John and Frank created these books for youngsters who are just learning to read. They combine simple, repetitive vocabulary with colorful, funny illustrations that allow new readers to experience the joy of reading their very first story.

Since the first books in this series were published in 1997, we have heard from dozens of teachers, librarians and parents telling us how effective these New Readers are at encouraging youngsters to read by themselves.

LEVEL ONE: Very simple books for very young readers

The Zookeeper's Sleepers
Written by Frank B. Edwards
Illustrated by John Bianchi

This playful bedtime story examines the plight of a community of zoo animals with insomnia. Shortly after the zookeeper settles down in bed with a good book, she receives a long line of nocturnal visitors, each complaining that "I am awake. I cannot sleep."

Patiently, she hands each animal a book, suggesting that they "Take this book and read a bedtime story." But the animals return with another problem. Clutching their books, they remind her that they cannot read.

When the tired zookeeper says "I will read to you," the animals crowd into her bed, falling asleep as she starts their story. Surrounded by her snoozing menagerie, the zookeeper finds that she is the only one who cannot sleep.

8 x 8 inches, 24 pages
(Originally published by Bungalo Books. Now back in print as a Pokeweed Press title.)

Peek-a-boo at the Zoo
Written by Frank B. Edwards
Illustrated by John Bianchi

A visitor to the zoo climbs on board the double-decker tour bus expecting to get a clear view of all the animals. But he soon discovers that not all the zoo inhabitants are easily found.

As he approaches each exhibit, he strains to spot the occupant without success (although a sharp-eyed reader is likely to spot some clues to the whereabouts of each elusive animal). Shouting out, "Where are you?" brings back the response, "Look again. We are here." And sure enough with a second glance, he finds the missing animals.

This classic peek-a-boo, where-are-you story offers a slight twist, however, when the bus reaches an overlook from which the visitor can see no animals at all. "Now where did you all go?" he calls out in exasperation until he once again takes a second look and discovers that all the animals have joined him on the bus.

8 x 8 inches, 24 pages
(Originally published by Bungalo Books. Now back in print as a Pokeweed Press title.)

LEVEL TWO: Rhyming books for beginning readers

Snug as a Big Red Bug
Written by Frank B. Edwards
Illustrated by John Bianchi

Poor Red Bug doesn't know anything about the cold wind and snow winter. His friends ask him, "Red Bug, Red Bug, Where will you go? Winter is coming, With cold wind and snow." But the animals who are warning him of the changing season are not keen to let him burrow into their warm winter coats.

Each potential hibernation site (feathers, fur, wool and hair) belongs to a reluctant host who sends the bug away again. Finally, Red Bug finds a perfect spot that bothers no one and the book ends happily with him snoring away in front of a fireplace. (Yes, you guessed it, as snug as a bug in a rug.)

The book's rhyming pattern is a wonderful reading device for developing readers and the bug's search provides a playful look at the way various animal's adapt to the cold. Youngsters love to chant the text with or without the book in hand.

8 x 8 inches, 24 pages

Nightgown Countdown
Written by Frank B. Edwards
Illustrated by John Bianchi

Just as she is getting ready for bed, a farmer notices that ten of her barnyard animals are preparing for an all-night hoedown. Still wearing her nightgown, she sneaks out to watch them as they dance through the night. As the animals lay down one by one, she counts them off in standard countdown fashion. "Ten farm animals dancing in a line, horse got dizzy, then there were nine."

Young readers love the rhythm and rhyme in this book, predicting each number as they turn the page to see what animal drops out from the party. John Bianchi's goofy animal characters are as endearing as ever and he manages to work in his usual visual subplots (including a pair of courting chickens who almost stay awake until sunrise).

8 x 8 inches, 24 pages

A Crowded Ride in the Countryside
Written by Frank B. Edwards
Illustrated by John Bianchi

A farmer's simple drive to the country fair turns into a chaotic journey as more and more of his animals want to climb aboard. The obliging farmer lets each group of animals join him -- first a single chicken, followed by two sheep, three pigs and four cows -- until his little truck gets stuck at the bottom of a steep hill.

Luckily his passengers are as helpful as he is and everyone gets out to push. The trip ends happily with a spectacular crash into the pie contest tent where everyone eats their fill.

Children love to chant the catchy patterned rhymes ("Farmer, farmer, Going to the fair. Chicken wants a ride. There's room to spare.") and return to the book again and again. John Bianchi's wonky cartoon illustrations keep interest high and provide lots of laughs while effectively developing the theme of sharing.

8 x 8 inches, 24 pages