Big Cat

by Ethan Long

Published 28 February 2016
Big Cat likes to nap—but his family has other ideas in this Guided Reading Level A story, simple enough for young readers to understand on their own, now available in a smaller 6x9 size!

A pair of rowdy siblings wake their furry friend up to play, and proceed to carry him around the house—no matter how the cat feels about it.  They love Big Cat, and it's clear Big Cat loves them, too. . . . even if he doesn't love flying or playing dress-up. His cartoonishly exagerrated expressions are sure to charm.

With five words or less per page, this story is simple enough to be the first book a child reads on their own—and funny enough to become a favorite.  Geisel Medalist Ethan Long's illustrations of the big-bellied feline and his enthusiastic human pals bring Big Cat's adventures to life.  Big Cat can be fun—and reading can be fun, too!

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards.  Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!  

Level A books, suitable for early kindergarten, are ideal first books for kids to read on their own.  One short sentence repeats on every page with one word change per spread.   Simple plots are heavily supported by the detailed illustrations.  When Level A is mastered, follow up with Level B.

Pug

by Ethan Long

Published 30 July 2016
Now in a 6 x 9 size— an energetic little dog wants to go on an adventure-- and make new friends along the way. Come along with Pug in this Guided Reading Level C story, perfect for beginning readers to read on their own!


Looking out the window, Pug sees Peg taking a walk one snowy morning. He wants to join her! But no matter how much he yap, yap, yaps, no one wants to take him outside. Mom is too comfortable, and Dad is too tired from shoveling. 

That just leaves Tad, who's still asleep. But Pug knows just how to wake him up-- "Yap, yap, yap!" Tad doesn't want to get up-- but once they're out on their walk, he has to agree it was a very good idea.

Theodor Geisel Award-winner Ethan Long uses his trademark wit and energy to make this simple story for the newest readers memorable and hilarious.  Very simple text paired with expressive, bright illustrations makes this a perfect book for young children to read on their own. 

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards.  Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!
 
For readers who've mastered basic sight words, Level C books feature slightly longer sentences and a wider range of high-frequency words than Level B books. Level C books are suitable for mid-to-late kindergarten readers.  When Level C is mastered, follow up with Level D

Horse & Buggy Plant a Seed!

by Ethan Long

Published 13 October 2020
How long does it take for a seed to grow? Horse and Buggy can't wait to find out in this hilarious Level G story from Geisel medalist Ethan Long.

Is it ready yet?

What about now?

Horse is so excited for the seed he planted to grow, he can't help asking Buggy a million questions. But with a little sunshine, water, and patience, Horse and Buggy are in for a surprise when their tiny seed finally grows. . . into a gigantic squash! Ethan Long delivers a perfect punchline for emergent readers in this Horse & Buggy tale.

Don't miss this hilarious duo's other adventures in Dance, Dance, Dance! and Horse & Buggy Paint It Out!

This book has been officially leveled by using the F&P Text Level Gradient(TM) Leveling System.

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors--create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!

For early-to-mid first grade readers, Level G books feature more complex storylines than prior levels, and a wider variety of structure and punctuation. Illustrations offer support for decoding the more challenging vocabulary words introduced.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Horse & Buggy Paint It Out!

by Ethan Long

Published 11 June 2019
Geisel medalist Ethan Long's comical duo get creative in this funny Level G story about working together-- perfect for first-grade readers.

“That’s looks fun!”
“Yes, I am painting a mural!”

Horse is all set to paint a mural his way, oblivious to Buggy's suggestions that a bit of planning might be a good idea. But after Horse knocks over paint cans and sends brushes flying, he relents and accepts some help from his friend.

The hilarious antics, easy-to-read text, and colorful cartoon illustrations will put smiles on the faces of fledgling readers.

For early-to-mid first grade readers, Level G books feature more complex storylines than prior levels, and a wider variety of structure and punctuation. Illustrations offer support for decoding the more challenging vocabulary words introduced.

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors--create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!

Dance, Dance, Dance!

by Ethan Long

Published 20 February 2018
This easy-to-read picture book introduces Horse and Buggy, two hilarious new characters from Theodor Seuss Geisel Medalist Ethan Long!

