge him? Watch a clever hare propose a contest that a giant cannot win by strength alone. Can wit succeed where muscle rules? This Bookbot Level G story practises the soft ‘g’ sound with words like ‘huge’, ‘charges’, ‘gentle’, ’edge’, and ‘village’.

When Max brags he can race to the river and back before dinner, his friends follow him straight into a forest shortcut that isn’t really a shortcut at all. Mist curls around the trees, something cracks in the bushes, and suddenly the dark has sounds in it. Will climbing an old elm tree keep them safe? And who on earth is calling their names? This decodable reader practises the ‘wr’ sound in words like ‘wrapped,’ ‘wrenched,’ ‘wriggled,’ and ‘wristwatch.’

Red loves three things: swimming, looping, and lunch in his cool, cool pond. But what happens when Big Bad Fish comes gliding out of the dark, with rows of sharp teeth and a creepy little light on his head? Can one tiny fish and his nervous pals outsmart a giant with snapping jaws? Red has a really big idea - but will it work? This decodable reader practises the ‘ph’ sound in words like ‘phenomenal,’ ‘phantom,’ ‘phew,’ and ’triumphant.’

When the barn window is left open just a crack, Starfang the spider slips out for a wild adventure in the forest. At first the world is full of tasty flowers and juicy berries - but what happens when a nest of cave-spider bruisers comes creeping after him? Can Bones the farm dog pick up the trail and track down his missing friend before it’s too late? This decodable reader practises the ‘ui’ sound in words like ‘fruit,’ ‘juicy,’ ‘pursuit,’ and ‘suits.’

Meg is the best vet in the whole forest, and today her most important jar of medicine is nearly empty! Can she trek deep into the woods, cross slippery rocks, and gather the rare herb she needs? And what will she do when a scratchy monkey, a hurt bird, and one very hungry little fawn all cross her path? This decodable reader practises the wr phonogram in words like ‘wraps,’ ‘wriggles,’ ‘wrist,’ and ‘write.’

The Hare and the Moon are the very best of friends, yet every night the Moon shines far away across the dark sky. What happens when the Hare decides he simply must sit right beside her? Will leaping to the top of a hill or building a tall tower ever carry him close enough? And when clouds swallow the Moon whole, has he lost his dearest friend forever? A gentle tale about friendship, patience, and quiet wonder. This Bookbot book practises soft ‘c’ words like ‘once’, ‘face’, ‘race’, ‘chance’, and ‘silence’.

Zoom into the forest with Bella, the fastest little princess bee in the hive! When the queen needs nectar for her famous honey elixir, Bella is sure she can gather it all by herself - who needs helpers when you’re this speedy? But what happens when a glowing purple flower turns out to be more dangerous than it looks? Can a tiny firefly really save the day? This decodable reader practises the ui phonogram in words like ‘pursuit,’ ‘juice,’ ‘fluid,’ ‘bruised,’ and ‘suitable.’

It’s Khushi’s tenth birthday, and she’s dreaming of the biggest, shiniest presents ever. But when Dad hands her a stubborn little clay donkey with a slot in its back, she’s distraught! What on earth is she meant to do with a money bank? And when her sister comes begging for a loan, will Khushi’s savings survive the week? This decodable reader practises the ‘augh’ sound in words like ‘caught,’ ‘daughter,’ ’laugh,’ and ’naughty.’

The town is hot, the crowds are loud, and gnats are buzzing right in Brat Cat’s ears - can she find a quiet place before her whiskers snap? Deep in a peaceful wood, she spots the perfect clearing and dreams up a cosy little hut. But will Fig Pig and Tip help her build it just right? This decodable reader practises the ‘gn’ sound in words like ‘gnats,’ ‘gnash,’ ‘sign,’ ‘design,’ and ‘aligned.’