Mara and Friends is a delightful story which assists young learners to become fluent readers, reinforcing - simple cvc word-blending skills - recognition of all 40 Pre-K *Dolch Sight Words - use of context and picture clues to decode familiar words- awareness of inflectional ending 's' to some words (without change in root word)- awareness of punctuation, which improves fluency, allowing the child to read with expression and enthusiasm.* Edward William Dolch, Ph.D (1889-1961), author of children's stories and texts, first published the Dolch Word List in a journal article in 1936. He then published it in his book 'Problems in Reading' in 1948. The Dolch Sight Words have assisted many children to enjoy reading.