Here is a list of the best books for beginning readers to enjoy as they start their solo reading journey. It’s never too early to instill a love of books!

When your beginning reader is ready to step out on their own, what are the best books for them to start with?

In a way, this is a difficult transition for a parent as well as a child. Up until now, you’ve probably been reading to your kindergartner or first grader. And those books were a little bit more advanced because they understood the story, if not every word, and you were there to explain.

But solo reading is a whole new ball game.

Now, your reader will need books that use vocabulary they know, or at least context they can glean meaning from. They will also need a mix of books that are easy and those that are slightly challenging.

Starting with familiar books is helpful because your beginning reader is able to see the words and attach the sounds they’ve heard over and over to them. This has the added benefit of giving your child a confidence boost, which is invaluable to their continued success.

Here is a list of the best books for your beginning reader to enjoy as they start their solo reading journey. You’ll notice that there are a lot of series on this list. I’ve noticed that once you find a series or character that a child loves, they will read and re-read any book in the series. It’s never too early to create a voracious reader.

Best Books for Your Beginning Reader

[Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see below for more details]

Bob Books

These sets of books are an upgrade on the Dick and Jane stories of the past. They have different levels for your child to work through, and are fun reads. Simple, yet helpful, they teach and reinforce basic sounds and sight words. These boost confidence and provide a stepping stone to the next level of solo reading. Good for ages 4-8.

 

Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems

These delightful books tell the silly tales of Gerald the Elephant and his good friend, Piggie. They will make your child giggle and give your beginning reader a chance to work through the easy language with characters they love. I recommend Waiting is Not Easy and Elephants Cannot Dance. Good for ages 4-8.

 

Pete the Cat by James Dean

These stories center on a laid-back cat named Pete and his many adventures. These books use simple language and engaging stories to keep your beginning reader interested. I recommend Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons. There’s even a cartoon series if your child can’t get enough of the books (though I personally like the books better). Good for ages 4-8.

 

Mr. Putter and Tabby books by Cynthia Rylant

These books are perfect as your beginning reader gains confidence and skill. The sweet stories of elderly Mr. Putter and his adopted tabby cat are a delight. Your child will enjoy each one in the series, from the writing to the illustrations. I recommend the first, Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea. Good for age 6-9.

 

Dr. Seuss books

These books never get old. My kids loved them as much as I did. A perfect combination of humor, easy vocabulary, and repetition, Dr. Seuss books are great for beginning readers that are just starting out on their own or more advanced readers that are ready for a challenge. I recommend Dr. Seuss’ Beginner Book Collection,  which contains some of the best books for beginning readers, such as The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham. Good for ages 5-9.

 

National Geographic readers

Non-fiction is also an important part of expanding your beginning reader’s repertoire and vocabulary. These readers cover a variety of subjects and provide easy descriptions to wonderful photos. Pick ones that speak to your child’s individual interests. My kids liked Seed to Plant (age 4-6) and Penguins (age 5-8).

 

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood books

What I love about the Daniel Tiger books and show is that they teach language as well as compassion. Your beginning reader will have a lot of fun reading about the adventures of their favorite tiger family and all of their neighbors. The Ready to Read books are a great place for your solo reader to start.  I recommend Storytime with Daniel (ages 3-5), and Daniel Tiger’s 5-Minute Stories for more advanced beginning readers. Good for ages 3-7.

 

The Giggle Gang books by Jan Thomas

These hilarious books will make your child laugh while they read. Fun characters and repetition will help them enjoy the story even as they hone their skills. I recommend My Toothbrush is Missing and What is Chasing Duck? Good for ages 4-7.

 

Poppleton series by Cynthia Rylant

These charming and hilarious stories of Poppleton the pig and his animal friends are sure to make your child laugh and read them over and over. Each book contains three short stories that have lovely illustrations along with simple text and repetitions that build confidence. I recommend Poppleton Forever and Poppleton in Fall. Good for ages 4-8.

 

P.D. Eastman’s beginner books

These classics are still perfect for today’s beginning readers. The language is easy to read and the stories are fun and interesting. Try Big Dog, Little Dog or Are You My Mother? But I recommend the “color anthologies,” which also make great gifts to the reader in your life: The Big Red Book of Beginner Books and The Big Purple Book of Beginner Books. Good for ages 3-7.

 

Finding the best books for your beginning reader can be a challenge with so many options out there. And this list is not the whole story. But it is a great starting point for picking the best books to guide, teach, and encourage your child along the reading road.

Instilling a love of reading starts early. I hope this book list helps you choose the best books for your beginning reader and create a lifelong habit and love for the written word.

 

What books would you recommend for beginning readers? What books worked for your kids? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!

 

Interested in more recommendations for children’s reading? Check out these popular posts:

10 Best Books for 2nd Grade Boys

How to Inspire Curiosity, Creativity, and a Love of Reading in Your Children

Christmas Books and Movies for the Whole Family

 

[Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I haven’t used myself and loved.]