Mike's Tallest Kite

Comparing: -er and -est 2nd-3rd Phase 5
Mike's Tallest Kite

Mike wanted to fly his new blue kite. It was much bigger than his old one. Indeed, it was the biggest kite he had ever made. He called his friend Luke to help him. "Let us go to the top of the hill," Mike said. "The hill is the tallest spot in the land, and the wind is strong there." They grabbed the kite and began to walk.

As they walked, the dirt path became smaller. Soon, they were on the smallest path Mike had ever found. The trees around them got taller as they went deep into the woods. Mike pointed to a huge oak. "That is the tallest tree in the forest," he said. The thick leaves blocked the sun, making the air feel colder. "It is much warmer down by my house," Luke said, wrapping his jacket tight.

They wanted to reach the top before the sun went down. Luke began to run up the path. He was faster than Mike. "I am the fastest!" Luke yelled with a laugh. But Luke grew tired on the hard trail. He became slower as the path went uphill. Mike was quicker to jump over a big wet log. "I may be slower to run, but I am quicker to jump!" Mike joked.

At last, they reached the top of the hill. They looked down at the deepest part of the green valley below. They sat down on a patch of moss. The moss here was softer than the grass in Mike's yard. Indeed, it felt like the softest bed. Above them, the sky was turning gray. "That is the darkest cloud I have spotted all day," Luke said. "We must fly the kite now."

Mike took out his kite line. He had a long yellow line, but he also had a longer red one. "Use the longer one," Luke said. "No, use the longest line you have so the kite can go high!" Mike tied on the longest line. He ran across the softest moss, and the wind took the kite up. It sailed higher than the tallest trees.

They watched the blue kite dance. Mike felt like the richest kid in the land, even without any gold. Luke was the kindest friend for helping him climb so high. As the sun set, the air got even colder, but they did not fret. They had spent the longest, best day together.

Circle or highlight all the words with an -er or -est ending in the story above. How many did you find?
2-page PDF: story + coloring page • No signup required
Mike's Tallest Kite coloring page illustration
Coloring page included in PDF

Reader Details

Phonics Skill Comparing: -er and -est
Grade Level 2nd-3rd
Phase Phase 5

Target Words

bigger faster longer softer taller smaller quicker slower colder warmer biggest fastest

Sight Words

the a and to was is it she he they said have with you are of for her there one into what when out about
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About This Decodable Reader

“Mike's Tallest Kite” is a free printable decodable reader designed for 2nd-3rd students practicing comparing: -er and -est phonics patterns. This mini-book uses phonetically controlled vocabulary so beginning readers can successfully sound out nearly every word in the story, building confidence and reinforcing the specific phonics skills they're learning.

The 2-page PDF includes the reading passage on page one and a coloring page illustration on page two. Print both pages, staple together, and your child has an instant mini-book. The coloring activity reinforces story comprehension and makes reading practice feel like a fun activity rather than homework.

This reader is part of our collection of 50 free decodable readers organized by phonics skill and aligned with the Science of Reading. For additional practice with comparing: -er and -est patterns, try our comparing: -er and -est phonics worksheets which include word sorts, phrasing practice cards, and rapid naming charts.