Bright, colorful photos support decodable text, guiding beginning readers to identify, recognize, and use the /s/ sound. Featuring high-frequency words, this authentic nonfiction text also gives emerging readers the opportunity to read for information while reinforcing basic phonemic sounds. Readers will follow a pair of smelly skunks as they go about their day. This nonfiction phonics title is paired with the fiction phonics title The Sad Seal: Practicing the S Sound.The instructional guide on the inside front and back covers provides: * Word List with carefully selected grade-appropriate words featuring the /s/ sound found in the text* Teacher Talk that assists instructors in introducing the /s/ sound* Group Activity that guides students to identify the /s/ sound, decode the words that contain it, and use the words* Extended Activity that provides students with additional opportunities to think about, list, and use words containing the /s/ sound* Writing Activity that guides students to write the letter that makes the /s/ sound