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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Trains, boats and planes
Robinson, Michelle
Paper Book
All aboard! Anchors up! The passengers are waiting, and theres a busy day ahead. Trains and boats and planes, which one would you ride?
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 real-life makers Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this beloved #1 bestseller champions STEM, girl power and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power perseverance, and the importance of asking "Why?" Don't miss Ada's further adventures-with her friends...
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...
City Train in trouble
Klein, Adria F.
Paper Book
City Train gets stuck on the tracks. Thankfully there are lots of people around to help her.
Libby loves science : states of matter
Derting, Kimberly
Paper Book
Libby loves science! In this STEM-themed Level 3 I Can Read! title, Libby and her friends learn about solids, liquids, and gases. A great choice for aspiring scientists, new readers, and fans of Andrea Beaty's Ada Twist, Scientist. Includes activities, a glossary, and a fun science experiment to...
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...
The amazing planet Earth
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 our little corner of the solar system! Fans of the StoryBots will recognize the colorful art from their popular outer-space...
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...

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