Mini, the Super Watermelon

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Dianna Cleveland
Illustrated by: Liliane Grenier
Edited for Multi-Level Readability by: Nicole Swanson, 5th Grade Teacher

What comes to mind when you think of watermelons? You might think how sweet and delicious they are, or how large and heavy they are. But did you know watermelons are also super foods packed with vitamins, and they contain Lycopene, an anti-oxidant that helps rid the body of damaging substances? There are also miniature watermelons that are just as delicious and nutritious, but grow to a much more practical size? Well, this is just what Mini, the only miniature watermelon in her patch, learns when she decides to wander away from the vine all by herself. Even though the large, oval-shaped watermelons make fun of her for being so little and round, Mini learns at a nearby Farmer's Market that small watermelons are what everyone wants! Discover Mini's superpowers and some interesting facts about watermelon in this adorable story about a powerful little heroine.

Story Length: 3,149 Words
24 bound pages (fully illustrated-notebook size)
Download Pages to Print: 35 including Supplements
Download File Size: 2,022 kb

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An Unexpected Path

Written by: Krista Lundgren
Illustrated by: Liliane Grenier

Namid is different from the other girls in the village, especially her own twin sister. She loves to run in the forest and doesn’t like to worry about staying clean. While most Native American groups expected women strictly to be domestic mothers, some Native Americans, including the Ojibwe tribe, admired female hunters and warriors on the rare occasions when they appeared. In this story, Namid does not yet realize her people's attitudes toward women taking traditionally male roles. Soon it will be time for her to become an adult woman and learn her path in life. There is just one problem: she is sure that she will not be happy with the path she is given! To make things worse, her sister and father wish she wasn’t so different. Can Namid and her sister learn to understand each other? Is there a place for Namid that will allow her to fit in and still be herself?

Story Length: 3,156 Words

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On the eve of the Summersville Elementary Invention Fair, twins, Melinda and Marcus, are still racing to finish a most unusual project. Their invention, The Great Rhyme Travel Machine, is designed to bring famous people from the past into the future! It may only be a cardboard box with aluminum foil and some lights, but it could hold a big surprise! The students know their machine doesn’t have to actually work to win the competition. Creativity and vision is what counts with the judges. When their favorite teacher, Miss Chalk, lets them stay after school to finish their invention, the twins begin to hear strange noises in their classroom. Mysteriously and magically, their machine works and out come two famous people, Amelia Earhart and Thomas Edison! This fun and creative story provides opportunities for students to use their imaginations in admiring and honoring famous people of the past. Great for Social Studies content.
Story Length: 4,482 Words

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As Summersville students listen to their teacher, Miss Chalk, read from her long lost diary, they are deeply inspired. One entry, detailing the famous “I Have A Dream” speech, leaves twelve year old Kelly spellbound. Motivated to do something important, she decides to run for Sixth Grade Class President! Unfortunately, her drive is short lived. Realizing there’s never been a historical president with green eyes, dark skin and pretty long braids, she feels defeated. To keep their frustrated friend from dropping out, Melinda and Marcus reactivate The Great Rhyme Travel Machine for some answers. What follows is a moving lesson that teaches kids what being a leader really means. Endearing childhood versions of George Washington Carver and Shirley Chisholm travel through time to motivate Kelly and her friends. This script not only promotes positive Character Education and Black History themes, but also mirrors the excitement of present day elections. Vote “YES” for another exciting adventure in rhyme!
Story Length: 4,331 Words

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The Fairy and the Frog

A Playbook® Original Story
Written by: Stephanie Ireys
Illustrated by: Liliane Grenier
Edited for Multi-Level Readability by: Pat and John Fine, Retired Teachers

Frogs had disliked fairies for a very long time, and fairies absolutely never talked to frogs. That was just the way things were, until one young fairy's curiosity changed things. Pixie Lou, the daughter of the Fairy Queen, didn't understand why fairies and frogs couldn't get along, so she disguised herself as a dragonfly and flew over to meet some frogs and find out for herself. She came across George, who just happened to be a frog prince, lying in the sun. And he wasn't bad at all! In fact, he was quite nice and very funny, and the two became fast friends. So what was the big deal? Well, there was something Pixie Lou didn't know. There was a reason fairies and frogs didn't get along, a horrible secret hidden amongst the beautiful flowers of the tranquil river valley. It was definitely not a good idea for a fairy to be in the frog kingdom, something Pixie Lou would soon discover.
Story Length: 4,623 Words
48 bound pages (fully illustrated-paperback size)
Download Pages to Print: 25
Download File Size: 957 kb

