Decodable Readers: Read3 Aligned Collections

If you are looking for decodable readers that directly support your Read3 children we recommend you start with these. The order provided is our proposed order of priority for purchasing.

Variety is important in the early stages so we suggest you purchase one set of each collection listed here rather than multiple sets of one collection.

How closely does Read3 align?

The following collections all follow the Sounds-Write 'Initial Code' sequence and align very closely with the early steps of Read3. Any title in the 'Units' listed below aligns directly with the Read3 Module Step as marked.

Units 1-7 match Read3 Module 1 Steps 1-4 (CVC).

Unit 1 matches M1.1 (Lesson 3)
Unit 2 matches M1.1 (Lesson 3)
Unit 3 matches M1.2 (Lesson 1)
Unit 4 matches M1.2 (Lesson 2)
Units 5 & 6 match M1.3
Unit 7 suitable for M1.4 (doubles)

Units 8-10 match Module 3 Step 1 (CCVCC).

Unit 8 matches M3.1 (Lesson 1)
Unit 9 matches M3.1 (Lesson 2)
Unit 10 matches M3.1 ( 7(Lesson 3)

Units 11-20 are suitable for Module 3.

Units 11-16 suit M3.2 (CCVCC + sh, ch, th, ck, ng)
Units 17-20 suit M3.2

Due to the unique Scope & Sequence of Read3, Module 2 content does not align directly with any series. Please refer to the Curated Resources list included with each step for specific title recommendations.

Once a child has completed Module 1, and is familiar with the chunking strategy for decoding words, you may find they are able to tackle a wider range of decodable readers (with assistance) that may already be in your collection.

Dandelion Readers

There are three sets of Dandelion Readers. While the code is the same in each set, the number of words per page increases as you move through the sets. If funds are limited, start with Set 2, purchase some other brands (Moon Dogs/Sounds-Write) then add Set 1 & Set 3.

Set 2: Units 1-10 'A Mat'
Books 1-7 match Read3 M1.1 - M1.4
Book 8-10 match Read3 M3.1

Set 2: Units 11-20 'Chips for Lunch'
This set introduces consonant digraphs (CCVCC) plus simple 2-syllable words.
Books 11-16 include code suitable for M3.1
Books 17-20 include code suitable for M3.2

Set 1: Units 1–10 ‘Sam’
Books 1-7 match Read3 M1.1 - M1.4
Books 8-10 match Read3 M3.1

Set 1: Units 11–20 ‘Pip Gets Rich'
Introduces consonant digraphs (CCVCC) plus simple 2-syllable words.
Books 11-16 match M3.1
Books 17-20 suit M3.2

Dandelion Readers Set 1 Units 1-7 Dandelion Readers Units 11-20 Set 1

Set 3: Units 1–10 ‘Sit Sam’
Books 1-7 match Read3 M1.1-M1.4
Books 8-10 match Read3 M3.1

Where to purchase:
Smart Kids: Unit 1-10 (Set 2) , Unit 11-20 (Set 2)
Silvereye: Unit 1-10 (Set 1) , Unit 11-20 (Set 2) ,
Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation: Unit 1-10 (Set 2) , Unit 11-20 (Set 2) , Combined (Set 1, 2 & 3) ,
Phonics Australia: Unit 1-10 (Set 2) , Unit 11-20 (Set 2)

Moon Dogs (Catch Up Readers)

These books are ideal as catch up readers for students 8+. Books feature the initial code but the graphics are more age appropriate. If you are working with older children you may wish to prioritise purchasing these titles.

Moon Dogs Series 1
aligns with Read3 M1.1 - M1.4 (plus revision)

Books 1 & 2 match M1.1 (Lesson 3)
Book 3 matches M1.2 (Lesson 1)
Book 4 matches M1.2 (Lesson 2)
Books 5 & 6 match M1.3
Book 7 matches M1.4 (doubles)
Book 8 suitable for M1.4 (or CVC revision at M1.5 )

Moon Dogs Series 1

Moon Dogs Series 2
Introduces extra consonants and consonant digraphs (sh, ch, th, wh, ng).

Book 1 suits M1.4 / M1.5 (CVC Revision)
Book 2 matches M3.1 (Lesson 1)
Book 3 matches M3.1 (Lesson 2)
Book 4 matches M3.1 (Lesson 3)
Books 5-8 are suitable for M3.1 (Lesson 3)
May also be used for M1.5 with support
Note: Books 5-8 include digraphs and extra consonants.

Moon Dogs ‘Extras Series Set 1’ was released in 2022.
This set aligns with Read3 M1.1 - M1.4 (refer to unit breakdown at top of page) and contains multiple titles per step which makes it an excellent starting point.

Moon Dogs Extras Series 1

Please Note: Moon Dogs Series 3 is beyond the scope of Read3. However Series 3 is a recommended resource for introducing vowel digraphs following the completion of Read3. Please contact Read3 if you require assistance with introducing vowel digraphs using Moon Dogs Series 3.

