Skip to Main Content

The Chestnut Challenge

The Nocturnals Grow & Read Early Reader, Level 3

Illustrated by Josie Yee
Published by Fabled Films Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

“Fun-to-read story” —Story Monsters
Mom’s Choice Awards® Gold Recipient

This adventure-filled Level 3 Nocturnals Early Reader grows confidence in reading with engaging illustrations, short sentences, and fun alliteration!

Chandler, a sneaky chinchilla, challenges the Nocturnals trio to a game of checkers!
After some strange distractions, Dawn the serious fox, Tobin the sweet pangolin, and Bismark the wacky sugar glider start to suspect something is not right. Chandler is a competitive player... but could he also be a cheater? Bonus Content includes Nocturnals Animal Glossary with Fun Facts!

GREAT FOR EARLY READERS AGES 6–8 (Grades 2-3)
Level 3 books feature complex plots, new vocabulary and grow information skills

Teaches Life Skills: Good Sportsmanship, Playing Games for Fun, and Forgiveness.
Perfect for kids who like unusual animals!

The 8-book Nocturnals Grow & Read Early Reader Collection encourages kids at all reading levels who like adventurous stories featuring nocturnal animals

About The Author

Tracey Hecht is a writer and the creative director of Fabled Films Press. She created The Nocturnals, the critically acclaimed middle-grade and early reader series. The American Booksellers Association chose her first book, The Mysterious Abductions, as a Kids’ Indie Next List pick, and her nonfiction book Nighttime Animals: Awesome Features & Surprising Adaptations received the Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorites Award in 2023. In partnership with the New York Public Library, she created a Read Aloud Writing Program that has since been conducted in hundreds of schools, libraries, and bookstores. She attends Bank Street College, where she is studying to receive a dual master’s degree in childhood general education and special education. Tracey splits her time between New York City and Oquossoc, Maine.

About The Illustrator

Josie Yee is an award winning illustrator specializing in children's books. She lives in New York City with her daughter, Ana, and their cat, Dude.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Fabled Films Press (July 1, 2020)
  • Length: 64 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781944020507
  • Ages: 6 - 8

Browse Related Books

Raves and Reviews

“Fans of the series will find colorful illustrations interspersed with text to help young independent readers follow the story…the theme of an honest game will likely resonate with this intended audience.”

– School Library Journal

“Recommended List in Continuing Series."

– Kirkus Reviews

“Young readers ages 6-8 will delight in this entertaining animal adventure while learning about the themes of playing games for fun and displaying good sportsmanship…especially and unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library collections.”

– Midwest Book Review

"This is such a fun Early Reader book that is not just entertaining to read, it also teaches the moral lesson of fair play. I believe parents/grandparents will enjoy reading this book to their little ones. Younger readers will love all the Nocturnals books, this is another fun-to-read story in this collection and a great bedtime book."

– Story Monsters

“Hecht successfully set the stage for more adventurous outings down the road...”

– Publishers Weekly

“The series addresses bullying and empathy in an easy, accessible way, and the books are meant to be read aloud.”

– New York Post

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Tracey Hecht

More books from this illustrator: Josie Yee

More books in this series: The Nocturnals