Horse and Buggy are best friends, but they don’t always see eye to eye. When Buggy sees Horse dancing, he asks, "What are you doing?" "I am dancing," Horse replies. "I am the best dancer. I have the best dances!" "You are not dancing. You are just moving around." Can Horse convince the reluctant Buggy to lighten up and join in? YES!

In this side-splitting story about friendship, Horse and Buggy learn that doing something together makes it twice as fun.

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards.  Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own! 

Level E stories feature a distinct beginning, middle, and end, with kid-friendly illustrations offering clues for more challenging sentences.  Varied punctuation and simple contractions may be included. Level E books are suitable for early first graders. When Level E is mastered, follow up with Level F.

A Junior Library Guild selection!
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year

Pig Has a Plan

by Ethan Long

Published 1 January 2012
Pig is trying to take a nap, but his friends are making all kinds of noise.

Horse & Buggy on Ice

by Ethan Long

Published 20 December 2022
Best friends Horse & Buggy test their friendship as Horse spins out of control showing off his skating moves in this hilarious story for beginning readers!

Horse can skate. He can spin. He can leap! But when he falls, Buggy is there to get her friend back on the ice.
 
Together they try again! Ethan Long's expressive, slapstick-style art shines in this story about practice and friendship—great for beginning reader collections.
 
Don't miss this hilarious duo's other adventures in Dance, Dance, Dance!, Horse & Buggy Paint It Out!, and Horse & Buggy Plant a Seed.
 
This book has been officially leveled by using the F&P Text Level Gradient(TM) Leveling System.
 
The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors--create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Horse & Buggy on Wheels!

by Ethan Long

Published 2 January 2024
Best friends Horse & Buggy’s skateboarding shenanigans will have early readers rolling with laughter in this story from Geisel medalist Ethan Long!

“Look, Buggy! I have a skateboard.”

“Do you have a helmet, too?”

Horse is ready to try some BIG skateboard tricks . . . and his best friend Buggy has some tricks of his own on how Horse can avoid getting hurt. From tightening helmet straps to bandaging bruised butts, there’s no such thing as too much fun with this dynamic duo—especially because they’re playing it safe.

Ethan Long’s expressive, slapstick-style art brings the laugh-out-loud story to life in this early reader that really sticks the landing.

Don't miss this hilarious duo's other adventures in Dance, Dance, Dance!, Horse & Buggy Paint It Out!, Horse & Buggy Plant a Seed, and Horse & Buggy on Ice.

This book has been officially leveled by using the F&P Text Level Gradient(TM) Leveling System at level E.

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards.

Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors--create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Hugs for Pug

by Ethan Long

Published 5 November 2024
Meet Pug! He’s energetic, excitable, and eager for his next adventure in this Guided Reading Level C story, perfect for beginning readers to read on their own.

Yap! Yap! Yap! Welcome to Pug’s world—where simple text meets adorable artwork, and young readers meet their new best friend. 

For readers who have mastered basic sight words, Level C books feature slightly longer sentences and a wider range of high-frequency words than Level B books. Level C books are suitable for mid-to-late kindergarten readers. When Level C is mastered, follow up with Level D.

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based uponFountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators—including winners of Caldecott, TheodorSeuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!

The Letter Setters in Bop!

by Ethan Long

Published 24 June 2025
Learning how to read should be a walk in the dog park! Follow four curious canines on letter-replacement adventures in this phonics-based early reader series starter from Theodor Seuss Geisel Medalist Ethan Long.

Meet the Letter Setters! When their BONE is GONE, these dynamic dogs—Patrick (an Irish Setter), R.W. (a Red and White Setter), Victoria (an English Setter), and Gordy (a Gordon Setter)—sound the GONG and spring into action to retrieve their tasty treat.

In this engaging new early reader series from acclaimed author-illustrator Ethan Long, each story starts out with a four letter word. On the next page, one swapped letter makes a new word—and a new canine caper for little ones learning how to read! As this fresh and fun device propels the pups into silly, slapstick sequences, phonics help readers to discover new words, study how words relate to each other, and observe how text and pictures support one another.

Geisel Medalist Ethan Long’s expressive artwork shines in these energetic, educational escapades that provide the youngest readers with the greatest adventure of all—a gateway into a lifelong love of reading. Detailed phonics features are included.

With fun stories and great pictures, new readers will say . . . “I like to read!” Created by award-winning-artists and talented newcomers and tested by educational experts, I Like to Read® books help develop vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension that lead to reading success.