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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Trains, boats and planes
Robinson, Michelle
Ebook
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. Includes...
Libby loves science : states of matter
Derting, Kimberly
Paper Book
"A successful marriage of solid information and good fun."--School Library Journal (starred review) "A natural fit for classroom science units and home use."--Booklist Libby loves science! In this STEM-themed picture book, a companion to the popular Cece Loves Science and Vivi Loves...
I want to be an artist
Driscoll, Laura
Paper Book
A Level 1 I Can Read story for the child who says, "I want to be an artist when I grow up!" And for any child interested in the many ways people can have a career making art. Visit art shows and workspaces with Papa and his grandchild, soaking in all the art along the way, in this Level 1...
The pizza problem!
Michaels, Patty
Paper Book
Introducing...Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Tool Belt, the preschool show now streaming on Netflix! Chico Bon Bon and the Fix-it Force engineer a fix for a pizza delivery problem in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read! Uh-oh! There's a pizza problem! Chico Bon Bon and the Fix-it...
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!
Max & Mo's science fair surprise
Lakin, Patricia
Paper Book
Award-winning author Patricia Lakin is back with a Level 1 Ready-to-Read about the adorable hamsters, Max and Mo. Join Max and Mo as they participate in an exciting science fair! It's school science fair time, and Max and Mo love seeing what the big ones--the kids in the class-...
5 wild creature adventures! : a collection of five early readers
Kratt, Martin
Paper Book
Five Wild Kratts Step into Reading leveled readers in one book! PBS's hit animated show Wild Kratts follows the adventures of zoologists Chris and Martin Kratt as the duo travels to animal habitats around the globe. Along the way, they encounter incredible creatures...
Stop that virus!
Emmons, Scott
Paper Book
The curious crew from Netflix's Ask the StoryBots star in an all-new Step into Reading leveled reader What is a virus? How do you catch a cold? Beep, Boop, and the rest of the robots from Netflix's Ask the StoryBots are looking for answers. The inquisitive team make...
Gumballs : a Mr. and Mrs. Green adventure
Baker, Keith
Paper Book
"Baker's cartoon-like paintings bubble over with humor."--Publishers Weekly Mr. Green loves guessing games. And he has a plan to guess the number of gumballs in a GIANT gumball machine! So does Mrs. Green. Her plan involves luck, but Mr. Green's plan involves ...
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...
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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