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MATTHEW GOLLUB has written many children's books, including LEE & LOW's, COOL MELONS, TURN TO FROGS! an ALA Notable Book. Matthew has lived in Japan, where he became fluent in Japanese and was a performing member of a taiko group. He lives in Santa Rosa, California, with his wife and their son.


KAZUKO G. STONE was born in Tokyo, Japan, and later moved to the United States. She enjoys sharing her Japanese culture with others through her art and has illustrated many children's picture books, including COOL MELONS, TURN TO FROGS!. Kazuko lives in New York City with her two daughters.

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.