When Jalmar Press in the United States returned the rights to these nine titles earlier this year, Shelley Davidow didn't have to think too hard about where they should go next.
Shelley is already part of the Amba family — two of her books are on our list, and she has been a generous supporter of what we're doing here at Amba Press. When the opportunity came to bring these titles home to an Australian independent publisher, she chose us. We are genuinely honoured.
The Early Phonetic Readers: 6 Book Collection
The six individual readers — Sam Cat and Nat Rat, Ned and Fred, Len Bug and Jen Slug, Jake the Snake, Tim's Boat and Kay and Jay — are also available as a complete six-book bundle. Written in careful phonetic sequence, each story builds on the last, guiding young children from short vowels through to vowel combinations and silent "e" at a pace that builds real confidence.
What makes these books special isn't just their instructional rigour, it's their heart. The stories are gently humorous, warm in their feeling for nature and animals, and genuinely enjoyable for the children reading them and the adults alongside them. For any child beginning their reading journey, or any child who needs a little extra time with the building blocks of written language, these readers are a gift. They're particularly well loved in Steiner schools, which makes complete sense given that Shelley spent many years teaching in that community.
The Chapter Books: 3 Book Collection
These three chapter books, The Secret Pet, The Secret Door and The Secret Wish (available individually or in a bundle) follow naturally from the readers, bringing back familiar characters. Follow Tim and his magical snake Jake as they navigate the delights and dilemmas of an unlikely friendship. Join Mina as a mysterious sound in the night leads her through a secret door and into a world beyond her imagining. And meet Josh, whose favourite book comes startlingly to life right in his own bedroom. Together, these three adventures offer young readers a rich and engaging world full of warmth, humour and just the right amount of mischief.
Together, the 6 readers (Grades 1–3) and 3 chapter books (Grades 3–6) form a beautifully coherent arc: a complete pathway from earliest decoding to confident, independent reading.
About Shelley
Shelley Davidow is an award-winning author of over 50 books and a Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of the Sunshine Coast. With two decades of classroom experience from Kindergarten to Year 12, she presents professional development workshops for schools and communities nationwide and consults with schools as a trained facilitator in Restorative Practice. Her recent novel The Girl with the Violin was published by HarperCollins in 2024.
We are so pleased these titles will stay in print, in good hands, and accessible to the children and educators who love them.
View Shelley's collection here.
