Are you looking for some easy readers that your learners will WANT to read? You’ll find exactly what you’re looking for with this easy reader book list!
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While I believe in the power of phonics readers (like our Word Family Books, The Measured Mom’s phonics readers, or the BOB Books), there’s something truly “magical” to be said about these easy reader books that can really turn young readers on.
Maybe it’s the fact that the words aren’t so controlled, giving the author more freedom with a fun storyline. Maybe it’s being able to read a book for yourself that you’ve actually seen your parent/teacher read before {It’s a “real” book, as my 1st grader says.}. Those two factors alone are amazing motivators for beginning readers.
Easy Readers Kids Will WANT to Read
As my daughter {age 6} is moving more into these easy readers, I’ve been gathering all our easy readers from around the house for her. I thought I’d gather them up here in one post and share them, just in case you teach a beginning reader, too!
As you’re reading with your learner, you may want to keep my Word Attack Stratgies freebie close by! It has helpful strategies for some of those unknown words.
Yo! Yes? by Chris Raschka – This is a book I have used for YEARS in teaching fluency and expression to readers, especially struggling readers. Much has to be inferred from the pictures for kids to read with expression, which makes it kind of fun. I like to share the reading, as I read one character and the young reader reads the other character. {While it’s difficult to find, your beginning reader may also like Ring! Yo?}
I Went Walking by Sue Williams – This book is very similar to Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin, but I like how this book gives the reader hints as to what the next animal on the farm will be.
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas – The first time I saw this book, it was a done deal. I had to buy it. This was a favorite for my son as he was a beginning reader. Poor Bob. He’s accused of not being able to rhyme, but there’s a GOOD reaason! Readers will also love other Jan Thomas books like The Doghouse and What Will Fat Cat Sit On?
Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins – Filled with prepositional phrases and a the whole story told through the pictures, will Rosie outsmart the fox?
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis- Most kids have a wild imagination and so does the pig in this cute book. Such simple text, yet fun to read. My beginning readers have also adored Not a Stick, so be sure to grab a copy of both!
Cookie’s Week by Cindy Ward {illustrations by Tomie DePaola} – If you young reader likes mischevious cats, (s)he’ll enjoy Cookie’s Week! This is also a great book for integrating the days of the week.
You Are {Not} Small by Anna Kang – Such a creative and brilliant way to use limited vocabulary in a book. The characters repeat many of the same words in an argument about who is big and small. Your young readers may also like That’s Not Mine.
What this Story Needs is a Pig in a Wig by Emma J. Virjan – Somewhat similar to Green Eggs and Ham {just not near as long}, this rhyming book is adorable. Pig doesn’t want all his friends in his boat or does he? This author has other What This Story Needs Is… books your reader may like, too!
Elephant and Piggie Books by Mo Willems – No easy reader list is complete without Elephant and Piggie Books! 🙂 They are SO fun for young readers & the adults listening! Can I Play, Too? and A Big Guy Took my Ball are the two of the easiest books in his HUGE collection. {Be warned: Once your beginning reader gets a taste of Mo Willems, she will want more!}
Go, Dogs, Go! by P.D. Eastman – While the book is a little long, it’s a fun read for those beginning readers!
Looking for more? Don’t miss all our other book lists!
Enjoy!
~Becky
Hello! I am a kindergarten teacher and tutor for elementary students at a Lutheran school in southwest Florida. I am so enjoying using your ideas and materials! I am getting ready to launch comprehension strategies instruction with a struggling rising third grader today! Our librarian provides parents with a list of books for each grade to read over the summer and it is outdated. I would like to replace them with the ones listed on this page. Do you have them listed or do I need to lift them from the page into my own document to share? Thank you for taking the time to share your passion and expertise!
I have a printable list included here if that helps –> https://thisreadingmama.com/printable-book-lists-kids/