As a primary school teacher with 20 years of experience, I have personally curated a list of the top 10 learn-to-read books  that every parent needs on their shelf using my professional expertise.

Top 10 Learn-to-Read Books

Looking for the ‘Top 10 Learn to Read Books’ so that you can help your child learn how to read? Look no further than these 10 picks from experts in the field of childhood literacy. These books are designed with specific phonics instruction in mind, ensuring that young readers will build a strong foundation in reading skills and be well-prepared for success in school and beyond. From fun-filled stories like “Meg and Greg: Aa Duck in a Sock” to classic favorites by Dr. Seuss, there’s something here for every young learner! Each of the books on my ‘Top 10 Learn-to-Read Books’ list has been carefully chosen for both quality and entertainment value.

 

 

8 Reasons for Kids why they should read.

As a classroom teacher with 17+ years of experience, I understand the importance of choosing the right books for children who are learning to read. The Science of Reading has proven that daily specific phonics instruction is crucial to a child’s success in reading. This means that each book on the ‘Top 10 Learn-to-Read Books’ list has been specifically selected for its ability to reinforce phonics skills in a fun and engaging way.

When selecting books for your child, it’s important to keep in mind their reading level and interests. Many of the books on the ‘Top 10 Learn-to-Read Books’ list are perfect for children who are just starting to learn to read, while others are great for more ‘advanced’ beginning readers. No matter where your child is on their reading journey, these books are sure to inspire a love of reading and help them build the skills they need to become confident, capable readers. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and discover the top 10 Learn-To-Read Books Every Parent Needs on Their Shelf’!

10. Now I’m Reading! Level 1: Big Fun by Nora Gaydos

Our 10th book on the Top 10 Learn-to-Read Books list has engaging stories with simple vocabulary and bright illustrations and it will keep children interested in the ‘Now I’m Reading! Level 1: Big Fun’ (NIR! Leveled Readers) by Nora Gaydos. This series is perfect for young readers who are just starting to learn how to read. The books include a parent guide for extra support, making it easy for parents to help their child practice reading at home.

Mr. C’s Book Breakdown for ‘Now I’m Reading Level 1’

• Engaging stories that make learning fun

• Simple vocabulary that’s easy for young readers to understand

• Bright illustrations that capture children’s attention

• Parent guide included for extra support

If you’re looking for a great book series to help your child learn how to read, consider ‘Now I’m Reading! Level 1’: Big Fun (NIR! Leveled Readers) by Nora Gaydos. These books are designed specifically for early readers and provide a solid foundation in reading skills.

9. Meg and Greg: A Duck in a Sock

Meg and Greg: A Duck in A Sock is a rhyming story perfect for early readers. Its simple, repetitive text helps build confidence and aids in word recognition. The colorful illustrations not only make the book engaging but also aid comprehension by providing visual cues to support the text. This book is an excellent choice for parents who want to help their children learn to read while having fun at the same time!

Mr. C’s Book Breakdown for ‘Meg and Greg: A Duck in a Soc’

• A rhyming story for early readers
• Simple, repetitive text to build confidence
• Aids in word recognition and phonics
• Colorful illustrations for engagement
• Visual cues to support comprehension
• Fun and enjoyable learning experience

8. “Bob Books” by Bobby Lynn Maslen

“Bobby Lynn Maslen’s ‘Bob Books’ is a classic series of learn-to-read books that have been beloved by parents and educators for decades. Each book in the series focuses on simple, phonetic words and gradually increases in difficulty as the reader progresses through them. The illustrations are charming and engaging, making these books a great choice for young children who are just starting to develop their reading skills.”

Mr. C’s Book Breakdown for the “Bob Books”

• Simple phonetic words

• Gradually increasing difficulty

• Charming illustrations

7. Sounds of Phonics (33 books)

These 33 phonetically decodable books are a fantastic resource for parents looking to help their kids learn sounds systematically. With “sound out” boxes that contextualize phonics rules and multicultural reading material that promotes diversity, these books offer engaging content while strengthening early literacy skills.

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Mr. C’s Book Breakdown for Sounds of Phonics

• 33 books with systematic phonics instruction

• “Sound out” boxes to practice applying phonetic rules in the context

• Multicultural reading material promoting diversity

These decodable texts make learning to read easier and more enjoyable for young children. By providing opportunities for kids to practice sounding out words using specific phonemic patterns, this series helps build strong foundational literacy skills.

6. Pete the Cat’s Super Cool Reading Collection: 5 I Can Read Favorites!

The “I Can Read!” series is a great resource for young children learning to read. As their reading abilities advance, the books level up with them, allowing for continued growth and development. Pete the Cat’s Super Cool Reading Collection: 5 I Can Read Favorites! is an excellent example of this format, featuring easy reader-friendly formats and familiar characters that make reading engaging.

Each of these five favorites from Pete the Cat also includes humorous themes that are relatable to young readers. From making new friends to trying new things, children will enjoy following along with Pete and his adventures while simultaneously improving their literacy skills.

