Kids ages 5 and 6 learning to read must practice reading — a lot! So they need the BEST emergent reader books with fun stories and engaging illustrations.
Here are ALL my recommended emergent reader books also called easy reader books for your 5- and 6- year old readers who might be in kindergarten or first grade.
Some of these easy readers are phonics based, some are leveled – levels 1 and 2, but ALL of the books on this list are kid-approved and engaging. (Many of you know that there are a ton of really boring, dare I say dumb, emergent reader books out there that kids really dislike.)
You might also like: The BEST Easy Chapter Books for growing readers ages 6 and 7.
Recommended Emergent Reader (Easy Readers) Books for 5 – and 6- Year Olds
Flip a Word Books
From Blue Apple Books, these are the most enticing early readers – colorful, bold, and absolutely perfect for learning to read and learning word families.
Learn to Read with TUG THE PUP and Friends Box Set 1 Guided Reading Levels A – C
They contain interesting plots, lovable characters, and engaging illustrations. The credit for this new beginning reader series goes to the writer, Dr. Julie M. Wood, former director of the Jeanne Chall Reading Lab at Harvard Graduate School of Education. She knows all about reading and what kids like. Each box set contains 11 stories, 1 parent guide, and stickers.
Learn to Read with TUG THE PUP and Friends Box Set 2 Guided Reading Levels C – E
They contain interesting plots, lovable characters, and engaging illustrations. The credit for this new beginning reader series goes to the writer, Dr. Julie M. Wood, former director of the Jeanne Chall Reading Lab at Harvard Graduate School of Education. She knows all about reading and what kids like. Each box set contains 11 stories, 1 parent guide, and stickers.
Learn to Read with TUG THE PUP and Friends Box Set 3 Guided Reading Levels E – G
They contain interesting plots, lovable characters, and engaging illustrations. The credit for this new beginning reader series goes to the writer, Dr. Julie M. Wood, former director of the Jeanne Chall Reading Lab at Harvard Graduate School of Education. She knows all about reading and what kids like. Each box set contains 11 stories, 1 parent guide, and stickers.
Set 1 – Beginning Readers (12 books)
Set 2 – Advancing Beginners (12 books)
Set 3 – Word Families (10 books)
Set 4 – Complex Words (8 books)
Set 5 – Long Vowels (8 books)
I really like the Bob Books and how it made reading accessible for my daughter. Plus, the books are short and sweet. I like that the last pages of each book tell you what the book introduced, for example in Cat and Mouse from Set 4, some of the new concepts listed are: “blends: sn – snap, th – that, st – stop, lp – help, ck – back.”
Have you seen Bob Books? Physically, they’re small. The illustrations are line drawings with only a few splashes of one color per picture. I wondered if the illustrations would be a turn-off for JJ but she liked them — and LOVED them on the iPad because reading the word correctly meant the pictures got colored in.
Pug by Ethan Long (Easiest Easy Reader)
We Are in a Book
I love this Elephant and Piggie book — but they are all awesome. You’ll notice the first page starts with “thank you” which you’ll only understand after you read it. It is hilarious! These are the BEST beginning reader books because they’re not dumbed down, they’re hilarious, and they’re engaging.
There’s a Pest in the Garden! by Jan Thomas
The Good for Nothing Button by Charise Mericle Harper
Buttons that press down (not for your clothes) are just so tempting. Even if said button does nothing. Or maybe it does something. It makes one bird sad, the other mad, and the other happy. The birds bicker if the button can make them feel because that is something. Very funny and also a helpful way introduction readers to emotions.
Let’s Say Hi to Friends Who Fly by Mo Willems
We LOVE this series because my five-year-old can read it! (And it’s not nonsense like many early readers.)
LEGO City: All Aboard (Level 1 Reader) by Sonia Sander
These are a favorite for any LEGO enthusiast! This book about trains is just one in this recommended easy level 1 reader series.
May I Please Have a Cookie? by Jennifer Morris
Mommy is making cookies and Alfie loves her cookies. But grabbing for a cookie isn’t the best way to get one. Learn about manners in this sweet story every child can relate to.
Gran on a Fan by Kevin Bolger, illustrated by Ben Hodson (silly short vowels)
What a fun book! Each page is like a cartoon with easy to read words and easy sentences using those words. Fantastic illustrations!
