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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Clifford the small red puppy
Bridwell, Norman.
Paper Book
Clifford begins life as a very small red puppy, but once he starts growing into a very large red dog there seems no limit to his potential size.
Clifford, the big red dog
Bridwell, Norman.
Paper Book
In 1963, a star was born--Clifford the Big Red Dog! Now he's 40 years old, and his original story is available in a deluxe, hardcover collector's edition with flocking and foil on the jacket! "I'm Emily Elizabeth, and I have a dog. My dog is a big red dog." This...
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...
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
The first book in the preschool-perfect Gossie & Friends series by Olivier Dunrea about a small yellow gosling who goes looking for her missing boots and finds a new friend. Gossie is a small yellow gosling who loves to wear bright red boots--every day. But one morning she can't find them!...
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...
The bad seed
John, Jory.
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad Do you really want to know He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He's been bad since he can remember! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody and...
Frog and Toad are friends
Lobel, Arnold.
Ebook
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...
Amelia Bedelia
Parish, Peggy.
Paper Book
Amelia Bedelia is in bright, full color! Now available for the first time as an I Can Read Book, this ever-popular story has a fresh look that fans -- old and new -- will celebrate.Ever since Amelia Bedelia made her debut almost thirty years ago, young readers have been laughing out loud at the...
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...
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!
Harry and the lady next door
Zion, Gene.
Paper Book
A funny I Can Read story featuring the beloved Harry the Dirty Dog! Harry, the mischievous little white dog with black spots, tries everything he can think of to get the lady next door to stop singing. Every time Harry tries to stop her, he gets in trouble! Can Harry solve the neighborhood...

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