#leveled books

Barbie: Two Princesses (1998)

Story: Bill Gordh -- Art: Unknown

Is your kid in the process of learning how to read? I have recommendations for some books they might enjoy!

We’ve talked in a previous post about what early reader books are and how they work. Now comes the really fun part: recommendations!

Here are three suggestions for where to begin when looking for early reader books to help your little reader practice their letters and have some fun while doing it.

Noodles the Puppy by Hans Wilhelm

Dive into this series of engaging stories with very short sentences about the exploits of an overwhelmingly adorable fluffy puppy who faces everyday problems the kids can connect with. The stories always end in a positive note, teaching the reader a possible solution to the featured problem without being preachy.

During my time as a school librarian I’ve received a glowing recommendation by a mini reader for “I Lost My Tooth!” in particular (they very seriously told me “This is a REALLY good book.”)

TOON Books

TOON Books is a publisher rather than a series. Founded by Françoise Mouly, the art editor for the New Yorker, it publishes comics specifically for kids aged three and up, and its written content is vetted by educators to make sure that its difficulty fits the intended skill level. The art features both new up-and-coming artists as well as renowned cartoonists and children’s illustrators.

You can find their website here if you want to purchase their books (remember to check at your library first!).

Scholastic Acorn Books

Lego Star Wars: Quick Trip (2016)

Story: Quinlan B. Lee -- Art: Unknown

La faon dans la forêt (2002)

Story: Beverley Randell -- Art: Judith Bruère

Pal the Pony (1996)

Story: R. A. Herman -- Art: Betina Ogden

My Little Pony: A Secret Gift (2006)

Story: Ruth Benjamin -- Art: Gayle Middleton

Phineas and Ferb: Another Grand Adventure (2020)

Story and Art: Unknown