Heinemann Launches Fantasy-Themed Decodable Book Series Moonlit Mountain Readers

New Series to Support Student Engagement and Drive Foundational Skill Development

PORTSMOUTH, N.H., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Heinemann and Mossflower Press today announced the launch of a new series of fantasy and science fiction-themed decodable books. The Moonlit Mountain Readers, co-published by Mossflower Press, feature a unique cast of vibrant, relatable characters and combine captivating storytelling with intentional phonics practice. The 90-book collection is designed for students in grades K-2 and will be available this fall.

The Moonlit Mountain Readers are designed to draw young readers into imaginative worlds filled with mythical creatures, talking animals and fantastical landscapes, while also offering explicit practice with essential phonics concepts. The series follows a systematic, research-based phonics progression that supports early reading development and allows students to build confidence and fluency.

"Stories about unicorns and fairies and dragons and mermaids have filled the pages of children's books for centuries, yet they have rarely been written for children to be able to read on their own," said Elizabeth Franco, Moonlit Mountain Readers' lead author and series editor. "We strived to create a collection of fantasy books that would be both decodable and irresistible so that even the most beginning readers can pick them up—and not want to put them down!" 

"We know from the explosion of trade books in the genre that children's interest in science fiction and fantasy titles has been climbing for years," said Maggie DeMont, general manager of Heinemann. "We're thrilled to offer the Moonlit Mountain Readers decodable series and provide an opportunity for young students to delight in enchanting stories while building the skills and confidence to become lifelong readers at the same time."

For more information about the Moonlit Mountain Readers, please visit: https://www.heinemann.com/moonlit-mountain-readers/.

About Heinemann
Heinemann is a leading provider of professional resources and educational services for educators, kindergarten through college. Heinemann supports the professionalism of teachers as they help children become literate, compassionate, engaged citizens of the world. Heinemann authors are exemplary educators eager to support the practice of other teachers through professional books and explicit teaching materials, streaming videos, podcasts and blogs, as well as professional learning experiences, both live and online. Heinemann is dedicated to teachers and the modernization of the teaching profession. Visit Heinemann.com to learn more.

About Mossflower Press
Mossflower Press is a publishing house dedicated to supporting children, educators, and families in unlocking the power of literacy through beautifully crafted books and teaching resources. Rooted in the science of how children learn to read and inspired by the joy of reading, Mossflower Press creates high-quality decodable texts that give young readers meaningful opportunities to apply their phonics knowledge to real reading experiences. With a commitment to supporting both educators and families, Mossflower Press helps nurture confident, joyful readers and a thriving literacy community. Learn more at MossflowerPress.com.

Media Contact:
Erika McCaffrey
Director, Communications
Heinemann Publishing
[email protected]

SOURCE Heinemann