20 Years of Imagine
Language & Literacy
We’re celebrating two decades of reading breakthroughs, equitable language development, and groundbreaking tech: twenty years together… and it’s only the beginning! Join us as we look back at the journey and forward to the future.
Award-Winning, Personalized Learning Since 2004
New for 2024 and Beyond
Make the most of fresh, vital content updates coming this year that bring vibrancy to the learning experience, ensuring continued engagement, rigor, and growth.
31 new books
Dive into new book content for grades 2–5 with authentic texts, igniting a deeper connection with language
Seven innovative activities
Engage with new activities in vocabulary, reading comprehension, speaking, and writing
Refreshed classics
Revitalized activities like Spellball, Word Survivor, and more keep students’ experience exciting
Updated printable resources
Make the most of the latest coloring pages, progress charts, stickers, and even a classroom poster
Meet the Mazels
The Mazels are Imagine Language & Literacy’s new crew of lovable characters, joining Booster the robot on students’ journeys to become better readers. Some Mazels serve as the students’ peers, learning and growing along with them; others act as helpers, guides, and encouragers.
Blurb
Blurb is Novella’s older brother. He loves to talk and is not afraid to try a new word. He stars in “Think Aloud with Blurb,” “Lexi and Blurb’s Book Club Selections,” and “Story Inventory.”
Kamus
Kamus is Lexi’s little brother. This cautious guy stars in “Meet the Phonemes,” “Listen to a Story,” and “Read-Along Comprehension.”
Nifty Name Note: Kamus (kam-MOO) is from the Arabic word “qamus,” meaning “dictionary.”
Lexi
Lexi is Kamus’s older sister. She is quiet, responsible, and loves to write. She stars in “New Word Arrivals at the Gab-n-Go,” “Lexi and Blurb’s Book Club Selections,” “Story Inventory,” and “Write it Out with Lexi.”
Nifty Name Note: Lexi is short for “Lexicon.”
Novella
Novella is Blurb’s little sister. This gal is excited to learn and stars in “Listen to a Story.”
Dr. Phoenician
Dr. Phoenician works at the museum and is knowledgeable. This adventurous Mazel stars in “Meet the Phonemes” and “Recognize Letter Sounds.”
Nifty Name Note: Dr. Phoenician is named for the Phoenician alphabet, which was one of the earliest forerunners of the alphabet we use today.
Mr. G
Mr. G loves showing off his fully stocked bodega. He stars in “New Word Arrivals at the Gab-n-Go” and “Word Survivor” (voice only.)
Nifty Name Note: Mr. G’s name celebrates James Paul Gee, a pioneer in educational game design.
Mr. G’s cats
Be on the lookout for these cats to make guest appearances throughout the program.
Alva
Alva is outdoorsy, opinionated, and ready to go. She stars in “Name that Word!”
Nifty Name Note: Because Alva and Shawn Dean are the Mazel community’s resident rays of sunshine, both of their names have associations with the sun. Alva’s name comes from the Portuguese word “alvorada,” meaning “dawn.”
Shawn Dean
Shawn Dean is outdoorsy, but more laid-back than her counterpart, Alva. She stars in “Name that Word!”
Nifty Name Note: Based on her sunny disposition, Shawn Dean’s name originates from the Diné (Navajo) word “sháńdíín,” meaning “ray of sun.”
Boom
Boom is the knowledgeable Audio/Video guy. He is also the one in charge at the Recording Studio. He stars in “Sing and Chant,“ “Be a Recording Artist,” and “Think Aloud with Blurb.”
Nifty Name Note: Boom is named for a boom microphone.
Slider
Slider is Boom’s apprentice. He is still learning the ropes at the Recording Studio. He stars in “Sing and Chant,“ “Be a Recording Artist,” “Think Aloud with Blurb,” and “Note This.”
Nifty Name Note: Slider is named for the slider bars on a sound board.
Watch the webinar and get to know the Mazels!
Hear how our instructional design team took them from concept to design, see clips of them in action, and learn how they engage students in activities.
20 Years of Impact
From transforming digital literacy to empowering countless students, discover our story of passion, innovation, and impact. Visit our blog to explore the stories and perspectives of the people who have shaped the program.
Awards and Buzz
Best Solution for English as a Second Language category
Best Foundational English Language Arts Instructional Solution
