The Starfall Learn to Read Boxed Set contains books that combine explicit instruction in letter-sound relationships, word recognition skills and reading comprehension strategies. Each story is written with special attention towards maintaining a simple, coherent, and engaging story line. Starfall products are designed for the emergent reader. They are based in part on research by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development about how children learn to read. According to a summary of research authored by G. Reid Lyon, Ph.D of the National Institute of Health and Edward J. Kameenui, Ph.D of the University of Oregon, the instruction of youngsters who have a difficult time learning to read should: Teach phonemic awareness (e.g. tell me the sounds in the word "sat") at an early age (kindergarten); Teach the common sound-spelling relationships in words; Teach children how to say the sounds in the words; Use text that is composed of words that use sound-spelling correspondences that children have learned; Use interesting stories to develop vocabulary and language comprehension; and The most effective classroom method for early reading instruction involves a combination of explicit instruction in word recognition skills and reading comprehension strategies with opportunities to apply and practice these skills in literature