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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Dump trucks
Paper Book
Beep! Beep! Here comes a dump truck! Young students can learn basic facts about these load-bearing machines through simple text and colorful photos in this beginning title. Photo labels, diagrams, and picture glossaries clarify and reinforce the text to support readers who are just starting out.
Words are magic!
Avant-garde, Zaila.
Paper Book
Scripps National Spelling Bee champ Zaila Avant-garde shares her love of words with new readers in this level 1 Step Into Reading book. A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR Words are magic! Have you heard? Pick a letter. Make a word!
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...
Buster the very shy dog finds a kitten
Bechtold, Lisze
Paper Book
Praise for Buster series: "A good choice for kids just past the easiest reader stage." --Booklist The adventures of  Buster continue in two new easy-to-read stories. In the first, Buster is startled by noises and rustling in the dark space under...
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...
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 small red puppy
Bridwell, Norman.
Paper Book
Meet Clifford before he was the big red dog in this board book edition of a storybook classic! This sturdy board book edition of Clifford the Small Red Puppy brings readers along as Clifford grows into the big red dog we all know and love! When Emily Elizabeth first meets Clifford,...
Clifford, the big red dog
Bridwell, Norman.
Paper Book
The most popular big, red, lovable dog that ever was! Clifford books have sold millions of copies in nearly half a century - and his series airing on PBS Kids TV has been enormously popular.
Forest babies
Carney Elizabeth
Paper Book
What cute baby animals will you find in the forest? Come meet a baby turtle, mountain lion cub, grizzly bear cub, and even a baby owl in this sweet pre-reader! Young readers will learn all about North American forests and the super cute baby animals that live there. Find out what...
I spy blue in the ocean
Culliford, Amy
Paper Book
Do you know what lives under the sea? Read along with our spy as he discovers all kinds of underwater creatures that are blue! The perfect book for emerging readers, I Spy Blue in the Ocean uses simple sentences and colorful illustrations to help early readers practice their reading skills. Includes...
I Spy Yellow in the Desert
Culliford, Amy.
Paper Book
Attention agents: our spy needs your help! Read along and explore a vast desert with hidden treasures. If you can help our spy discover all the things that are yellow, there might even be a reward waiting for you! I Spy Yellow in the Desert uses easy-to-read sentences and colorful illustrations to...
LEGO City awesome tales! : a collection of five early readers
Deutsch, Stacia.
Paper Book
Five LEGO City® Step into Reading leveled readers in one action-packed collection! This Step into Reading collection features five LEGO City® leveled readers, featuring careers including firefighters, handy persons, police, and veternarians! This book contains the...
Bink & Gollie
DiCamillo, Kate.
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! Winner of the 2011 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award! In a brilliant collaboration, best-selling authors Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, along with acclaimed illustrator Tony Fucile, introduce an outrageously funny pair of friends. Meet...
I want to be a doctor
Driscoll, Laura
Paper Book
For the child who says, "I want to be a doctor when I grow up!" And for any child who wants a gentle behind-the-scenes look at being a doctor.  Doctors help sick and hurt people feel better. When little brother Jack hurts his foot, the family gets to meet all kinds of...
Ollie
Dunrea, Olivier
Paper Book
Friends Gossie and Gertie are waiting and waiting for Ollie to hatch. They try poking, listening, even sitting on top of his egg--but Ollie just won't come out. Ollie is Ollie and he will decide when it's time to hatch. Fans of Gossie and Gossie and Gertie will find Ollie just as charming and...
Gossie
Dunrea, Olivier.
Paper Book
Meet Gossie in this My First I Can Read book about friendship and sharing, from the world of Olivier Dunrea's Gossie & Friends. Gossie is a small yellow gosling who loves to wear bright red boots--every day. But one morning she can't find them! This sweet story models social...
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Emmons Scott.
Paper Book
The wacky robots from the award-winning apps, videos, and Netflix show, Ask the Storybots, now star in their own early readers. This one is about everyone's favorite dinosaur! Fans of the StoryBots will recognize the colorful art from the hugely popular dinosaur video...
Trains! : all true and unbelievable
Freels, Korynn.
Paper Book
Did you know that the first trains ever constructed could be outrun by a horse? Easy to read, fun to see, and filled with amazing things, kids (even reluctant readers) will love Ripley Readers Trains! With stunning photography and fun, easy-to-read writing, this Level 2 book...
Otter : let's go swimming!
Garton, Sam
Paper Book
Hi! I am Otter. I am going to learn to swim at the beach. I think I will be a very good swimmer. There is only one problem. . . . I am scared of the sea!
Frog can hop
Gehl, Laura.
Paper Book
From Laura Gehl, author of Dog Can Hide and Cat Sees Snow, comes another side-splitting Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read about an energetic frog and unhurried pig. Frog can hop. Pig likes to flop. When Frog makes a big drop, will Pig help? Perfect for kids at...
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...
Duck, duck, dinosaur. Bubble blast
George, K.
Paper Book
Feather, Flap, and Spike have been playing in the mud, and now Mama Duck says they need to take a bath in the pond. The two ducklings do not want to get wet, use soap, or scrub with a sponge. But their brother Spike is ready to jump in and make a huge splash. Will Spike figure out how...
Iris and Walter and the birthday party
Guest, Elissa Haden.
Paper Book
It's Walter's birthday, and he has big plans for his party. His best friend, Iris, is making a surprise present for him, and even Walter's horse, Rain, is excited. But when the big day finally arrives, something totally unexpected happens. Will the sudden change in plans ruin...
