The Orca Two Read series supports children ages 6 to 9 who are “struggling to learn how to read because of dyslexia or another language-based learning difficulty.” Through a carefully controlled vocabulary, a savvy layout with shaded pages for those with processing challenges, and a shared reading experience, the authors have created a program designed for reading success. In short, the cognitive load is removed so that the learner can focus on acquiring the new skill. In Book 4, the new phonics concept introduced is r-controlled vowels, using ar, or, er, and air; the use of suffixes; and reinforcement of skills taught in the previous books in the series. This book also contains four entertaining short stories linked by the theme of mystery. The book contains four entertaining short stories, all linked by the theme of mystery. Each story introduces new characters and complex adventures, providing readers with opportunities for further literacy development through discussions of both literal and inferential story events.

Other End Matter: Contents, Glossary, How to Read information, additional information for adults
Images: b&w illustrations, Phonics activities/puzzles
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Elspeth Rae has a BEd from Simon Fraser University and is a certified Orton-Gillingham teacher for children with dyslexia and other language-learning difficulties. Elspeth was diagnosed with dyslexia at age eight and received Orton-Gillingham instruction during her school years. As a certified teacher, she works as a literacy specialist in the public school system, where she teaches reading, spelling and writing to children ages five to thirteen. She lives in Vancouver with her husband and three children.

Elspeth Rae's profile page

Rowena Rae worked as a biologist specializing in aquatic ecosystems in Canada and New Zealand before becoming a freelance writer, editor and children’s author. She is the author of Rachel Carson and Ecology for Kids, as well as Chemical World and Upstream, Downstream in the Orca Footprints line. Rowena writes both fiction and nonfiction from her home in Victoria, British Columbia.

Rowena Rae's profile page

Elisa Gutiérrez is an award-winning designer, author and illustrator. Her book Picturescape was short-listed for the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize, was honored by the Alcuin Society and was the subject of a scholarly paper by the renowned Dr. Lawrence Sipe. Elisa has designed over 100 books and specializes in book design for children. Born and raised in Mexico City, Elisa now lives in Vancouver.

Elisa Gutiérrez's profile page

• Commended, Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom

“Provides a supported flow to the reading of each story that enables the young reader to gain confidence. The modelling by the adult /buddy reader provides strategies for the young reader. At the same time, the story requires each partner to contribute to the reading in order to discover and enjoy each adventure. This partnership makes shared reading a special experience for both readers. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“An extremely useful and entertaining series for striving readers; children reading this book along with their partner are not only getting the adventures of Meg and Greg, but learning their sight words and phonics with ease.”

School Library Journal

“Children will love how Meg and Greg find everything and everyone who is lost…Recommended for those with dyslexia and beginning readers.”

Canadian Children's Book News