You Can Do It! (I Like to Read)

There's a big race on Sunday-- but can a little crocodile triumph?  Find out in this Level B story, simple enough for young readers to read on their own.

The crocodile is hopeful, but when a bigger, mean crocodile tells him there's no chance, he starts to wonder if he's good enough.

But with a little motivation from his friend, and a lot of practice and hard work, he's ready to prove himself when the big race comes around! 

Using simple text and lots of sight words, Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Betsy Lewin has created a story about determination-- and the importance of support from your friends!  The easy-to-read story is accompanied by energetic ink and watercolor illustrations, adding interest and detail to the narrative, showcasing the little crocodile's practice and the shared joy of his triumph.

The award-winning  I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards.  Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!

Level B readers feature short sentences with high-frequency words, for kindergarten readers who've mastered Level A and are ready to build more fluency.  The illustrations provide clues to word meanings. When you've mastered these simple stories, move on to level C!

A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year

"Each gesture and eye movement conveys the intense drama of a young creature struggling for confidence and accomplishment. A successful easy reader from this popular author/illustrator."—School Library Journal

"Limited, repetitive text invites new readers to adopt the same spirit of determination about reading that the protagonist alligator does about swimming . . . Lewin's restrained watercolor-and-ink artwork matches the control of the text, providing ample, white resting space for the eyes while delivering engaging and expressive characters. . . . A winner of an early reader."—Kirkus Reviews

"With its common themes of self-doubt, confidence, and friendship, this charming book should be a perfect fit for preschoolers, many of whom will get to experience immediate reading success."—Booklist

Betsy Lewin is an award-winning children's book writer and illustrator. Her books have been New York Times bestsellers, received multiple starred reviews, and numerous awards, including a Caldecott Honor for Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type. In 2015, Betsy was inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame.  She lives with her husband, Ted Lewin, in New York City when they are not traveling the globe, seeking creative inspiration in nature and wildlife.