Clark the shark and the big book report
Hale, Bruce
Paper Book
Be bold, be smart, and speak from the heart! Clark the Shark is ready to present his book report to the class. But at the last minute, Clark gets stage fright and clams up in front of everybody. With a little help from his teacher, Mrs. Inkydink, will Clark be able to...
Syd Hoff's Danny and the dinosaur : too tall
Hale, Bruce
Paper Book
The dinosaur thinks he's much too tall. It's not easy being different! When Danny decides to cheer his friend up, they discover that being tall might not be so bad after all!
If I drove an ice cream truck
Heim, Alastair.
Paper Book
The Cat in the Hat imagines driving an ice cream truck with Thing One and Thing Two as his helpers in this hilarious new Beginner Book--and follow-up to If I Were Saint Nick by the Cat in the Hat--that's perfect for summer reading! No one's immune to the jingle of an ice...
Bruce's big fun day
Higgins, Ryan T.
Paper Book
An original World of Reading story starring Bruce, the curmudgeonly bear of the New York Times best-selling Mother Bruce series by Ryan T. Higgins. Nibbs the mouse wants to give Bruce a BIG FUN DAY! But Bruce does not like BIG FUN DAYS. Not one bit. Ryan...
Houndsley and Catina at the library
Howe, James
Paper Book
The charming duo returns with a love letter to the library, good friends, the joy of learning, and self-reinvention. It's Saturday, and Houndsley, Catina, and their friend Bert are looking forward to their weekly visit to the library. But when the trio arrives, they find that...
The bad seed
John, Jory.
Paper Book
There is a bad seed. A baaaaaaaad seed. How bad Do you really want to know He lies about pointless stuff. He cuts in line. Every time. And he does LOTS of other bad things too. But what happens when a bad seed doesn't want to be bad anymore Can a...
The good egg and the talent show
John, Jory.
Paper Book
The Good Egg discovers his true talent in this Level One I Can Read by the #1 New York Times bestselling duo Jory John and Pete Oswald! The talent show is today and the Good Egg is so excited. There's just one problem. He doesn't have an act! When the talent show...
Frog and Toad are friends
Lobel, Arnold.
Other
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. ...
Going to the Sea Park
Mayer, Mercer
Paper Book
Join Mercer Mayer's classic and beloved character, Little Critter®, and his classmates for some underwater fun as they set out on a delightful trip to the sea park! With Little Critter and a charming world of sea creatures big and small, there's a boatload of fun for everyone! ...
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
Amelia Bedelia wears her fifty years with style! Perfect for Amelia Bedelia parties, events, read- alouds, and gift bags, and for sharing with a child just learning to read. This celebratory edition of the I Can Read Level 2 paperback that has sold more than 3 million copies features a...
Uni's first sleepover
Ransom, Candice F.
Paper Book
Uni the Unicorn is breaking out of picture book land...and entering Step into Reading! This Step 2 reader features Uni and friends on a magical fun-filled sleepover. Join Uni the Unicorn on this all-new Step into Reading adventure in the Land of Unicorns! In this Step 2 book, it...
The dot
Reynolds, Peter
Paper Book
With a simple, witty story and free-spirited illustrations, Peter H. Reynolds entices even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark -- and follow where it takes us. Her teacher smiled. "Just make a mark and see where it takes you." Art class is over, but...
The word collector
Reynolds, Peter H.
Paper Book
From the creator of The Dot, I Am Human, and Happy Dreamer comes a celebration of finding your own words -- and the impact you can have when you share them with the world. Some people collect stamps. Some people collect coins. Some people collect art. And...
Henry and Mudge : the first book of their adventures
Rylant, Cynthia.
Paper Book
The first book in the acclaimed Ready-to-Read series from Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant featuring Henry and his lovable 180-pound dog, Mudge. Henry, feeling lonely on a street without any other children, finds companionship and love in a big dog named Mudge.
Henry and Mudge in puddle trouble : the second book of their adventures
Rylant, Cynthia.
Paper Book
Henry and his dog Mudge venture out into the wet and happy world of spring in this second Ready-to-Read book of their adventures. Henry and his 180-pound dog Mudge are best friends forever. And when spring arrives, they're ready for some puddle trouble!
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...
Aang's epic adventures! : a collection of three early readers
Spaziante, Patrick.
Paper Book
Relive the adventures of Aang and his friends from Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender in this collection of three Step into Reading levelled readers! Young readers will love venturing into the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender with this Step 4 Step into...
Fox is late
Tabor, Corey R.
Paper Book
Fun-loving, mischievous Fox is late for lunch, so he hops on his skateboard. Go, Fox, go! What is this winning trickster character doing, zooming over and under and around on his skateboard His animal friends follow him home to find out--and get a big surprise! ...
Fox the tiger
Tabor, Corey R.
Paper Book
Winner of the 2019 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Fun-loving, mischievous Fox wishes he were a tiger. Tigers are big and fast and sneaky. So he decides to become one! Soon Turtle and Rabbit are joining in the fun. But will Fox want to be a tiger forever In Fox the...
Bizarre buildings : all true and unbelievable!
Wible-Freels, Korynn.
Paper Book
Easy to read, fun to see, and filled with amazing things, kids (even reluctant readers) will love Ripley Readers! With Bizarre Buildings, kids aren't only learning to read, they're learning grout facts about unusual architecture. Did you know that you can stay in a hotel made out...
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...
Harry and the lady next door
Zion, Gene.
Paper Book
Harry's had enough! The lady next door sings too loud--all day long. Harry tries to stop her, but just gets in trouble. Can Harry solve the neighborhood's problem before he's sent to the doghouse

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