Tiny Heroes of the Waves

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Sharon Brinkerhoff
Illustrated by: Jimmy Chau
Edited for Multi-Level Readability by: Jan Abbott, 5th Grade Teacher

What can five little sea creatures, some of them barely more than an inch long, possibly do against two large, fierce, and powerful sharks? You'd be surprised! When these five little friends set off on a fantastic adventure in the warm Brazilian ocean, not only do they encounter strange mysteries and objects of great beauty, they find themselves involved in something much greater and more dangerous than they ever imagined possible. Will they be able to face their fears and get the help they need? After all, once the full moon rises above the waves at midnight, it will be too late.
Story Length: 4,286 Words
64 bound pages (fully illustrated-paperback size)
Download Pages to Print: 32
Download File Size: 981 kb

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Content for Grades 3-6

Available in... Advantage (Multi-Level) Format with...
Character Roles Written at Reading Stages 2-5


Click here to view/print summary and image of each character.

Mini-Costume Kit Available

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Sundance and the Bully

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Jan Abbott
Illlustrated by: Bret Berndes
Edited for Multi-Level Readability by: Jan Abbott, 5th Grade Teacher

Sundance, the new kitten in the family, has a lot to learn, especially since his unusual tail has come to the attention of the neighborhood bully cat. How can Sundance safely stop the endless taunting of nasty Bully Cat? In a story that deals with working together against bullying, these cats have some pretty smart ideas. Can they really make a difference?
Story Length: 4,862 Words
50 bound pages (fully illustrated-notebook size)
Download Pages to Print: 42
Download File Size: 1,102 kb

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The Baseball Equation

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Kyle Namisniak
Illustrated by: Antonio Nilo

Fabulous Food Detectives

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Susan Ingebretson
Illustrated by: Liliane Grenier

The Hairless Bear

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Susan Ingebretson
Illustrated by: Tony Jacobs

Rikki Tikki Tavi

A timeless tale adapted to Playbook® Format

Watchamacallit Wizardry

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Louis Shultz
Illustrated by: John Portez
Edited for Multi-Level Readability by: Jan Abbott, 5th Grade Teacher

Billy loved anything that was unusual or mysterious. He would often go on adventures and would pretend to be a wizard seeking the answers to life's funny riddles. Little did he know his curiosity was about to lead him into a truly magical world, far beyond anything he had ever imagined. Only this world wasn't make believe, this time it was for real. Billy would find himself in a truly wonderful place, filled with the mystery and adventure he had always longed for. Even better, for reasons beyond human comprehension, he was meant to enter this special realm. Why he was led there, however, would prove to be the greatest mystery of all.
Story Length: 7,858 Words
71 bound pages (fully illustrated-paperback size)
Download Pages to Print: 36
Download File Size: 790 kb

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How Sandy Got
Her Spin

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Sandy Slade
Illustrated by: Liliane Grenier
It is a typical school morning, but when the principal, Mrs. Johanson, makes a special announcement about a surprise assembly program, everything changes. Students energetically file into the multi-purpose room, chattering about what or who might be involved in the exciting assembly. When a certain boy sees a woman sitting on stage with several basketballs, he's skeptical as to what a woman might teach him about basketball ... but when he sees what Sandy Spin can do, his only question is, "Can boys do that, too?" Meanwhile, another student resolves to overcome her fears and shyness and do something brave, like perform in front of an audience like Sandy Spin, while another learns the importance of hard work and determination while keeping a sense of humor all along the way. Students in this story make up a rapping basketball handling routine that readers actually get to perform in a group with a "mini-basketball" that comes with this story set. Also included in the story is a DVD with real footage of Sandy "Spin" Slade as she performs basketball tricks, talks about what motivated her career, and shares an important message with kids.
Story Length: 6,764 Words

