It is important to have a library of books at home that your child can read. You don’t have to purchase all the books, you can rent from the library too. If books are too hard, they will feel frustrated and lose interest in reading. Similar thing happens if the books are too easy. That’s why it is important to find “just right” books for your kid, but how? If they are struggling with most of the words, it’s too hard. If they are flying through the books and understand everything they’re reading, it’s too easy. You want a few words to be challenging where they have to push themselves a little. That is how they will grow as readers.
A Ball For Daisy
Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring. Raschka’s signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and those who have children dealing with the loss of something special. This story is practically wordless. Children can really pore over the pictures and create their own story in their own words. This is great for pre-readers or struggling readers.
Have You Seen My Duckling?
Mother duck needs help to find her mischievous missing duckling in this Caldecott Honor and almost wordless book. She asks the other pond animals for help. Another great story for pre or early readers.
First Little Readers
For your little one’s who are just starting to read, books like these are perfect. Start with level A books and move up from there. Level A books are simple pattern books that use the same basic sentence throughout. For example, “I see a dog, I see a cat, I see a ____.” As you move up, the sentences include more words and slowly break the pattern. For example, a level B book may start like a level A book, but the last page will change from “I see a ____” to something like “I can see me.”
Bob Books
Any of the Bob Books are great for children just beginning to read. There are more sets that slowly increase the difficulty. Consistent new sounds are added gradually, until young readers have read books with all letters of the alphabet. Short vowels and three-letter words in simple sentences make Bob Books Set 1 a fun confidence builder.
Little Critter
Little Critter books are great. They teach about growing up, social problem solving, overcoming fears and anxieties, preparing for new experiences and more! The “My First” from “I Can Read!” books are a little higher than the simple pattern books (A-D level). These are great for high Kindergarten readers and beginning first graders.
Early Literacy Resources 