Best Beginner Reading Books

Lucy has been reading up a storm lately. During the school year, we had daily reading "lessons", alternating between learning phonics and sight words. Now that Lucy has more confidence and skill, she is ready to read independently. She started asking me for books that she could read on her own, but like so many other moms, I was uncertain what books to give her. A lot of books that claim to be for "beginner" readers are not appropriate at all. It was frustrating, to say the least!

While visiting the library one day, I stumbled across some books by Margaret Hillert. Her books are perfect for young readers who are just starting to be ready for independent reading. Many of them are adaptations of classic fairy tales and fables, so Lucy was already familiar with the stories. Some of our favorites are The Three Bears, Fun Days, The Cookie House, and The Magic Nutcracker. Hillert's books come with a word list in the back, so you can introduce words that your reader may not be familiar with yet.

Once Lucy had read every Margaret Hillert book she could get her hands on, I began to look for other books - a step up from the Margaret Hillert readers, but not quite intermediate books. Here are some of my suggestions for best beginner reading books:

1. Dick and Jane books: These are classics for a reason! Yes, they are very 1950's with traditional gender roles and complete lack of diversity. But for a new reader, they are excellent. The little stories are short and simple, and the illustrations are beautiful. 

2. Let's Read and Find Out Science books: These are so great, especially if you can get your hands on some vintage copies. We have started selecting these based on whatever we happen to be learning about in Science, and Lucy LOVES them. Just make sure you get the Level 1 books to start out; Level 2's can be a bit advanced for beginners.

3. Little Bear by Elsa Holmelund Minarik: Another classic-for-a-reason. But seriously, this is such a great book for new readers! The little stories are relatively short and simple. Some of the words are challenging for new readers, but in a good way! This book is a nice step-up from Margaret Hillert's books when the child is ready.

Lucy has already devoured the Dick and Jane Treasury and all of Little Bear. Thankfully, there are more Little Bear books and plenty of Let's Read and Find Out Science books to keep her busy until she starts First Grade in the fall!