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The Longest Path

Comparing: -er and -est 2nd-3rd Phase 5
The Longest Path
The Longest Path, page 1
1Bret and Tom stood by the pond. Bret was much faster than Tom. In short, he was the fastest of all his friends. Tom was a turtle, so he was much slower than his pal. "Let us race to the tallest log across the pond," Bret said to Tom.
The Longest Path, page 2
2"That log is bigger than my home! It will be a fun contest." Bret wanted to win. He wanted to take the quickest way. He jumped right in and swam right across the pond. This path was short, but it went through the deepest water.
The Longest Path, page 3
3Soon, Bret was in the darkest part of the pond. The sun did not shine down there. The water was very cold. It was the coldest spot in the whole pond. Tom did not swim into the cold, deep water. He took a longer path by the sunny shore.
The Longest Path, page 4
4The water by the edge was much warmer. Tom was smaller than Bret, but he liked to stay in the sun. He did not fret that his path was the longest way. It was a safe and happy swim. Out in the middle, Bret was too cold to keep going.
The Longest Path, page 5
5His arms felt weak. He got onto a wet rock. The rock was stiff and hard. He wished he had a softer spot to rest. He was shaking in the wind. "I need help," he called out to his friend.
The Longest Path, page 6
6Tom kept swimming. He saw Bret sitting on the rock. Tom was the kindest friend a pal could have. He swam out to the rock to help Bret. "Grab my shell," Tom told his pal. "We will go a better way together. It will be safe."
The Longest Path, page 7
7Bret held on to Tom. Tom swam them both back to the sunny side of the pond. They went past the smallest green plants. The warm water felt nice. It was a slower ride, but Bret felt warm again. His arms felt strong, and he did not shake.
The Longest Path, page 8
8At last, they made it to the big log. Bret gave Tom a big hug. "Your way was longer, but it was the best," Bret said. "Next time, I will not take the deep path. I will take the sunny path with you!"
Circle or highlight all the words with an -er or -est ending in the story above. How many did you find?

Comprehension Questions

After reading, ask these questions to check understanding:

  1. What kind of animal is Tom?
  2. Why did Bret have to stop on the rock?
  3. What path will Bret take next time?
Keep practicing
Practice Comparing: -er and -est with 4 more free worksheets

The words from this story, on printable practice sheets:

Word sortPhrasing cardsRapid naming chartWord search
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Download Mini-Book
Full-color picture book • Print, cut & staple • No signup required
Read-aloud version (one page per sheet, for projecting)
The Longest Path illustrated mini-book cover
Cover + 8 illustrated pages

Reader Details

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

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

“The Longest Path” 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 free PDF is a full-color illustrated mini-book: a cover, eight picture pages with one or two lines of story text each, and a back page listing the comparing: -er and -est words, high-frequency words, and discussion questions. Print the five sheets, cut each one in half along the dashed line, and staple — your child has a real little book to hold. A read-aloud version with one large page per sheet is also included for projecting to the whole class.

This reader is part of our collection of 193 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.