When Norman shows Jim his pet butterfly, Butterfly-Butterfly, Jim is suitably impressed, especially when Norman spouts butterfly facts. Then Norman adds Beetle-Beetle 1 and Beetle-Beetle 2 and so many more to his menagerie. Now Norman spends all his time feeding and caring for his pets and doesn’t have time to play. Grumpy Monkey Jim feels left out. And when all the bugs have babies, Jim declares that Norman has too many and persuades his friend to set them free. But then Norman sees a ladybug…
Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are brothers and sisters. They're orphans too, and the only way they can stay together is to make it on their own. When the children find an abandoned boxcar in the woods, they decide to call it home and become the Boxcar Children!
Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.