Behind every great story is a visual world that helps readers connect, imagine, and learn—and in The Outdoor Adventures series part 1 & part 2,  that world is brought to life through the expressive work of illustrator Emma Pringle. With a lifelong passion for drawing and storytelling, she’s been sketching since she could hold a pencil, and now channels that love into illustrations that speak directly to young readers.

In this Q&A, she shares her journey into illustration, her hopes for how these books can empower older readers to reach fluency. 

1. How do you hope these books will empower struggling readers?

It can be difficult to come to terms with reading difficulties as you get older, because many of the texts they’d be reading would be targeted to younger audiences. I hope the books make them feel comfortable with their learning and excited to keep reading. 

2. Why is it important for children to see themselves reflected in decodable texts?

It’s so important for kids to see themselves in these texts because that makes them comfortable with who they are. I remember when I was younger, I loved finding characters that reminded me of myself in books. This is particularly important in decodable texts like these as children will be reading them from a young age and taking this representation of themselves to heart for their whole lives.

I was inspired to write decodables particularly for this age group based on outdoor adventures, friendship and taking care of our environment. 

3. What was the collaboration like with the author, Moira Ruff?

Moira’s texts are full of life and beautiful stories, and when I first read them, it was a little daunting to be given the task of translating such touching stories into illustrations.

I spent hours just picturing the kids and their adventures in my head and figuring out ways to best convey them on paper, but each story had a clear angle and message that I was determined to give my all into illustrating for her stories. It was the most fun I’ve had on such a project.

Decodable e-books for older readers

Explore the Outdoor Adventures series—a compelling collection of printable decodable e-books and activities for older readers. Designed to engage, support, and empower students who need structured literacy without sacrificing age-appropriate content.

Aligned with the progression of the Sounds-Write phonics programme, these texts offer targeted practice that reinforces key concepts and builds reading fluency.