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The Peculiar Possum

The Nocturnals Grow & Read Early Reader, Level 2

Illustrated by Josie Yee
Published by Fabled Films Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
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About The Book

“Addresses bullying and empathy in an easy, accessible way” —New York Post

This adventure-filled Level 2 Nocturnals Early Reader grows confidence in reading with engaging illustrations, short sentences, and fun alliteration!


Penny the peculiar possum surprises Dawn the serious fox, Tobin the sweet pangolin, and Bismark the wacky sugar glider!
At first Bismark doesn't understand her, but Penny makes friends with the Nocturnals trio and shows them how to be proud of their differences. Bonus Content includes Nocturnals Animal Glossary with Fun Facts and a Language Glossary!

GREAT FOR EARLY READERS AGES 6–8 (Grades 1-2)
Level 2 books feature longer text, problem solving and sight words

Teaches Life Skills: Accepting Differences, Empathy, and Kindness.
Perfect for kids who like unusual animals and science!

The 8-book Nocturnals Grow & Read Early Reader Collection encourages kids at all reading levels who like adventurous stories featuring nocturnal animals

About The Author

Tracey Hecht is a writer and the creative director of Fabled Films Press. She created The Nocturnals, the critically acclaimed middle-grade and early reader series. The American Booksellers Association chose her first book, The Mysterious Abductions, as a Kids’ Indie Next List pick, and her nonfiction book Nighttime Animals: Awesome Features & Surprising Adaptations received the Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorites Award in 2023. In partnership with the New York Public Library, she created a Read Aloud Writing Program that has since been conducted in hundreds of schools, libraries, and bookstores. She attends Bank Street College, where she is studying to receive a dual master’s degree in childhood general education and special education. Tracey splits her time between New York City and Oquossoc, Maine.

About The Illustrator

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.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Fabled Films Press (October 30, 2018)
  • Length: 64 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781944020194
  • Ages: 6 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

“Hecht’s playful narrative style livens the baldly delivered lesson, as do a handful of challenging words that are not only defined by context and in a glossary in the back, but matched to equivalents in five languages.”

– Booklist

“The art, which is largely redundant of text, provides cues to help readers with decoding…”

– Kirkus Reviews

“[The Brigade] discovers different isn’t bad, it’s just an opportunity to discover something or someone new! A great book on acceptance, tolerance, and inclusion.”

– Story Monsters

“This easy reader chapter book has short, easy sentences with occasional alliteration. The illustrations have a pleasing palette. Includes facts about the animals and a glossary.”

– Youth Services Book Review

“Hecht successfully set the stage for more adventurous outings down the road...”

– Publishers Weekly

“Very highly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.”

– Midwest Book Review

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

– New York Post

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More books from this author: Tracey Hecht

More books from this illustrator: Josie Yee

More books in this series: The Nocturnals