- Large type, ample spacing between words and lines of type - Simple text layout variation - Easy-to-read decodable text - Lively photographs and illustrations match engaging text - Innovative mix of nonfiction and fiction in each book - Highlighted words in different color for easy decoding in sentence section - Some challenging vocabulary - Variety of punctuation - Introduces multisyllabic words, adjectives, and inflectional endings - Photos assist reader with comprehension through content recognition and reflect multicultural diversity - Strengthens reading, spelling, and comprehension skills - Designed to use for guided, shared, and independent reading - Full-color Photographs - Picture Word Index - Index