Also available in Spanish




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GAYLIA TAYLOR was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a retired Reading Recovery® teacher who is pursuing a full-time career writing children’s book. Her first book was Bebop Books’ THE DASHIKI. Gaylia was inspired to write this story by her daughter’s sweatshirt that shrunk in the wash. When she isn’t writing, Gaylia loves to travel. She lives in Norfolk, Virginia, with her husband. Gaylia has one grown daughter.


AARON BOYD was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has wanted to illustrate children’s books since he was six years old. He received his BFA degree from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Aaron loves to paint, travel, and explore other cultures. He still lives in Milwaukee, with his three dogs to keep him company.

Download the FAMILY PICNIC Guided Reading Lesson Plan by clicking here

Guided Reading Guided reading levels were assigned by certified Reading Recovery® teachers and literacy experts using the guidelines identified in Guided Reading and Matching Books to Readers by Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell (Heinemann).

Intervention Intervention levels were assigned by certified Reading Recovery® teachers and literacy experts and are intended for use in early intervention and one-on-one tutorial programs, including Reading Recovery® programs. These levels are not officially authorized by Reading Recovery®. Reading Recovery® is a registered servicemark of The Ohio State University.

DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) The DRA levels were determined using information in the Developmental Reading Assessment Resource Guide by Joetta Beaver (Celebration Press).

All level placements may vary and are subject to revision. Teachers may adjust the assigned levels in accordance with their own evaluations.