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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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...
Clifford the small red puppy
Bridwell, Norman
Paper Book
Rediscover Clifford's origin story in this vintage hardcover reissue of the original 1972 edition!This beautiful vintage hardcover edition of Clifford the Small Red Puppy features Norman Bridwell's iconic 1972 two-color artwork. Fans of all sizes will delight in discovering Clifford's...
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.
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...
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...
Clark the Shark and the big book report
Hale, Bruce
Paper Book
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...
Frog and Toad are friends
Lobel, Arnold.
CD
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. ...
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...
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 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!

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