Mr. C’s Book Breakdown for Pete the Cat’s Super Cool Reading Collection

• Series levels up as the child advances

• Easy reader format with familiar character

• Humorous themes which are relatable

5. Orton Gillingham Decodable 2nd-Grade Readers. Easy decodable texts to improve reading and writing skills in struggling readers and kids with dyslexia. Volume 1. Grade 2.

Halfway through the Top 10 Learn-to-Read Books is the ‘Orton Gillingham Decodable 2nd-Grade Readers’ which is an excellent resource for struggling readers and kids with dyslexia who need extra support to improve the skills needed for writing and reading. This series of easy-to-read decodable texts in Volume 1, Grade 2 is specifically designed to help young children learn how to read by providing them with engaging stories that they can easily decode.

Mr. C’s Book Breakdown for Orton Gillingham Decodable 2nd-Grade Readers

• Helps struggling readers and kids with dyslexia improve their reading and writing skills

• Provides easy-to-read decodable texts that engage children’s interest

• Encourages daily specific phonics instruction to build foundational reading skills

• Supports the science of reading based on research-backed best practices

If you’re looking for Learn to Read Books for Young Children, Orton Gillingham Decodable 2nd Grade Readers should definitely be on your list!

4. The Yak Pack: Comics & Phonics: Book 1: Learn to read decodable short vowel words

The Yak Pack: Comics & Phonics: Book 1 is the perfect tool for new readers to learn decodable short vowel words. The comic book format makes learning fun and engaging, while the decodable content helps children gain confidence quickly. The stories are created around phonics rules, making it easy for kids to apply what they’ve learned.

Mr. C’s Book Breakdown for The Yak Pack: Comics & Phonics: Book 1

• The comic book format makes learning fun & engaging.

• Decodable content helps new readers gain confidence quickly.

• Stories created specifically around phonics rules

3. Elephant & Piggie: The Complete Collection-An Elephant & Piggie Book by Mo Willems

Dialogue-driven stories that encourage reading aloud and sharing are at the heart of Elephant & Piggie: The Complete Collection. With relatable characters and humorous illustrations, kids will love diving into these books time and time again. Each book showcases distinct personalities that help young readers connect on an emotional level, making them feel like they’re part of the story. These books are a great way to introduce children to the joys of reading while also fostering a lifelong love of learning.

The humouristic illustrations in Elephant & Piggie: The Complete Collection create a fun experience that children won’t be able to resist. From silly facial expressions to wacky situations, each page is packed with visual cues that keep little ones engaged from start to finish. And with dialogue-driven stories designed for shared reading experiences, parents can enjoy quality time with their children while helping them develop important literacy skills. Whether you’re looking for bedtime stories or just some fun new additions to your child’s library, Elephant & Piggie is sure to please both kids and grown-ups alike!

Mr. C’s Book Breakdown for Elephant & Piggie: The Complete Collection

• Relatable characters for emotional connection
• Dialogue-driven stories for shared reading
• Humorous illustrations to engage young readers
• Encourages reading aloud and sharing
• Simple, phonetic text for easy reading
• Builds early literacy skills and confidence

2. Dr. Seuss Beginner Book Collection

The Dr. Seuss Beginner Book Collection is a must-have for parents looking to encourage their children’s reading skills. The unique storylines found in these books expose kids to new vocabulary words, making it the perfect tool for expanding their lexicon. The complex concepts are explained in simple language, making it easier for young readers to understand and retain the information they’ve learned. This is an excellent book for a guided reading format when you have a child in 1st grade or 2nd grade.

But that’s not all – the rhyming text found throughout Dr. Seuss’ works also helps develop phonological awareness, an essential skill needed when learning how to read. With its engaging illustrations and lively characters, this collection of books is sure to captivate your child’s imagination while teaching them valuable reading skills that will last a lifetime.

Mr. C’s Book Breakdown for Dr. Seuss Beginner Book Collection

• Unique storylines to expand vocabulary
• Rhyming text for phonological awareness
• Engaging illustrations to captivate the imagination
• Complex concepts simplified for young readers

1. Frog and Toad: A Complete Reading Collection: Frog and Toad Are Friends, Frog and Toad Together, Days with Frog and Toad, Frog and Toad All Year

Concluding the Top 10 Learn-to-Read Books is ‘The Frog and Toad’ reading collection which teaches children about the importance of friendship through engaging stories. The simple language used in the books ensures early success for new readers, making them perfect for young children who are just starting to learn how to read. Additionally, the illustrations throughout each book are helpful in decoding tricky words, and providing support during reading time.

Mr. C’s Book Breakdown for Frog and Toad: A Complete Reading Collection

• Teaches about the importance of friendship
• Simple language for early reading success
• Illustrations provide support for decoding words
• Engaging stories with memorable characters

Parent Q and A

As it happens, I often get asked by parents when they are trying to support their children as they learn to read. Here they are in easy-to-follow Q and A format;

Q: At what age should a child start learning to read?

