Sign-In
Cart
The Mat and the Star
Hardcover
Early ReadersGeneral Juvenile FictionScience Fiction
Publisher: Likes Publishing
Published: May 28 2026
Pages: 48
Weight: 0.58
Height: 0.25 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
This funny story starring a mat, a jar, and a star helps kids learn to read.
The mat takes off on a fun trip to see the star!
Follow along to see where it goes!
Perfect for Emergent Readers at home or in the classroom!
In The Mat and the Star, Author Kelley M Likes and debut Illustrator Lauren Blunck invite children to learn and practice -ar words in a groovy kind of way.
INCLUDES 15 FLASHCARDS!
Kids ages: 4, 5, and 6
Grades: Pre-K and Kindergarten
Emergent Reader
Lexile Level 100L
Decodable Book
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelley M Likes is an award-winning children's author, publisher, and former T6 Certified educator who creates stories that inspire curiosity and kindness, build confidence, creativity, and resilience. Her books range from humorous picture books and beginning readers to social-emotional learning stories that help children navigate real-life challenges.
Drawing on her background in business, education, and educational technology, Kelley creates engaging books for children of all ages, from beginning readers and humorous adventures to social-emotional learning stories and imaginative picture books.
Her growing catalog includes titles such as Panic and the Happy Thought, The Pumpkin Who Stayed for Christmas, Quest for the Momma Violin, Snout, Ben Wise and the Purple Dragon, and the Mat early reader series.
As founder of Likes Publishing, Kelley is dedicated to producing high-quality books that inspire a lifelong love of reading while helping children navigate friendship, emotions, creativity, and personal growth.
A mini-stroke survivor, brain tumor host, and lifelong storyteller, Kelley believes books can help children see the world, and themselves, in new ways. When she's not writing, Kelley enjoys encouraging young writers, speaking to students about the publishing process, and helping aspiring authors bring their own stories to life.
EDUCATION:
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Media and Technology
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Business Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration
Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Marketing and Management
MEMBER:
SCBWI
Storyteller Academy
The Authors Guild
IBPA Independent Book Publishers Association
Book an Author
Alliance of Independent Authors
AUTHOR VISITS
I offer a full day of age-specific presentations for grades 1st to 12th, focused on what it means to be an author & publisher and creating stories.
Visits can include: Lunch with students, book signings, contest judging, classroom drop-ins, and individual classroom presentations and discussions.
In addition, free lesson plans with projects to extend the visit are included.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Lauren Blunck is a student artist who works both in the illustrating field and in multiple traditional media. In particular, she has assisted with easy reader books, online marketing imagery, small amounts of character design, and some card game design. She mainly uses digital for her illustration work but also specializes in charcoal or acrylic painting realism and is always up to try something new in art.
1 different editions
Also available
Also from
Likes, Kelley M.
Creating Your Picture Book Dummy: A Layout Guide for 32, 40, & 48 Page Picture Books - Paperback Edition
Likes, Kelley M.
Paperback
Creating Your Picture Book Dummy: A Layout Guide for 32, 40, & 48 Page Picture Books - Hardcover Edition
Likes, Kelley M.
Hardcover
Also in
Early Readers
Pete the Cat 12-Book Phonics Fun!: A Box of 12 Mini-Books Featuring Short and Long Vowel Sounds
Dean, Kimberly
Dean, James
Paperback
Soccer (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 2)
National Geographic Kids
Santoyo, Melissa
Paperback
Legend of the Vampire: Boxcar Children Early Reader (Step Into Reading)
Warner, Gertrude Chandler
Hardcover
Bob Books - First Stories Box Set of 12 Paperbacks Decodable Phonics Books, Ages 4 and Up, Kindergarten (Stage 1: Starting to Read)
Kertell, Lynn Maslen
Paperback
Mystery at the Lighthouse: Boxcar Children Early Reader (Step Into Reading)
Warner, Gertrude Chandler
Hardcover
Fancy Nancy's 12-Book Fantastic Phonics Fun!: Includes 12 Mini-Books Featuring Short and Long Vowel Sounds
O'Connor, Jane
Paperback
Soccer (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 2)
Santoyo, Melissa
National Geographic Kids
Hardcover
Biscuit: More 12-Book Phonics Fun!: A Box of 12 Mini-Books Featuring Short and Long Vowel Sounds for Dog Lovers
Capucilli, Alyssa Satin
Paperback
My First Learn-To-Read Preschool Workbook: Practice Pre-Reading Skills with Phonics, Sight Words, and Simple Stories!
Chesworth, Sarah
Paperback
Planets (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 2)
Carney, Elizabeth
National Geographic Kids
Paperback
Statue of Liberty (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 3)
Marsh, Laura
National Geographic Kids
Hardcover
Biscuit 12-Book Phonics Fun!: A Box of 12 Mini-Books Featuring Short and Long Vowel Sounds
Capucilli, Alyssa Satin
Paperback