Vaunda Micheaux Nelson - Ready? Set. Raymond!

A NOTE TO PARENTS When your children are ready to step into reading, giving them the right books is as crucial to their development as giving them the right food to eat. Step into Reading books feature exciting stories and information reinforced with lively, colorful illustrations that make learning to read fun, satisfying, and rewarding. We have even taken extra steps to keep your child engaged by offering Step into Reading Sticker books, Step into Reading Math books, and Step into Reading Phonics books, in addition to fabulous fiction and nonfiction.
Learning to read, Step by Step:

• Super Early books (PreschoolKindergarten) support pre-reading skills. Parent and child can engage in see and say reading using the strong picture cues and the few simple words on each page.
• Early books (PreschoolKindergarten) let emergent readers tackle one or two short sentences of large type per page.
• Step 2 books (Grades 13) offer longer and slightly more difficult text while introducing contractions and clauses.
• Step 2 books (Grades 13) offer longer and slightly more difficult text while introducing contractions and clauses.

  Children are often drawn to our exciting natural science nonfiction titles at this level.

• Step 3 books (Grades 23) present paragraphs, chapters, and fully developed plot lines in fiction and nonfiction.
• Step 4 books (Grades 24) feature thrilling nonfiction illustrated with exciting photographs for independent as well as reluctant readers.

Remember: The grade levels assigned to the six steps are intended only as guides. Some children move through all six steps rapidly; others climb the steps over a period of a few years. Either way, these books will help children step into reading for life! For Raymonds aunts:
Katherine, Lucy, Stephanie, Uma, and Lori
V.M.N.For Chery D.A.Slow Down, Raymond Raymond does things fast.

He brushes his teeth fast. He eats breakfast fast. Slow down, Raymond. Chew your food, Mama says. Raymond slows down but not for long! Raymond dresses fast. He runs to school fast. Slow down, Raymond. Slow down, Raymond.

Look both ways, the policeman says. Raymond slows down but not for long! He reads fast. He counts fast. He draws pictures fast. Slow down, Raymond. Raymond slows down but not for long! He runs home fast. He eats dinner fast. He brushes his teeth fast. Slow down, Raymond. Slow down, Raymond.

Time for bed, Papa says. Raymond slowly closes his eyes and falls fast asleep! Raymond and Roxy Raymond sees a new girl next door. He wants a friend. Making friends takes time, Mama says. But Raymond cannot wait. He runs next door.

Im Raymond! he says. The girl runs inside. Raymond walks home.