If you are the parent of a new or emerging reader, you undoubtedly need kids book recommendations, Easy Readers.
"I can read! I can read!" Few things on earth are as exciting to a young child as learning to read. A new reader is flying high on her newfound confidence, eager to share her skills. And nothing can send her self-esteem plummeting like picking up a book and being unable to read the words.
It's your job to fill your home with easy reader books. An easy reader book is geared towards children who are just beginning to read. The suggested age range normally varies from kindergarten to third grade, depending on the complexity of the story and the ability of the new reader.
Easy reader books are available in many different topics, from animals to transportation. Some are fun and silly; others are informative.
Kids' Book Recommendations: Easy Readers
Classic Easy Reader Books
- The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss -- Though Dr. Seuss books are generally thought of as fun read-aloud books for toddlers and preschoolers, they are excellent for new readers as well. The books feature very few words and this repetition helps beginning readers commit them to memory. With its predictable rhymes and silly illustrations, the Cat in the Hat and other Dr. Seuss books are ideal easy readers.
- Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik -- Published in 1957, the story of Bear, Hen, Duck, and Cat still enthralls young readers. Though at first glance the book seems too long to be an easy reader, it is heavy on illustration.
- The Story of Ping by Marjorie Flack -- This touching classic about a young duck separated from his family allows children to flex their reading muscles and learn about China in the process. The colorful illustrations offer context clues. Children will need help with some unfamiliar words, though, such as Yangtze.
Modern Easy Reader Books
- Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish -- The Amelia Bedelia books use silly conversations and amusing illustrations to keep children reading. Although these books are geared to young readers, they still manage to have amusing plot twists and hilarious misunderstandings.
- Monkey Trouble by David Martin -- This collection of four mini books keeps kids entertained with tales about a mischievous monkey. The limited vocabulary and short sentences make the book appropriate for even the newest readers.
- Meet Trouble by Susan Hood -- Yet another mischievous animal, this time a cat named Trouble, will delight and amuse your new reader. This book features lots of repetition, rhyme, and fun words to engage new readers.
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst-- This timeless story entertains kids while helping them learn to cope with disappointment and frustration. With its long, run-on sentences, the book will not teach young readers grammar. Still, its fun language and colorful illustrations make it a winner with the easy reader crowd.
Easy Reader Nonfiction Books
- Orville and Wilbur Wright by Ann Gaines-- this book and others in the Discover the Life of an Inventor series teach nonfiction topics in language that young readers can understand. Each well-illustrated book is approximately 24 pages long, making them ideal for beginners.
- Diego Velazquez by Mike Venezia-- Part of theGetting to Know the World's Greatest Artists series, this book features a mix of art history and biography-- all in language that even a first grader can read and understand.
Easy Reader Collections
These lines offer books specifically geared towards the beginning reader. Many of these books qualify as kids' book recommendations, easy readers. They are divided into levels based on their complexity. Level 1 books use short words, short sentences, and simple stories. As the levels increase, words and sentences get longer and stories get more complex. The highest level easy readers even include short biographies and historical fiction.
- First Friends, First Readers
- I Can Read by Harper Collins
- First Stepping Stones by Random House
- I am Reading
- Fun with Dick and Jane
- Greenlight Readers by Harcourt
- Read and Share by Candlewick
Phonics Easy Reader Collections
Books in these collections are strictly phonics-based. Phonics is a method of teaching reading that emphasizes individual letters and the sounds they make. Each book will focus on a particular sound or letter combination. Beginning phonics readers are a bit limited in plot and character, but complexity increases as the student learns new letter combinations and blends.
- Wonder Books
- Sound Box by the Child's World
Whole Language Easy Reader Collections
These collections are helpful for students who are being taught to read "sight words." These students are generally given lists of words to memorize through flashcards and repetition. Once the child can recognize each word in the list, she can read the entire book.
- I'm Going to Read!
- My First Reader
- Brand New Readers by Candlewick
Where to Find Easy Readers
Most libraries and major bookstores offer a section labeled "Beginning Readers" or "Easy Readers."
Before you buy a book, flip through it to make sure it is at the appropriate reading level for your child. You want a book that is at or slightly higher than your child's current reading level. If the book is too easy your child will get bored; if it's too difficult your child will get frustrated.
Kids' Book Recommendations: Easy Reader Summary
There are several hundreds of easy reader books available, in various topics and styles.
With the right books and enthusiastic encouragement, your child will be a skilled reader in no time at all. As with most things in life, the key is to practice, practice, and practice some more!