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A Snail's Pace Race

A Playbook® Original Story
Written by: Patricia Fine
Illustrated by: Jimmy Chau and Quinn Benedict
Edited for Multi-Level Readability by: Jan Abbott, 5th Grade Teacher

It is the day of the great race, and all the snails are excited. Many of the runners have trained hard, followed special diets, and bought new equipment. They all want to win. But some snails think they can depend on their reputations and fancy equipment and clothes without bothering to train, and rely on their popularity with the crowd to achieve first place. But will popularity win this race? A dynamic read aloud, complete with a screaming fan, roaring crowd, and interesting commentary-like dialogue from reporters Robin Bailey and Chris Cole. All the readers together form the "Crowd" and participate by cheering, booing, and expressing excitement throughout the race. If the costume kit is purchased, each member of the "Crowd" is given a pom pom to shake.
Story Length: 3,244 Words
50 bound pages (fully illustrated-paperback size)
Download Pages to Print: 25
Download File Size: 1,178 kb

Peter Pan

A timeless tale adapted to Playbook® Format
Retold by: Margaret Ann Webber
Illustrated by: John Portez
Edited for Multi-Level Readability by: Jan Abbott, Retired School Teacher

Peter Pan, the boy who refuses to grow up, has become the hero of every child's imaginary adventures, and Neverland has become the destination of every child's dream. Voyaging through the starry night with Tinker Bell to a magical island becomes a distinct possibility in this story. Can ordinary children experience such flights of fancy? Can they conjure up visions of loyal friendship and black-hearted treachery? They can, of course, but then will they want to remain in this fantastic land, refusing to return to their normal lives once they have realized such experiences? Based on the classic tale.
Story Length: 5,732 Words
58 bound pages (fully illustrated-paperback size)
Download Pages to Print: 28
Download File Size: 824 kb

A Sweet Escape

A timeless tale adapted to Playbook® Format
Retold by: Stephanie Comella and Elaine Carlson
Illustrated by: Liliane Grenier
Edited for Multi-Level Readability by: Pat and John Fine, Retired Teachers

Everybody knows that fairy tales aren't real, right? But what if you found yourself in the middle of one anyway? Take "Hansel and Gretel," for example. The house made of the most delicious candies and cookies and cakes you could imagine would be absolutely marvelous, wouldn't it? But what about the witch? What if she were real too? This is exactly the situation in which Greg and Heidi find themselves. They can hardly believe it, but there's no time for amazement-it's already too late. A modern twist of the timeless tale.
Story Length: 5,646 Words
50 bound pages (fully illustrated-paperback size)
Download Pages to Print: 22
Download File Size: 697kb

The String Thing

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: David L. Burrier
Illustrated by: Robert Snyder

Princess and the Pea

A timeless tale adapted to Playbook® Format

Soccer Stars

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Dianna Cleveland
Illustrated by: Liliane Grenier
Edited for Multi-Level Readability by: Patricia and John Fine, Retired Teachers

Luis loves soccer, as does everyone in Mexico! But for Luis, it was his life, and his greatest dream was to someday play for Mexico in the World Cup. He believed he was the best player on the team, but no one else seemed to notice! His coach, his teacher, and everyone in town only seemed to be interested in Alejandro. Alejandro's grandfather had been a great soccer player-so what! And Alejandro had invented a special kick-big deal! Luis was jealous so Luis did something drastic to take the attention off Alejandro. But he caused more damage than he could have imagined and his envy was replaced with a horrible sense of guilt. His grandmother talked to him about forgiveness, but Luis was certain that this time there was no way out. How could the townspeople, and especially Alejandro, ever forgive him?
Story Length: 4,499 Words
64 bound pages (fully illustrated-paperback size)
Download Pages to Print: 39
Download File Size: 981 kb

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Content for Grades 4-9

Available in... Advantage (Multi-Level) Format with...
Character Roles Written at Reading Stages 2-5


Click here to view/print summary and image of each character.