A: Children can start learning to read as early as three years old, according to expert researchers in the field. Remember, children develop reading skills at different rates. The most important thing is to create a supportive and engaging environment that encourages a love for reading and learning. Providing daily opportunities for your child to read aloud, explore books, and engage in discussions about what they’re reading, will help them develop strong foundational skills that will last a lifetime. It’s always a good idea to remember your patience, bring your supportive mindset and be flexible.

Q: What strategies can I use to help my child learn to read?

A: There are many strategies you can use to support your child’s reading development. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Start early – It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Even babies can benefit from hearing stories and looking at pictures in books.
2. Make reading fun – Choose books that your child is interested in and make the reading time enjoyable by using different voices, making sound effects, and asking questions about the story.
3. Read aloud – Read aloud to your child every day. This helps them develop their listening and comprehension skills and introduces them to new vocabulary and language structures.
4. Point out letters and sounds – Help your child understand that letters represent sounds by pointing out letters and the sounds they make in words.
5. Teach phonics – Phonics instruction is a key part of learning to read. Teach your child the different sounds that letters can make, and practice sounding out words together.
6. Use sight words – There are many theories about the efficacy of teaching sight words. An entire Blog Series could be devoted to this topic, but for now, a sight word is simply a word that a child can recognize by sight. Sight words are not irregularly spelled words. They are words a child can read without having to devote the brain power to sounding them out. Practice sight words with flashcards or by playing games.
7. Practice regularly – The more your child practices reading, the better they will become. Set aside a regular time each day for reading and stick to it.
8. Encourage independence – Give your child opportunities to read on their own, and praise them for their efforts.

Q: How long does it typically take for a child to learn to read?

A: Reading should start long before kindergarten. The time it takes for a child to learn to read varies. Factors such as the child’s age, exposure to language, reading environment, and reading instruction all play a role in determining how long it takes for a child to learn to read. Generally, most children begin to read between the ages of 4 and 7, and it can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years for them to become proficient readers. The key is to provide regular and consistent reading instruction and support and to make reading a fun and enjoyable activity for your kid.

Q: What techniques can I use to help my child develop reading comprehension skills?

To be a successful reader it is necessary to practice reading comprehension skills. To help make it easier for them, give them a hand by focusing on and developing the skills that follow.

1. Build Vocabulary: To help your child understand what they read, it’s important to build their vocabulary. Introduce new words and discuss their meanings with a children’s picture dictionary. Play word games like Scrabble or Boggle to make learning fun. The more words they know, the easier it will be to enjoy the texts they read.
2. Read aloud with your child:Let’s read together! It’s a great way to improve your child’s comprehension skills. Pick a cozy spot, take turns reading and ask questions about the story. Start with Early Reader Books to get started.
3. Encourage your child to read independently: It’s important to motivate your child to read on their own. Select books that match your child’s reading level and set up a reward system if you have to. This approach can boost the comprehension skills that are needed to concentrate on the plot and make sense of it.
4. Ask questions about the story: This tip is not just for comprehension, but it also will help young readers become more critical thinkers, try asking them questions about the story after they finish reading it. This approach can be very effective and can really help your child better understand and engage with the content.
5. Use graphic organizers: If you’re looking for a way to help your child better organize their thoughts after reading, graphic organizers are a great option. They can be used to summarize the story, identify the main points, and connect it to their own experiences. This method can be very effective in helping your child process what they’ve read and understand it more deeply.
6. Predict what will happen next: Encourage your child to develop their comprehension skills and stay engaged in the story by asking them to predict what will happen next.
7. Use Context Clues: Encourage your child to use context clues as a tool for understanding unfamiliar words, which will ultimately enhance their vocabulary and comprehension abilities.
8. Summarize the story: A helpful way to enhance your child’s comprehension of a book or chapter is to prompt them to summarize the key points of the story once they have completed reading it. This technique can assist them in focusing on the fundamental aspects of the text.
9. Make connections: Encourage your child to connect the text with their own experiences, other books they’ve read, or the world around them. By doing so, they can relate more to the story and have a better understanding of the material.
10. Discuss unfamiliar concepts: When your child encounters unfamiliar concepts or ideas during their reading, use it as a chance to have a conversation with them about it. By doing so, you’ll be able to expand their understanding and enhance their comprehension of the story.
11. Reread for deeper understanding: It might be helpful to suggest to your child that they read certain parts of the text again to improve their understanding. Revisiting the material can allow them to explore it more fully and gain a more complete comprehension of the story.

The Wrap-Up:

Wrapping it up: Helping your child learn to read is an amazing and rewarding experience. With my ‘top 10 learn-to-read books’ list and a supportive learning environment, your child will be well on their way to becoming a great reader. Remember, every child learns at their own pace, so be patient and enjoy the process. These books are great for kids and will bring joy, laughter, and knowledge. So go ahead and get lost in these fantastic books, and watch the magic of reading come alive for your child. Enjoy reading!