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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Clifford the big red dog
Bridwell, Norman.
Paper Book
It only takes a little to be BIG! Meet Clifford and Emily Elizabeth in the original Clifford book! Clifford is big. Clifford is red. But most of all, Clifford knows how to BE A GOOD FRIEND.
Gossie
Dunrea, Olivier.
Paper Book
Meet Gossie, a small yellow gosling who loves to wear bright red boots--every day. One morning Gossie can’t find her beloved boots. She looks everywhere for them: under the bed, over the wall, even in the barn. Preschoolers will enjoy helping Gossie find her red boots and delight in where...
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. There will be cake and ice cream and horseback riding, and all of his friends will be there--including, of course, his best friend, Iris. But when the big day finally arrives, something unexpected happens. Will the change of plans ruin...
Frog and Toad are friends
Lobel, Arnold.
Paper Book
Five very short stories told in a direct and ingenuous style, appealing because of their ease and the familiarity of the situations.
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
For Henry and his big dog Mudge, spring means admiring the first snow glory, playing in puddles in the rain, and watching the five new kittens next door. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
Harry and the lady next door
Zion, Gene.
Paper Book
Harry, the mischievous little white dog with black spots, tries everything he can think of to get the lady next door to stop singing. Now this best-selling book is packaged with a cassette featuring a delightful reading by Becca Lish.

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