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⇢ Please note that hard cover copies of all books (minus Readers Theater) are available on Ingramspark also! ⇠
Why Decodable Books?
Decoding is the ability to identify the sounds spelled by letters (or groups of letters) in a word, and then to blend them together to form a word. Magic happens when children break the code and they learn that /b/… /a/… /g/ spells “bag.” The connection from individual sound-spellings to actual words will make your child’s eyes light up because they can read the words!Decodable books are important because you can match the skills that your child has learned, and they can practice sounding out words repeatedly. Eventually, the child will master each of the sound-spellings, and they can then move on to the next skill. Supporting systematic, cumulative, and sequential phonics instruction with decodable texts provides the opportunity for children to read independently and successfully.
Hot Chips, Mad Fish & Other Tales
Scope and Sequence for Hot Chips, Mad Fish & Other TalesReaders who have learned how to sound out closed syllables will be able to read most of this graphic novel independently. A closed syllable has a short vowel sound and ends with a consonant. Examples: CVC (consonant-short vowel-consonant words: sad, hop and rush) and VC (short vowel-consonant words: on, and it)Included are closed syllables with these concepts:
♥︎ digraphs: ch, ck, sh, th, wh (examples: sock, back, this, then, duck)
♥︎ double consonants: l, f, s, z, all (examples: mess, yell, kiss, fuzz, ball)
♥︎ suffix -s (examples: bugs, chips, legs)
♥︎ ang, ing, ong, ung, ank, ink, onk, unk (examples: thank, sunk, long)This graphic novel also has “sticky words” or words that have irregular spellings or phonics spellings that have not been learned yet.
Can Ten Pigs Fit In A Tub?
Scope and Sequence for Can Ten Pigs Fit in a Tub? A Decodable Graphic NovelReaders who have learned how to sound out closed syllables will be able to read most of this graphic novel independently. A closed syllable has a short vowel sound and ends with a consonant. Examples: CVC (consonant-short vowel-consonant words: sad, hop and rush) and VC (short vowel-consonant words: on, and it)Included are closed syllables with these concepts:
♥︎ digraphs: ch, ck, sh, th, wh (examples: thud, lock, shed, then, duck)
♥︎ double consonants: l, f, s, z, all (examples: hill, toss, off, kiss, ball)
♥︎ suffix -s (examples: socks, legs, ticks, pigs, hats)
♥︎ ang, ing, ong, ung, ank, ink, onk, unk (examples: thank, sink, stink)
♥︎ consonant blends CVCC and CCVC (examples: drip, spit, pant, jump)
♥︎ possessive and contractions (examples: let’s, Bud’s)This graphic novel also has “sticky words” or words that have irregular spellings or phonics spellings that have not been learned yet.
Bed Hog & Other Tales
Scope and Sequence for Bed Hog & Other Tales: A Decodable Graphic NovelReaders who have learned how to sound out closed syllables will be able to read most of this graphic novel independently. A closed syllable has a short vowel sound and ends with a consonant. Examples: CVC (consonant-short vowel-consonant words: sad, hop and rush) and VC (short vowel-consonant: on, and it).Included are closed syllables with these concepts:♥︎ digraphs: ch, ck, sh, th, wh
(examples: path, back, this, then, kick)
♥︎ double consonants: l, f, s, all
(examples: will, whiff, kiss, ball)
♥︎ suffix -s (examples: bugs, fits, chips)
♥︎ ang, ing, ong, ung, ank, ink, onk, unk
(examples: thank, think, sink, stink)
♥︎ consonant blends
(examples: melt, snug, drag, jump, flick, pond)
♥︎ 5 sounds (examples: slept, swept)
♥︎ possessives and contractions
(examples: crab’s, frog’s, let’s, that’s)This graphic novel also has “sticky words” or words that have irregular spellings or phonics spellings that have not been learned yet. A list of sticky words precede each story.
Fox Trot & Other Tales
Scope and Sequence for Fox Trot & Other Tales: A Decodable Graphic NovelReaders who have learned how to sound out single and multisyllabic closed syllable words will be able to read most of this graphic novel independently. A single closed syllable has a short vowel sound and ends with a consonant. Examples: CVC (consonant-short vowel-consonant words: sad, hop and rush) and VC (short vowel-consonant words: on, it, and up). Multisyllabic closed syllable words consist of two closed syllables that form one word. Examples: basket, picnic, bottom, and cabin).Included are single and multisyllabic closed syllable words with these concepts:♥︎ digraphs: ch, ck, sh, th, wh
(examples: path, back, this, then, kick)
♥︎ double consonants: l, f, s, all
(examples: will, whiff, kiss, ball)
♥︎ suffix -s (examples: bugs, fits, chips)
♥︎ ang, ing, ong, ung, ank, ink, onk, unk
(examples: thank, think, sink, stink)
♥︎ consonant blends CCVC, CVCC
(examples: melt, snug, drag, jump, flick, pond)
♥︎ 5 sounds CCVCC (examples: slept, swept)
♥︎ possessives and contractions
(examples: crab’s, frog’s, let’s, that’s)This graphic novel also has “sticky words” or words that have irregular spellings or phonics spellings that have not been learned yet. A list of sticky words precedes each story.
Pat & Pals Decodable Theater
What's Included In This Book?Looking for a fun and engaging way to practice fluency and phonics skills? Pat & Pals decodable readers theater scripts are here! These eleven hilarious beginner reader scripts have been adapted from stories in Hot Chips, Mad Fish & Other Tales, Can Ten Pigs Fit in a Tub, and Bed Hog & Other Tales, with a focus on short vowel words or CVC (consonant-short vowel-consonant) words; digraphs; and beginning and ending blends. Repeated reading will enhance fluency skills such as intonation, expression, and accuracy, resulting in improved reading comprehension. Each script has between three to six characters, making it perfect for small group instruction. Teachers, parents and children can enjoy these scripts in their classrooms or at home with siblings, relatives, or neighborhood friends. A live performance is always entertaining and fun, and the benefits of readers theater can’t be topped!
