The Slithery Shakedown: The Nocturnals Grow & Read Early Reader, Level 2 - Softcover

Tracey Hecht has written, directed, and produced for film. The American Booksellers Association chose the first book in her critically acclaimed middle grade series, The Nocturnals: The Mysterious Abductions, as a Kids’ Indie Next List pick. This year, her Grow & Read early reader book, The Chestnut Challenge, was given a Mom’s Choice Gold Award.  In partnership with the New York Public Library, Tracey created a Read Aloud Writing Program that she has since conducted—both in person and virtually—in over 100 schools, libraries, and bookstores across the country. Tracey currently splits her time between New York City and Oquossoc, Maine, with her husband, four children, and dog, Penny.

Josie Yee is an award winning illustrator specializing in children's books. She lives in New York City with her daughter, Ana, and their cat, Dude.

Praise for The Nocturnals Grow & Read Series

“A pangolin, a red fox, and a sugar glider are together again in their second nighttime adventure in the series... Short sentences and much repetition throughout assist early readers as they gain a sense of accomplishment on completing this six-chapter book... The vocabulary words likely to be new to readers are introduced, including squatted, haunches, shimmery, slithered, and summoned... Beginning readers will enjoy this tale and will cheer on the threesome who defeat a bully by using their words.” —School Library Journal

“This banter-filled early reader describes the initial meeting between shy Tobin the pangolin, brash Bismark the sugar glider, and kindhearted Dawn the fox...the pared-down narration and dialogue quickly establish their personalities...Hecht and Dowling successfully set the stage for more adventurous outings down the road.” —Publishers Weekly

“[The Slithery Shakedown] does not disappoint... This tale uses plenty of important vocabulary words, easily decipherable within context, while showing how friends who stick together can facedown even the meanest bully... Vivid illustrations pop off crisp white pages... This successful endeavor manages to maintain the spirit of the original series while showing respect for new devotees.” —Booklist

“The series addresses bullying and empathy in an easy, accessible way, and the books are meant to be read aloud.”—New York Post

“This beginning reader does a good job of addressing the idea of being afraid and being brave...The illustrations have a charming folk art-like quality that may appeal to fans of animal picture books. Because the events all take place at night, the palette is an unusual teal-based one that is quite attractive.”—YA Books Central