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...
Ada Twist, scientist
Beaty, Andrea
Paper Book
Inspired by mathematician Ada Lovelace and physicist Marie Curie, this #1 bestseller from author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts champions STEM, girl power, and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power of perseverance, and the importance of asking "Why?"<...
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...
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!
Mars
Carney, Elizabeth
Paper Book
Discover the fascinating world of Mars in this colorful book packed with amazing imagery. In this inviting and entertaining format, kids will learn about the newest information on Mars, the Mars Rover, and our ongoing exploration of the Red Planet. This level 3 reader is written in an easy-to-grasp...
Peg + Cat. Math in the bath
Oxley, Jennifer
Paper Book
Bath time turns into math time for Peg and Cat in this tale for early readers. Peg and Cat are in the bath. One, two friends in the bath. Seems like a great time to do some math! Readers can join old friends Peg and Cat as they engage with the concepts of counting and weight and...
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...
Bears on wheels
Berenstain, Stan
Paper Book
An acrobatic act begins with one bear on a unicycle and ends with twenty-one bears and sixteen wheels flying through the air
The Rocket returns
Courtney, Richard
Paper Book
Thomas the Tank Engine's new friend Stephen used to be known as The Rocket, and with Thomas' help, he will be so again!
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-...
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...
A walk in the dark and other scary stories
Brallier, Max.
Paper Book
Jump into these spine-chilling stories from New York Times bestselling author Max Brallier, perfect for beginning readers! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early reader line, Acorn, aimed at children who are learning to read. With easy-to-read...

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