Good Book Options for New Readers
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What are good book options for new readers? First, they’ll start with easy readers and as they grow, move into chapter books. Try one of these recently published choices, and then check my my book recommendations lists by age.Great Book Options for New Readers
Easy Readers
Pug by Ethan Long
(Easiest Easy Reader)
Simple text deftly (and this is an art!) tells an enjoyable story about a pug who desperately wants to go for a walk. But is that all he wants? You’ll love this hilarious story!
Blip! by Barnaby Richards
(Easiest Easy Reader)
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
(Easy Reader)
Excitement abounds as the stalks realize they are growing. But soon the excitement turns into comparisons (who is the crunchiest, pointiest), and the group tries to help one unknown stalk figure out what he is is best at. Just as they’re brainstorming, a lawn mower comes along and mows them all down. Gasp! Now what will they do? Funny and sweet!
Slow, Slow Sloths by Bonnie Bader Level 2 Penguin Young Reader
(Easy Reader)
I LOVE the photographs in this informational beginning reader. They make the nonfiction text pop so your child will learn while he or she is reading and viewing the photos. Even I learned a lot about sloths from this little book! Highly recommended.
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.
How to Say Goodbye (Benny and Penny) by Geoffrey Hayes
(Easy Reader)
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
(Easy Reader)
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
(Easy Reader)
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
(Easy Reader)
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.
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)
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!
Beginning Chapter Books
Remember to do the 5 finger test on sample pages from Amazon or the library to make sure the book is a just right read for your child!
Thud and Blunder: The Not-So-Helpless Princess by Blake Hoena, illustrated by Pol Cunyat
(Beginning Chapter Book)
This is a funny, defying stereotypes book about a strong girl warrior named Thud and her good fighting companion, Blunder. They’re latest quest is to save a princess but as you can guess from the title, this is one princess who does not need any help. In fact the ogres are terrified of HER.
Pedro First Grade Hero by Fran Manushkin
(Beginning Chapter Book)
Four short stories tell all about the adventures of Pedro, a bug-loving, soccer player with great friends from first grade. This is a fun, easy and light-hearted chapter books with colorful illustrations.
Dorothy and Toto: Little Dog Lost by Debbi Michiko Fiorence
(Beginning Chapter Book)
Toto runs after a squirrel and now Dorothy can’t find him! As she searches, her friends join to help and they find that Toto has made a new friend as well and he’s safe and happy at Glinda’s house. Fans of Oz will most likely enjoy this new easy chapter book series.
Dory Fantasmagory Dory Dory Black Sheep by Abby Hanlon
(Beginning Chapter Book)
I adore this series of books, and this latest one is just as fabulous as the rest! In this adventure, Dory is having some trouble with reading, especially the wanting to read part. Good thing her imagination can help! But, she better watch out for Mrs. Gobble Cracker who has turned into a kid and is still up to mischief. (This title is on my BEST BOOKS OF 2016 LIST!)
Piper Morgan Joins the Circus by Stephanie Faris, illustrated by Lucy Fleming
(Beginning Chapter Book)
This is a cute and interesting new series about a girl whose mom moves a lot for different jobs. In this story, they’re living with the circus. I loved the plot and how Piper eventually makes friends and learns a routine but felt sad when the ending came and the mom’s job was done so they had to move. But, that leaves quite the opportunity for more jobs and more books . . . Also read: Piper Morgan to the Rescue and Piper Morgan in Charge!. If your readers like Junie B. Jones, they’ll like this book also.
The Emerald Berries (The Adventures of Sophie Mouse) by Poppy Green, illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell
(Beginning Chapter Book)
Sophie and her friend Hattie are off on a big adventure to find sparkling emerald berries. Even though they get lost and make a new friend, thanks to Hattie’s smart thinking, they return home safe and sound.
Museum Mysteries: The Case of the Counterfeit Painting by Steve Brezenoff
(Beginning Chapter Book)
Clementine notices something suspicious at the art museum where her mom works but she doesn’t have any proof that there’s been a crime. So she decides to find the proof. This is an engaging mystery with a strong female heroine.
Little Legends: The Spell Thief by Tom Percival
(Beginning Chapter Book)
Kids might enjoy this story if they’re fairy tale fans but I admit that I didn’t. It’s about jealous Jack who makes wrong assumptions about a new boy in town and becomes obsessed with proving the new kid is up to no good. It ends well but the predictable and stereotypical plot didn’t sell me. Hopefully the next few in the series will be better.
These books have been added to my early chapter book list, books for 5- and 6- year olds, and books for 7- year olds lists.