Mini-Costume Kit Available

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Questionella and the Perfect Prince:
A Fairy Tale of Multiple Choices

Written by: Gregory Brown and Kim Brown
Illustrated by: Liliane Grenier

Long ago, in the enchanted kingdom of Think-a-lot, lived a young girl named Questionella. Her loving stepmother dreamed her stepdaughter might one day have a chance for a better life, and she knew that going to college was the way towards fulfilling those hopes. As fate would have it, King Tassel decides to throw a ball so he can select one lucky lass to study with his son at the Royal University! Questionella is elated about this opportunity for a scholarship … until she discovers she will have to pass a test to have a chance! Still, with the help of her bookworm friend, Lil’ Confidence, a wacky unemployed Tooth Fairy, and a Town Crier who really cries, Questionella makes it to the palace. Will our heroine learn how to choose the correct multiple choice answer when ALL of the four choices say “choose me?” Can Questionella really pick the perfect prince in her final multiple choice challenge? Readers will not only have fun answering these questions … they will also learn definitive test-taking strategies as this fairy tale unfolds.


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Content for Grades 4-12

Available in... Advantage (Multi-Level) Format with...
Character Roles Written at Reading Stages 2-5

Click here to view/print summary and image of each character.

Students (and their teachers) will learn proven ways to ease test anxiety while tackling that ever present dark cloud … the multiple choice test. The whole class will get caught up in a “hip hoppity” original Multiple Choice Rap, written and recorded especially for this Playbook® script. Warning … test-taking might actually become fun!

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The Quest For the Eagle
(Journeys of Discovery Series)

Written by: Pat Fine
Illustrated by: Liliane Grenier

This story is loosely based on the legendary search by the early Aztecs for the site of their homeland, the future city of Tenochtitlan – modern-day Mexico City. Following the prophecy of their god, Huitzilopochtli, the families that are involved here – two brothers and their wives and children – together with the rest of their tribe – have endured life-long hardships in attaining their goal. Their persistence in the face of seemingly endless journeying and constant privation, and their eventual triumph in achieving this promised goal is a tribute to their belief in a supernatural power, and the strength of their desire to provide for a better future for their children. Here again, students are offered the opportunity to portray characters that continued to believe, in spite of physical challenges and personal doubts.


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Bound For Plymouth
(Journeys of Discovery Series)

Written by: Pat Fine
Illustrated by: Liliane Grenier

Have you ever been on a cruise ship, or seen commercials for one on TV? They really make it look like fun, but when the Pilgrims sailed to America back in the 1600s, their voyage was a far cry from enjoyable. Their ship was cold and damp, as well as smelly and leaky, and the rough motion often made the passengers seasick. Most of the passengers lived together on a lower deck with only blankets to divide the cramped space into doubtful privacy. They used buckets for toilets, their food was wormy and almost inedible, and it wasn’t just the animals that had fleas! But they were willing to undergo such discomfort in order that their dearest wish for freedom could become reality. This story enables students to experience – on a smaller scale – what life was like on that historic sea voyage.


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The Mustermill Project

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Louis Shultz
I llustrated by: John Portez
Edited for Multi-Level Readability by: Jan Abbott, 5th Grade Teacher

Billy is back, and the marvels he encounters are more fabulous than ever! In "The Mustermill Project," which is the sequel to "Watchamacallit Wizardry," Billy and his friend, Casey, dedicate themselves to researching the mysteries surrounding old Mac Vervill's farm. The strange phenomena never cease, and the more they learn, the more they want to know. As they study the incredible magical waterfall, the gigantic plants, the exploding flower bulbs, and the glowing gold rocks, they feel they are on the verge of making a big discovery. If they could just fit all the pieces together, they think they just might find out what's behind it all. If you want to discover the meaning of "Weejee to a Mustermill," introduced in the first book, you won't want to miss this fascinating sequel.
Story Length: 10,891 Words
90 bound pages (fully illustrated-paperback size)
Download Pages to Print: 45
Download File Size: 1,041 kb

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Protecting the Magic

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Louis Shultz
I llustrated by: John Portez