Lazy Bear, Crazy Bear by Kevin Bolger, illustrated by Ben Hodson (loony long vowels)
So many bears! Bear with plates. Bear on skates. And sheep. And mice. Well, you get the picture. For each long vowel sound, there’s another zany adventure with eye-catching cartoons.
I Really Like Slop by Mo Willems (series)
Elephant and Peggie books are amazing and always kid-favorites. This is one of the most recent books in the series with Piggie making her favorite food, slop. She’s so exuberant about her slop, too. And when Elephant finally gets to try it, we learn just how it tastes . . . Funny and heart-warming. (See more Elephant and Piggie books here.)
See Pip Point by David Milgrim (Pre Level 1 Reader)
Pip points at Otto’s balloon. But what happens when Otto shares? Ut-oh! Pip floats away! Otto must help. Easy to read and funny story both! (See more in the series here.)
What This Story Needs Is a Pig in a Wig by Emma J. Virjan
Look at all the animals that join the pig in a wig on a boat! But it’s getting crowded. What will they do? I love both the story and illustrations in this first of a new easy reader series for silly readers.
Big Dog and Little Dog Wearing Sweaters by Dav Pilkey (Green Light Level 1 Readers)
Very simple text tell the story of Little Dog who helps big dog get his own sweater . . . vest. Parents, you’ll like that the last few pages have fun activities — a maze, word search, story sequencing, and sentence to picture matching.
Friday the Scaredy Cat (Ready to Read) by Kara McManon (Level 1 Reader)
It thrills me to no end to find engaging, funny early readers like this one. Friday is a cat that is scared – but not of chickens or bikes, just chickens riding bikes. Very silly!
The Big Green Book of Beginner Books by Dr. Seuss
(Easy Reader)
Kids love to have heft books to read — because they get bragging rights to reading big books. This volume includes Great Day for Up!, I Am Not Going to Get Up Today!, I Wish That I Had Duck Feet, Maybe You Should Fly a Jet! Maybe You Should Be a Vet!, Wacky Wednesday, and Would You Rather Be a Bullfrog?.
Ed and Ted and Ted’s Dog Fred by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
(Easy Reader Level 2)
Kids will love this silly caper written in rhyme with simple words about Ed, Ted, a dog called Fred, and a whale named Ned — well done!
Princess Pig by Molly Coxe (BraveMouse Readers Level 1)
Princess Pig and Twig, her mouse friend, play wishes but Princess won’t let Twig make wishes. How will they work it out? What a great theme for an early reader — it’s so relatable to what children go through often with their friends. This is a darling story to practice the short “i” vowel sound.
DK Level 1 Jungle Animals by Camilla Gersh
In a word, perfect. This little book packs a big punch with the perfect balance of colorful visuals (photographs) and leveled, informational text. Fantastic!
More Easy Readers for 5 – and 6- Year Olds (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)
Blip! by Barnaby Richards
Readers only a few words in this harrowing adventure of an explorer robot with a happy ending; words like roar, run, bleep, blip, and sniff. Enchanting!
We Are Growing by Laurie Keller
We Dig Worms! by Kevin McCloskey
I love, love, love this early reader book! It’s a Toon Book Early Reader with eye-popping illustrations and one sentence of text per page that explain something about the worm — sometimes he has kids asking questions which the worm answers. McCloskey painted on recycled grocery bags which makes for a gorgeous, earthy feeling throughout. I just can’t say enough good things about this short little book! (This book is on my BEST CHILDREN’S NONFICTION BOOKS OF 2016 list.)
Steve & Wessley in The Ice Cream Shop by J.E. Morris Scholastic Level 1 Reader
Steve can not get into that Ice Cream Shop AT ALL. He pushes and pushes the door but it doesn’t work. You’ll laugh when you realize with Steve’s his mistake. These simple stories are funny and perfect for beginning readers.
In, Over and On the Farm by Ethan Long
Simple text and fun lift-the-flaps teach kids these prepositions using the silly antics of farm animals.
Little Big Horse Where’s My Bike by Dave Horowitz Scholastic Level 1
Pablo takes Little Big Horse’s bike. And breaks it! But it’s only a flat tire and Little Big Horse knows what to do to fix it. Very simple text, great illustrations, and an engaging story make this a new early reader favorite.
