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 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. ...
Libby loves science
Jones, Andy T.
DVD
In charge of the science booth at the school fair, Libby and her friends use teamwork, creativity, and a little bit of chemistry to prove that science is fun for everyone.
Amelia Bedelia, rocket scientist?
Parish, Herman.
Paper Book
Mad Scientists Mad Scientists Unidentified Flying Bonnets Take cover! Amelia Bedelia is at the school science fair!
Bears on wheels
Berenstain, Stan
Paper Book
A Step 1 Step into Reading Math Reader offers a hilarious and unique approach to addition and subtraction, courtesy of the Berenstains. The gradually increasing number of bears on wheels--unicycles, bikes, and trikes--engage in silly antics that will make beginning readers giggle as they learn...
The Rocket returns
Courtney, Richard
Paper Book
Thomas the Tank Engine's new friend Stephen used to be known as The Rocket! With Thomas' help, he will again! Little boys and girls ages 4 to 6 who love trains will dive in to this Step into Reading adventure based on an episode from the newest Thomas & Friends DVD release, Spills and Thrills!...
I'm fast!
McMullan, Kate.
Paper Book
Now in paperback! From the popular creators of I Stink! and I'm Dirty!--now a streaming animated series!--comes an irresistible readaloud about trains, a perennial kid favorite. WHEELS on the RAILS, ALL night long, Racin' and a-rumblin' the FREIGHT TRAIN song-...
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!...
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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