Where To Purchase:
Silvereye: Moon Dogs Set 1 and Moon Dogs Set 2 and Moon Dogs Extras Series Set 1
DSF: Moon Dogs Set 1 and Moon Dogs Set 2 and Moon Dogs Extra Series Set 1,
Smart Kids: Moon Dogs Set 1 and Moon Dogs Set 2 and Moon Dogs Extra Series Set 1

Sounds-Write Decodable Readers

Sounds Write initial code aligns with Read3 Module 1 (CVC) and Module 3.1 (CCVCC). Different suppliers offer different collections but here are a few options:

Sounds-Write Readers Initial Code (Main Collection Units 1–7)

Units 1 & 2 match Read3 M1.1
Units 3 & 4 match Read3 M1.2
Units 5 & 6 match Read3 M1.3
Unit 7 matches Read3 M1.4

Sounds-Write Readers Initial Code (Main Collection Units 8–11)

Unit 8 matches Read3 M3.1 (Lesson 1)
Unit 9 matches Read M3.1 (Lesson 2)
Unit 10 matches Read3 M3.1 (Lesson 3)

Sounds-Write Initial Code 8-11

Due to the inclusion of extra consonants, Unit 11 (sh, ch, th, ck, ng) and ‘Bridging’ titles are only suitable from Read3 M3.1 . Different titles align with Lesson 1 (CVCC), Lesson 2 (CCVC), and Lesson 3 (CCVCC) so please review code carefully when selecting for home practice.

Note: Sounds-Write introduces the extended code in a different order to Read3. Therefore extended code titles are not suitable for children completing the Read3 program. You may look to introduce ‘extended code’ titles following the completion of Read3.

Where To Purchase:
Soundality: Units 1-7 and Units 8-11
SPELD SA: Units 1-7 and Units 8-11
DSF: Units 1-7 (Set 1) and Units 1-7 (Set 2) and Units 8-11

Dandelion Launchers

Dandelion Launchers have fewer words per page than the Dandelion Readers but more books per step of the code. The sequence is the same as the Dandelion Readers. Variety is the key so build out a collection that includes both Dandelion Readers and Dandelion Launchers.

Dandelion Launchers, Units 1-3 (12 Books)

Unit 1 'Sam, Tom, Tim' matches M1.1 (Lesson 3)
Unit 2 'Pam' matches M1.1 (Lesson 3)
Unit 3 'Bob' matches M1.2 (Lesson 1)

Dandelion Launchers, Units 4-7 (16 Books)

Unit 4 'Ted' matches M1.2 (Lesson 2)
Unit 5 'Ken the Rat' matches M1.3
Unit 6 'Viv Can Run' matches M1.3
Unit 7 'T-Rex Yells' suitable for M1.4 (doubles)

Dandelion Launchers, Units 8–10 (12 Books)

Unit 8 'Lost' matches M3.1 (Lesson 1)
Unit 9 'Bob is Glum' matches M3.1 (Lesson 2)
Unit 10 'Stunt Rat' matches M3.1 (Lesson 3)

Dandelion Launchers Units 11-15 (Digraphs)

Dandelion Launchers, Units 11–15
(20 Books introducing digraphs ch, sh, th, ck, ng)

These books include extra consonants so while they match digraphs introduced in Read3 M1.5 support reading longer CCVCC will be needed.
Suitable for M3.1 (check titles to decide which lesson)

Where to purchase:
Smart Kids, Silvereye, Phonics Australia and DSF.

Magic Belt & That Dog! (Catch-Up Readers)

These ‘catch up’ readers are ideal for older students. Each series contains 12 books that consolidate ‘short vowels’ and ‘word endings’ learned in Read3.

Magic Belt Series
Suitable from M3.1 (Lesson 3) and great for revision.
Available through: Phonics Australia, Smart Kids, and Silvereye

That Dog! Series
Suitable from M3.1 (Lesson 3) and great for revision.
Available through: Silvereye, Phonics Australia

Please Note: Series such as Totem, Alba and Amber Series are excellent 'catch up readers' but do contain ‘extended code’ beyond the scope of Read3. You might like to consider these titles for other children and/or introduce them (carefully) when students have finished Read3.

Little Learners Love Literacy (not-quite-so-aligned)

Little Learners Love Literacy has a different scope and sequence for the early steps, however overall the titles align reasonably well with Read3 in the early stages. The scope and sequence for Little Learners aligns with Read3 in the following way:

Stage 1 is suitable for M1.2 (Lesson 2)
Stages 2 & 3 are suitable for M1.3
Stage 4 is suitable for M1.4 (doubles)
Stage 5 features extra consonants which suits M3.1 (CCVCC)
Stage 6 features digraphs sh, ch, th, which may be suitable for M1.5 (with support) but is definitely suitable for M3.1 (CCVCC)
Stage 7 features vowel digraphs and is beyond the scope of Read3