I Like to Read Series

How can the small mouse and squirrel play lacrosse with the big animals? A fun Native American tale that first graders can read on their own.

A game of lacrosse is about to begin—with the four-legged animals facing off against the winged animals. Mouse and Squirrel want to join!

But Bear and Deer won’t let animals so small on their team. The birds would welcome the small animals, but Mouse and Squirrel can't fly. The winged team has a clever plan.

This Native American tale about the origin of the bat and flying squirrel is framed by a grandfather sharing a story with his grandson.

Educator & Series Information
Phonics features are noted on the copyright page.

This book has been officially leveled by using the F & P Text Level Gradient(TM) Leveling System. It is a Level I for Grade 1.

The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on books for kindergarteners and first graders. Acclaimed author-illustrators create original, high-quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read again and again with their parents, teachers or on their own!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

Bear has fast legs. Turtle has a fast mind. Who will win the race? A fun Indigenous story that kindergarteners and first graders can read on their own.

Ready, set, go!
Bear will go over the ice.
Turtle will go under the ice.
Bear runs fast.
But where is Turtle?

When a quick-footed bear and a quick-witted turtle race across a frozen lake, Turtle has a secret plan to win!

Reviews
"With just a few words per page, presented in a large font, and visuals that reflect the action, this one is ideal for beginning readers. Exaggerated, energetic cartoon illustrations enhance the easy-to-read text. Children will be charmed by the humor, drama, fun twist, and wonderfully entertaining characters. The characters’ strengths and savvy will delight emerging readers."—Kirkus Reviews

"This clever tale should find a place in most collections, especially given the lack of Indigenous voices and representation in the beginning reader format."—School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
Written and illustrated by Mohawk author-illustrator Arihhonni David, this easy reader based on an Indigenous tale combines exciting storytelling and easy-to-read language.

This book has been officially leveled by using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient leveling system. It is a Level G.

This book is a guided reader based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards.  

High-quality illustrations support comprehension of simple text. Fun for kids to read again and again with their parents, teachers, or on their own!

This book is part of the I Like to Read series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.78" x 9.99" | Paperback