Buy Directly From Sue!
Bulk orders of 12 books or more can be purchased directly from Sue Marasciulo at a discounted price:
| Books | Amazon Price | Sue's Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Chips | $11.95 | $10 |
| Ten Pigs | $11.95 | $10 |
| Bed Hog | $13.95 | $12 |
| Fox Trot | $14.50 | $12 |
Amazon Reviews
I learned about this book in a forum for people interested in the Science of Reading. With two dyslexic kids, I'm constantly on the look out for decodable books that will hold their interest-- there's not a ton out there. THIS BOOK IS IT. I purchased for my first grader and she loved it. Read it three times in a row. She told me she wished there were more books like this one, and asked if the author would please please write more. She also asked if I could buy it for her classroom, which I did! Sue is not only knowledgeable about how kids learn to read, she clearly has a knack for the art of storytelling. Please write more of these, Sue!Abigail Smenton (Hot Chips, Mad Fish & Other Tales)
I own a tutoring business where we teach reading using methods of how the brain learns best (many of you know it as the science of reading). These books fit PERFECTLY into my framework and help my young (or older) readers gain confidence in themselves. We laugh at the silly illustrations together, and constantly wonder what the words say when we flip to a new page, because we want to understand what's happening in the pictures. We can read and re-read stories when working on fluency, and the kids don't grumble! Wholeheartedly recommend graphic novels as a "novel" way to practice CVC and other beginner reader words!Sarah (Can Ten Pigs Fit In A Tub? A Decodable Graphic Novel)
Students love these books by Sue. They are interested in reading them because of the colorful
images, graphic novel format, their readability and, of course, their humor! Thank you for doing what
you do!Jennifer McCubbin (Bed Hog & Other Tales)
This book includes 5 tales that are engaging, funny, and accessible for emerging readers. If you have ever tried to find or write a book for students who are practicing decoding cvc words, digraphs, some consonant blends, floss words, and suffixes that is entertaining, has a story, and incorporates expression, well, then you know how hard that is.All readers would enjoy this book, but I am most excited to read it with my older emerging readers because they are great stories and the book looks like a chapter book/graphic novel (not unlike Dog Man and those types of series). I know from experience that this would pair well with first grade Wilson FUNdations, but imagine it would align with most beginning phonics programs.Thank you Sue and Mango! This book is a unicorn and a treasure that will enable emerging readers to experience the joy of a great book!Dudley (Hot Chips, Mad Fish & Other Tales)
My very hesitant, hard to crack a smile tutoring student loved it and laughed through it :)Katherine (Can Ten Pigs Fit In A Tub? A Decodable Graphic Novel)
I'm a special education literacy teacher, and I have never seen struggling readers react to books the way my kids do. I had one student hug the first book in this series and twirl
around saying, "This is the best book ever!!" I have three copies in my room, and they are hands down the most sought after books in my library. These books reinforce skills, build confidence, and bring joy to young readers. I wish I had a dozen copies!!Deb McGinley-Williams (Bed Hog & Other Tales)
Accolades
Pat & Pals is proud to be a member of The Decodable Book Alliance - Teach My Kid To Read
Teach My Kid to Read is proud to host the flagship Decodable Book Alliance. We represent a group of publishers and authors who have one goal—to create and provide high quality and engaging books that children can read with the sound-spellings and sight words they have been taught. We believe that all students need access to real books that they can read independently. As The Decodable Book Alliance, we band together to promote the importance of decodable books at libraries, schools, and other venues where teachers, librarians and parents can learn more about ways to help all kids become skilled readers.
The Reading League has vetted Pat & Pals Decodable Graphic Novels under their Decodable Text Sources. What an honor!
Be sure to check out Kirkus Review of Hot Chips, Mad Fish & Other Tales
Bonus
Activity Page!
After you read Bud from "Hot Chips",
you can complete this activity page!Right click on the image on the right and click "Save Image As.." then press "save". The image should be saved in your Downloads folder as a .jpeg file and be ready to print from your computer!
Decodable Books in the News!
Here are some clips of Hot Chips being featured on the news! It is so important to spread awareness about decodable books and share why decodable and dyslexia friendly books belong on every bookshelves in school libraries and bookstores!For news inquiries, please fill out the contact form below.
About Sue
Sue Marasciulo is a retired elementary special education teacher with a certification in an Orton Gillingham approved program (Wilson Reading System). Her passion is helping children with dyslexia to feel more confident in their abilities and gifts. Throughout her many years of teaching, she was inspired by her students’ fortitude, adaptability to learn, and how they excelled in many areas.Now that Sue is retired, she has more time to focus on her passion for writing decodable books that will help beginner readers and those with dyslexia become independent readers. She enjoys hearing about how so many children are learning to feel successful with decodable books!Sue lives in South Carolina with her husband, Al and their two rescued dogs, Scrappy Doo and Sunny. Sue has three sons, Matt, Greg and J.P. Her middle son, Greg is a professional wrestler with AEW and every now and again, Sue makes a brief appearance on the show with her famous van!
Let's Zoom!
with a Real Author,
Sue Marasciulo
I am now available for author in person and digital meet & greets!Please contact me at sueshulo@yahoo.com or fill out the contact form below to arrange a Google Meet or Zoom “Meet the Author” with your class.
