From the Stepping Forward Series.

Two boys see their father building a pen, and ask why. He tells them it is for a good pet, but he won't tell them what the pet will be. It is a good surprise!

New concepts in this book:

• One-syllable, short-vowel words, using any consonants
• Twelve sight words
  [name, very, see, what, we, for, talked, obey, and, black, yellow, put]

Introduction

The stories in the Stepping Forward series are written to help beginning readers find that reading a book is enjoyable, satisfying, and worthwhile. Careful attention has been given to vocabulary and sentence length to make them appealing to a first-grade student.

This series has been divided into steps. Each step is slightly more advanced, to be used as children increase their reading skills. Step Two books have very simple vocabulary and are written for very young readers.

In the beginning stages of learning to read, some children may benefit from hearing a story read to them before they try to master it themselves. This may be done by working through the book together, page by page, or by reading the whole book to them before they begin to read. Many children, however, will not need this help, and will enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of reading books on their own.

Because these books have been written for children who are learning to read, we encourage adults to not give opportunity for preschool children to memorize these stories, since that would hinder their value.

Giving children enough practice in reading is crucial to their mastering the art. Therefore, having them read the right books—and lots of them—can be of great value. Stepping Forward stories are designed to aid children in becoming good—and interested—readers. These books are ideal for independent reading by primary children at school and at home.

Story Titles

• 1. What Is It?
• 2. A Job
• 3. Dan and Jeff Talked
• 4. What Pet?
• 5. See the Pet
• 6. Hop and Run
• 7. In the Yellow Tub
• 8. In the Pen