In this intriguing sequel following “Watchamacallit Wizardry” and “The Mustermill Project,” Billy and his best friend, Casey, are growing up and helping old Mac with chores at his farm. When Mac’s dog uncovers a Native American artifact out in the cornfield, the boys jump back into the mystery of the magical waterfall, the gigantic plants, the exploding flower bulbs, and the glowing rocks. With new clues at every turn, Billy and Casey are more excited than ever to find out the origin of the magic they’ve encountered. Meanwhile, Billy’s father has joined the project and is working on experiments that could lead to amazing scientific advances! When a nosy stranger shows up at Mac’s farm, Casey, Billy, and his father realize the importance of protecting the secret from discovery and misuse. Why is Douglas McKenzie so interested in Mac’s farm? Will the ideas Billy’s father has amount to anything useful? In this series finale, some magical history that was nearly lost may be saved as they explore their American Indian roots, and those of the farm, too! Note to Educators: This story contains themes of energy conservation and alternative fuel development.
Story Length: 8,920 Words

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Same old, same old .. a wicked witch who wants revenge, a beautiful girl with long, blonde braids imprisoned in a tower, and a handsome prince who climbs up to rescue her. Right? Wrong!!! In this modern adaptation, you'll find out how computers and a spunky hairdresser can thwart true love's path.
Story Length: 5,005 Words
54 bound pages (fully illustrated-paperback size)
Download Pages to Print: 30
Download File Size: 1,164 kb

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Sherman the Shy

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Pat Fine
Illustrated by: Liliane Grenier

It's time for Prince Sherman to choose a bride, but that's actually the last thing he wants to do. In the first place, he's horribly shy. He can't even talk to girls, let alone think about marrying one. Also, the girls who are always flocking around him are only interested in him because he's a handsome prince. He wishes he could find a girl he could talk to who would like him for who he is, but apparently that sort of girl just doesn't exist. To get away from it all, he heads out by himself to go camping in the woods. Unfortunately, he's not a very good camper and ends up falling down a deep hole. It seems like his life only goes from bad to worse until he's rescued by the very girl he'd always hoped to find. Except, of course, he can't marry her because she's not royalty. Will Prince Sherman ever find happiness? They say love always finds a way!
Story Length: 21,111 Words
128 bound pages (fully illustrated-paperback size)
Download Pages to Print: 72
Download File Size: 1,145 kb

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Content for Grades 6-12

Available in...
Single-Level Format with All Roles at Stage 6


Click here to view/print summary and image of each character.

Mini-Costume Kit Available

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Content for Grades 6-9

Available in... Advantage (Multi-Level) Format with...
Character Roles Written at Reading Stages 4 - 6

Click here to view/print summary and image of each character.

 

Mission Humanity

An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Elizabeth Burke
Illustrated by: Stephen Anderson

Mission Humanity is a futuristic science fiction story about a family living on the Planet Luna in the year 2084 under the rule of a dictator who has outlawed the ideas of family identity, individuality, and even names! People are to be known by letters and numbers only and to function as members of a governmental machine. One family dares to oppose this tyranny, but it's a dangerous undertaking. Worse yet, it seems that the younger members of the family have already been indoctrinated into this sterile and heartless form of existence. Will the family be able to pull together to overcome this oppression, or is it already too late? Does the younger generation still retain enough of their humanity to even want to join their family against this cruel dictator?
Story Length: 11,381 Words
74 bound pages (fully illustrated-paperback size)
Download Pages to Print: 38
Download File Size: 713 kb

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Sundance Finds a Cigarette
An Original Playbook® Story
Written by: Jan Abbott
I llustrated by: Bret Berndes

Sundance, that curious yellow-striped kitten is back. He's growing up, and so is his master and friend, Ryan, who is now thirteen. Ryan is small for his age, just like Sundance, and he wishes he looked older. When Ryan's friend, Jimmy, tries to get him to smoke, telling him it will make him look more mature, Ryan decides to try it. Of course, Sundance also gets involved and the drama begins. With a little creative help from the other two cats in the family, both cat and boy not only come to understand the dangers of cigarettes, but also learn important truths about the process of growing up
Story Length: 6,436 Words
58 bound pages (fully illustrated-paperback size)
Download Pages to Print: 28
Download File Size: 564 kb