Books for Emerging Readers (K to Grade 2)

Kids that are starting to read short books on their own need books that are shorter with illustrations to keep them from being overwhelmed. Early Readers are great options for books that feel manageable. They can be fiction or non-fiction as long as the topic interests the child. Not all Early Readers use the same rating system, so have your child read the first page or two, and if there are more than three or four words per page that they struggle to read, find a book that is a little less of a challenge.

Updated May 29, 2025
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Lambton County Library Summer Reading Challenge 2025
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Mars
Bauer, Marion Dane.
Paper Book
Explore the planet Mars in the second book in this new, nonfiction Level 1 Ready-to-Read series about the universe that's perfect for kids who love science and space! Do you see that red dot in the night sky? It's Mars! Discover the exciting surprises about the Red Planet in this...
Paddington plays on
Bond, Michael
Paper Book
Paddington Bear has delighted readers of all ages for almost 60 years! Now part of the I Can Read line, Michael Bond's classic character will drum up the interest of beginning readers with his charming antics. Paddington is having a wonderful time while on vacation with the Browns in a...
Paddington's day off
Bond, Michael
Paper Book
Paddington Bear has charmed readers of all ages for almost 60 years! Now part of the I Can Read line, Michael Bond's classic character will delight beginning readers with his curious nature and nose for adventure. Paddington and Mr. Gruber enjoy a day off from their duties as...
Clifford : the big red dog
Bridwell, Norman
Paper Book
Revisit Clifford as he was first imagined, back in 1963!Experience the joy and magic of the original Clifford! This gorgeous hardcover is a reprint of the Norman Bridwell's Clifford the Big Red Dogfrom 1963. Featuring the original two-color art and landscape trim size, this special storybook...
Bink & Gollie
DiCamillo, Kate
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! "If James Marshall's George and Martha were not hippos and were both girls, they would be much like best friends Bink and Gollie. . . . More, please!" -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Meet Bink and Gollie, two precocious...
Otter : let's go swimming!
Garton, Sam
Paper Book
Otter--the irrepressible picture book character sure to be adored by fans of Llama Llama--learns how to swim. Otter: Let's Go Swimming! is a My First I Can Read book, which means it's perfect for shared reading with a child. Read about more of Otter's adventures in I Am Otter, Otter...
Duck, duck, dinosaur : spring smiles
George, K.
Paper Book
Little ones will enjoy this sweet and funny story featuring a sneezing dinosaur! It's wonderful springtime, and there are so many flowers, leaves, and seeds outside. Siblings Feather, Flap, and Spike want to explore on a sunny day. But will Spike's sneezes make him the odd dino out? ACHOO!...
Frog and Toad are friends
Lobel, Arnold.
Paper Book
Celebrate the power of friendship in these five adventurous stories starring Frog and Toad--a Caldecott Honor Book!  From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other--just as best friends should be. ...
Time for puppy school
O'Connor, Jane.
Paper Book
Ooh la la--school starts soon! Fancy Nancy can't wait to go back, but she'll miss Frenchy very much. Nancy's loved playing with her favorite puppy all summer, but sometimes Frenchy can be a bit naughty. When she gets into trouble one too many times, the Clancys decide that it's time...
Monkey-cam
Palatini, Margie.
Paper Book
Experience the world from a monkey's perspective via the video camera on its head in this fun and exciting Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read book in the Critter-Cam series! Through a video camera positioned on the monkey's head, readers can follow along from the monkey's point of view as...
Amelia Bedelia
Parish, Peggy.
Paper Book
Learn to read with the classic Amelia Bedelia! Ever since Amelia Bedelia made her debut in 1963, young readers have been laughing out loud at the antics of this literal-minded but charming housekeeper.  This special fiftieth anniversary edition of the very...
Slap shot
Sabino, David
Paper Book
Learn all about ice hockey in this fascinating, nonfiction Level 2 Ready-to-Read, part of the new Game Day series that gives fans an insider look at their favorite sports! This book is perfect for young, sports-obsessed fans who, in addition to watching and playing sports, crave...
We are in a book!
Willems, Mo.
Paper Book
Mo Willems, award-winning, New York Times best-selling creator of The Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and Unlimited Squirrels, presents best friends Elephant Gerald and Piggie.   Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald...

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