Books for Emerging Readers

When choosing books for emerging readers who are just starting to more confidently read on their own, select books with simple, straightforward language, large fonts, and lots of illustrations, but begin choosing books with longer sentences. The best way to select a book that your child will read is to let them select a book that interests them! Don't worry about reading levels on books because they are not always consistent, and not all levelled readers are good for emerging readers. Visit the library and let your child look at books in person, and have them try to read a page, if they struggle with more than 3-5 words, try that book again later. There is nothing wrong with children reading something that is easier! It build their confidence. Mix books that are more challenging in with books they are confident reading for a good balance.

Updated June 11, 2026
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Blink and Block bug each other
Fang, Vicky
Paper Book
Let's read comics! I Can Read Comics is an early reader line that familiarizes children with the world of graphic novel storytelling and encourages visual literacy in emerging readers. Blink and Block are back in another STEM-inspired I Can Read Comic by author-illustrator Vicky Fang! ...
Ada Twist, scientist
Beaty, Andrea
Paper Book
Inspired by mathematician Ada Lovelace and physicist Marie Curie, this #1 bestseller from author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts champions STEM, girl power, and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power of perseverance, and the importance of asking "Why?"<...
Vivi loves science. Sink or float
Derting, Kimberly
Paper Book
Vivi loves science! In this STEM-themed Level 3 I Can Read! title, Vivi and her friends visit the aquarium and are introduced to the concepts of density and buoyancy. A great choice for aspiring scientists, emerging readers, and fans of Andrea Beaty's Ada Twist, Scientist. Includes...
Libby loves science : states of matter
Derting, Kimberly
Paper Book
"A successful marriage of solid information and good fun."--School Library Journal (starred review) "A natural fit for classroom science units and home use."--Booklist Libby loves science! In this STEM-themed picture book, a companion to the popular Cece Loves Science and Vivi Loves...
I want to be an artist
Driscoll, Laura
Paper Book
A Level 1 I Can Read story for the child who says, "I want to be an artist when I grow up!" And for any child interested in the many ways people can have a career making art. Visit art shows and workspaces with Papa and his grandchild, soaking in all the art along the way, in this Level 1...
Mars
Carney, Elizabeth
Ebook
Discover the fascinating world of Mars in this colorful book packed with amazing imagery. In this inviting and entertaining format, kids will learn about the newest information on Mars, the Mars Rover, and our ongoing exploration of the Red Planet. This level 3 reader is written in an easy-to-grasp...
Peg + Cat. Math in the bath
Oxley, Jennifer
Paper Book
Bath time turns into math time for Peg and Cat in this tale for early readers. Peg and Cat are in the bath. One, two friends in the bath. Seems like a great time to do some math! Readers can join old friends Peg and Cat as they engage with the concepts of counting and weight and...
Tyrannosaurus rex
Emmons, Scott
Paper Book
"Fans of the StoryBots will recognize the colorful art from the hugely popular dinosaur video "Tyrannosaurus Rex" on YouTube. A gigantic body and super-sharp teeth make the Tyrannosaurus rex the most fearsome of the dinosaurs. Just don't make fun of those tiny arms! This rhyming Step 1 Science...
I did it!
Emberley, Michael.
Paper Book
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner! Learning to ride a bike is hard. Can I do it? Yes, I can! A fun comic that kindergarteners and first graders can read on their own. Can I do it? I can't do it. I want to do it. I did it!...
Yuk or yum?
Thompson, Kim
Ebook
During a busy restaurant rush, the orders get all mixed up. Can the food get sorted out so that "Yuks" change to "Yums"? Fully decodable text features high-frequency words, and words with the short u sound combined with selected consonant letters. Downloadable Teacher Notes available.
Worm and Caterpillar are friends
Windness, Kaz
Paper Book
A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book A Kirkus Reviews Best Graphic Novel & Comic A New York Public Library Best Book A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book This heartwarming and affirming Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics book...

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