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 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?"<...
City Train in trouble
Klein, Adria F.
Paper Book
City Train gets stuck on the tracks. Thankfully there are lots of people around to help her.
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...
I want to be an artist
Driscoll, Laura
Paper Book
For any child who loves making art! This Level One I Can Read story by Laura Driscoll, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri, blends narrative with nonfiction, introducing many different kinds of working artists to the young reader. Papa takes me to an art show and I get to meet...
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!
The amazing planet Earth
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 our little corner of the solar system! Fans of the StoryBots will recognize the colorful art from their popular outer-space...
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
As the gradually increasing number of bears on wheels adds up through all kinds of combinations and permutations, beginning readers are offered a unique counting book, courtesy of the Berenstains.
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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