Weeping Wombat

Under a willow tree, the members of the Nocturnal Brigade find Walter the wombat crying softly. He explains that the other wombats tease him for being a wimp because he cries. Tobin, a gentle pangolin, Bismark, a boisterous sugar glider, and Dawn, a thoughtful fox, reassure him that tears are simply one way to show feelings, and that a good cry, much like a good laugh, can leave you feeling better.

This Level 3 early reader is part of The Nocturnals series and is written for children around ages 5 to 7. Its life skill themes are empathy and expressing feelings. The publisher's website offers free printable activities for the series, including sight word games, crafts, bingo, a Common Core language arts guide, and social emotional learning activities. Each book also includes animal fun facts and a glossary.

The series has eight Grow & Read adventures. They follow the same three friends, Dawn, Tobin and Bismark, and introduce early readers to other life skills such as good sportsmanship, playing games for fun, and forgiveness.