Tiny Goes Back to School by Cari Meister, illustrated by Rich Daivs Penguin Level 1 Reader
This is a great beginning reader with only a few words per page. I really like the story about a dog who doesn’t know commands such as “sit” and has to go back to doggy school.
Monkey and Elephant Get Better by Carole Lexa Schaefer, illustrated by Galia Bernstein
Hooray, another early reader that doesn’t stink! Clever adventures of friends, monkey and elephant, with bright, bold illustrations.
Ape and Armadillo Take Over the World by James Sturm
This book is awesome! I love the humor and perfect relatable story line about friendship and pretend play. I love the extra cartoon stories on the bottom of each page, too. Fantastic.
Ninja on the Farm (Moby Shinobi) by Luke Flowers Scholastic Level 1 Reader
Baseball Buzz (Sports Illustrated Kids Level 1 Readers) by CC Joven
Ride, Fly Guy, Ride!
Is there a bad Tedd Arnold book? I think not. This is another super Fly Guy story that engages early readers. We love these books!
FOX on a BOX
This is a great beginning reader phonics story to read again and again.
Sam Sheep Can’t Sleep
Another beginning reader book in the Usborne Phonics Readers that we really love.
The Fox and the Crow – Usborne First Reading Level 1 by Mairi Mackinnon
I love this classic folk tale and actually the entire series of First Reading hardbound books.
A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse
Mouse’s explorer friend sails to the Arctic where he shows mouse all that there is to see – whales, penguins, and more all the while mouse interrupts with “Can we go home yet?” every few pages. A great early reader cartoon book!
Pinch and Dash and the Terrible Couch
Perfect for very beginning readers who don’t want to read nonsensical phonics books. Pinch and Dash has charming characters, a silly problem, and a perfect ending.
Odd Duck
A comic-style book with beautiful illustrations that accompany the story of friendship. Theodora loves her normal, orderly duck life. When the strange bird, Chad, moves in next door, she’s determined to show him how to be more normal. A lovely book about learning to accept others for who they are.
Ballet Cat The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea
Sparkles, the horse and Ballet Cat try to decide what to do–but Sparkles isn’t having fun, and he’s worried Ballet Cat won’t like it if he tells her he doesn’t want to play ballet. As it turns out, he has nothing to worry about because his friend, Ballet Cat, just wants to play with him. I would have liked a bit more humor, not so much predictability. However, I love the illustrations and comic-style dialogue bubbles.
Rat Attack by Molly Coxe (BraveMouse Readers a)
The rats try to steal Gram’s jam but Ann, Fran, and Stan have a plan. The story practices the short “a” sound. I love that there is an actual story. Plus, the photos of the stuffed animal characters and settings are fantastic!
Let’s Go Fishing! by Erica Silverman, illustrated by Jess Golden (Green Light Readers 2)
This is a fun story about a little girl who uses her big imagination to go fishing in her room with paper fish, a fishing pole, and a blue carpet. Soon her entire family joins her. I really like that the main character is a girl who likes fishing.
Buster the Very Shy Dog by Lise Bechtold (Green Light Readers 3)
Buster is a shy dog. In the fist story of two, Buster’s owner has a birthday party and Buster hides out. When he sees a little girl crying, Buster bravely approaches her. Soon she and Buster become friends and share birthday treats. Later, we see Buster learn to appreciate himself in the second story. I think this is great book, very relatable.
Elephant Joe, Brave Firefighter by David Wojtowycz (Step into Reading Comic Reader 2)
Dragon gets stuck in a tree but his friend, Elephant Joe saves him. This is a decent story with unique paper cutting and cartoon dialogue bubbles.
The New Puppy (Bob Books)
This new, harder series for Bob Books keeps the same simple stick-figure illustrations but adds color and tells a relatable story about children who want a puppy. A decent beginning book for beginning readers.
LEGO Ninjago Reader
by Tracy WestMy friend, Mia, aka. Pragmatic Mom says her son LOVES these books. Read her review here.
National Geographic Readers
These non-fiction easy readers rock! Enough said. Try to make sure your kids practice reading non-fiction, too. Let them pick a subject they’re interested in. Choice is essential.
How to Say Goodbye (Benny and Penny) by Geoffrey Hayes
If you don’t already love this series, I highly recommend checking it out– it’s fantastic and this new book that deals with death is so good. In this story, the brother and sister find a dead salamander and react in different ways. But where Penny is tenderhearted, Benny isn’t — at least at first and regrets his behavior, helping bury the salamander with Penny and her friend.
Lunch, or WHAT’S THAT? Freckleface Strawberry by Julianne Moore, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Kids will easily relate to this book about the curious (gross, terrifying) foods served in the school cafeteria. I’m impressed with this funny story.
Itty Bitty Kitty Firehouse Fun by Joan Holub, illustrated by James Burks
Ava and her not so itty bitty cat named Itty Bitty visit the firehouse where the cat’s curiosity makes for a fun time of exploration and adventure.
The Great Antonio by Elise Gravel
Antonio was not just a huge man, he was very strong, too and had a big heart. This is a warm-hearted, very interesting (true) story with lots of kid-appeal.
At-At Attack!
Luke Skywalker does some fast flying as he protects Hoth’s rebel base from the Empire. Perfect for beginning readers.
Kat’s Maps by Loren Long, David Shannon, and David Gordon (Trucktown)
“Kat makes maps of her room, // maps of her block, maps of her town,// . . . “
“Kat makes maps of her mind // and maps of her heart.”
Ice Cream for Breakfast Richard Scarry’s Great Big Schoolhouse Readers – by Erica Farber
“Huckle put on his shirt backward. // He put on his pants backward. He put on his hat backward. Lowly did, too.”
Pal and Sal Penguin Young Readers – by R.A. Herman
“Pal waits. He nibbles some grass. He swishes his tail. // He tries to be good. But there is nothing to do.”
Barry’s Best Buddy
LOVE this graphic novel easy reader book. It’s got so many clever details. Polarhog takes his grumpy friend, Barry the Bird, for a walk. The walk and surprise at the end will entertain your kids – and you, too.
Around Town Lego DK Readers – by Victoria Taylor
“The fire truck rushes to the fire with its siren blaring. // One of the firemen tries very hard to put out the flames. A difficult job.”
Lego fans LOVE this book – it’s my friend’s son’s favorite book ever.
The Neat Pig Read It Write It Draw It – by Nora Gaydos
“Once upon a time, there was a little pig who liked to be neat. // He liked to sleep in a very clean bed. He liked to eat from a plate. And he liked to put on his neat, white coat.”
This silly emergent and interactive reader book is divided into three sections – first the story, then a fill in the blank retelling of the story, and then a sticker, coloring retelling section.
Monkey and Elephant Get Better by Carole Lexa Schaefer, illustrated by Galia Bernstein
Hooray, another early reader that doesn’t stink! Clever adventures of friends, monkey and elephant, with bright, bold illustrations.
A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse
Mouse’s explorer friend sails to the Arctic where he shows mouse all that there is to see – whales, penguins, and more all the while mouse interrupts with “Can we go home yet?” every few pages. What a great early reader cartoon book!
Pinkalicious
JJ (7-years old) likes these books better than the original picture books. She loves stories that she can read by herself and anything about pink is good in her book. (She’s waaaaay into pink!)
Pinch and Dash and the Terrible Couch
Perfect for very beginning readers who don’t want to read nonsensical phonics books. Pinch and Dash has charming characters, a silly problem, and a perfect ending.
Tushes & Tails! by Stephane Frattini
Yes, this is just what you think it is — a book about butts. Guess whose butt is in the photograph. Lift the flap and see if you’re right. From an elephant to a bee, this will turn you into an animal butt expert! While not marketed as an easy reader, this book works perfectly to that end. Plus, it’s nonfiction.
Who’s Looking at You?
Open each page and a gigantic eyeball stares out at you. Can you guess who it is? Lift the flap and see if you’re right plus tantalizing tidbits about each animal. For example, we learn that sea turtles cry when they leave the water. “Crying helps them get rid of extra salt in their bodies. Tears also help to keep sand out of a mother turtle’s eyes . . .”
Night Animals by Susan Meredith
Kids love beginning non-fiction reader series (Usborne beginning nature) because it’s absolutely excellent — we own about 20 of these gems, this being one of our favorites!
Petal and Poppy by Lisa Clough and Ed Briant Green Light Readers Level 2
Written in comic book style, Petal and Poppy are best friends that live together in a lighthouse. When Poppy the elephant starts to practice her tuba, Petal, the rhino, hates it so much she decides to go scuba diving. Well, both friends go out on the boat, tuba and all, and worrywart Poppy can’t stop thinking something bad is happening to Petal. It all works out in the end with lots of hilarious hijinks and silliness to get there. You’ll love that there are more Petal and Poppy books: Petal and Poppy and the Spooky Halloween and Petal and Poppy and the Penguin.
Steve & Wessley in The Sea Monster by J.E. Morris Scholastic Level 1
Steve (a rat) and Wessley (a rabbit) see something floating in the water. Is it a sea monster? Of course not. Right? Written in comic book form, this is one of the best easy readers I’ve seen with appropriate text to picture ratio, excellent illustrations, and an interesting story line.
Tiny Goes Back to School by Cari Meister, illustrated by Rich Daivs Penguin Level 1
An easy beginning reader with only a few words per page. I really like the story about a dog who doesn’t know commands such as “sit” and has to go back to doggy school.
LEGO Friends Perfect Pets by Lisa Stock DK Readers 2
The level seems wrong on this book, I think it should be a 3 because there is a lot of text on each page. LEGO Friends enthusiasts will enjoy reading about the pets of each character. I like the LEGO Friends photo illustrations that accompany the text.
Miss Bindergarten and the Best Friends by Joseph Slate, illustrated by Ashley Wolff Penguin Young Reader 2
Vicky and Emily wear the same color clothing to school day after day. They may not be exactly twins but they are best friends. A sweet story your new readers will like.
Fly Guy Presents Sharks by Ted Arnold
Visit the aquarium with Buzz and Fly Guy to learn about sharks in this terrific easy non-fiction reader. I LOVE how Arnold combines the cartoons with photographs!
The Big Fat Cow That Goes KaPow by Andy Griffiths
“Lumpy-Head Fred:
Have you heard about the boy called Lumpy-head Fred? //He sleeps at the top of a 100-decker bed! //But poor old Fred always falls out of bed. //Which is why he has such a lumpy, bumpy head.”
Kids will love this hilarious book of stories that looks like a chapter-book but falls into the easy readers category. Fun!
Fly Guy vs. the Flyswatter! by Tedd Arnold
“The tour guide brought
out a tiny fly in a jar.
“Release the fly!”
yelled Fred. //
The Super Swatter
started swatting //
Fly Guy cried,
BUZZ!”
What Puppies Do Best by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
“Puppies can chase a ball, // learn how to sit, // and give you their paw.”
Dinosaurs Don’t, Dinosaurs Do by Steve Bjorkman
“Dinosaurs don’t play like this. // Dinosaurs play like this. // Dinosaurs don’t tell others what to like. // Dinosaurs ask others what they want.”
Fron Holiday House’s Picture Book series for emerging readers.
Boy, Bird, and Dog by David McPhail
“Boy went down. // He got a rope. // He got a pot. // Dog went in the pot. // Boy went up. He pulled the rope. // Dog was up.”
A full-sized picture book from Holiday House.
My Dog, My Cat by Ashlee Fletcher
“My dog barks. // My cat meows. // My dog likes steak. // My cat likes tuna.”
A full-sized picture book from Tanglewood Press.
Ant in Her Pants Treasure Bay We Read Phonics by Paul Orshoski
“Miss Grant got an ant in her pants. // It came up her sock . . . // . . . and gave her a shock.”
Very pleasing illustrations and a funny story.
The Lion and the Mice by Rebecca Emberley and Ed Emberley
“The mouse is stuck, She is lost, // The lion wakes, uh-oh, “I will eat you!” the lion roars. “No,” the mouse begs. “Do not eat me. I am lost.” // The lion lifts the mouse. She sees her house.”
Colorful, artistic interpretation.
Monkey and Elephant and a Secret Birthday Surprise by Carole Lexa Schaefer, illustrated by Galia Bernstein
Monkey doesn’t like birthdays but his friend, Elephant, wants to do something for Monkey. So, Elephant and other friends plan an it’s-not-my-birthday party for Monkey. Monkey decides he maybe does like this birthday. This book is on the harder side of early readers with chapters and paragraphs.
Never Kick a Ghost and Other Silly Chillers (I Can Read Book) by Judy Sierra, illustrated by Pascale Constantin
My daughter’s first grade class loved these not-too-scary, silly, spooky stories perfect for early readers.
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