100 Best Early Reader Books of All Time (Updated for 2026)

1

The Cat in the Hat

Dr. Seuss

5.0

Poor Sally and her brother. It's cold and wet and they're stuck in the house with nothing to do . . . until a giant cat in a hat shows up, transforming the dull day into a madcap adventure and almost wrecking the place in the process! Written by Dr. Seuss in 1957 in response to the concern that "pallid primers [with] abnormally courteous, unnaturally clean boys and girls' were leading to growing i

Recommended by Kate Milner.

Kate Milner

The exuberance and the sheer energy of it is just fantastic. The rhyme and the repetition give it even more momentum and energy. [source]

2

We are in a Book! (Elephant & Piggie, #13)

Mo Willems

5.0

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In We Are in a Book! Gerald and Piggie discover the joy of being read. But what will happen when the book ends?

Using vocabulary perfect for beginning readers (and vetted by an early-learning specialist), Mo Willems has crafted a mind-bending story that is even more interactive than previous

3

Green Eggs and Ham

Dr.Seuss

4.9

“Do you like green eggs and ham?” asks Sam-I-am in this Beginner Book by Dr. Seuss. In a house or with a mouse? In a boat or with a goat? On a train or in a tree? Sam keeps asking persistently. With unmistakable characters and signature rhymes, Dr. Seuss’s beloved favorite has cemented its place as a children’s classic. In this most famous of cumulative tales, the list of places to enjoy green egg

4

There Is a Bird on Your Head! (Elephant & Piggie, #4)

Mo Willems

4.9

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In There Is a Bird On My Head!, Gerald discovers that there is something worse than a bird on your head-two birds on your head! Can Piggie help her best friend?

5

Waiting is Not Easy! (Elephant & Piggie, #22)

Mo Willems

4.8

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In Waiting Is Not Easy!, Piggie has a surprise for Gerald, but he is going to have to wait for it. And Wait. And wait some more...

6

Frog and Toad Are Friends (Frog and Toad, #1)

Arnold Lobel

4.8

Celebrate the power of friendship in these five adventurous stories starring Frog and Toad—a Caldecott Honor Book!

From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other—just as best friends should be. Frog and Toad Are Friends is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

Th

7

The Thank You Book (Elephant & Piggie, #25)

Mo Willems

4.8

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In The Thank You Book!, Piggie wants to thank EVERYONE. But Gerald is worried Piggie will forget someone . . . someone important.

8

We Are Growing! (Elephant & Piggie like reading!, #2)

Mo Willems, Laurie Keller

4.8

Walt and his friends are growing up! Everyone is the something-est. But . . . what about Walt? He is not the tallest, or the curliest, or the silliest. He is not the anything-est! As a BIG surprise inches closer, Walt discovers something special of his own!

9

I Will Take a Nap! (Elephant & Piggie, #23)

Mo Willems

4.8

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In I Will Take a Nap! Gerald is tired and cranky. Will Piggie be in his dreams? Or will she keep Gerald from dreaming at all?

10

A Big Guy Took My Ball! (Elephant & Piggie, #19)

Mo Willems

4.7

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In A Big Guy Took My Ball! Piggie is devastated when a big guy takes her ball! Gerald is big, too...but is he big enough to help his best friend?

11

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

Dr. Seuss

4.7

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish is a 1960 children's book by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel). A simple rhyming book for learner readers, it is a book with a freewheeling plot about a boy and a girl, and the many amazing creatures they have for friends and pets. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish was part of the Beginner Book Video series which included Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! and The

12

Can I Play Too? (Elephant & Piggie, #12)

Mo Willems

4.7

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In Can I Play Too? Gerald and Piggie meet a new snake friend who wants to join in a game of catch. But don't you need arms to catch?

13

Let's Go for a Drive!

Mo Willems (author)

4.7

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In Let's Go for a Drive Gerald and Piggie want to hit the road. But the best-laid plans of pigs and elephants often go awry.

14

Hop On Pop

Dr. Seuss

4.7

This charming book introduces young children to words that rhyme, such as Hop and Pop, Cup and Pup, Mouse and House, Tall and Small. And once they have learned to recognize one word, children soon find to their delight they can read another simply by changing the first letter.

15

My Friend is Sad (Elephant & Piggie, #2)

Mo Willems

4.7

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In My Friend is Sad, elephant Gerald is down in the dumps. Piggie is determined to cheer him up by dressing as a cowboy, a clown, and even a robot! But what does it take to make a sad elephant happy? The answer will make even pessimistic elephant

16

I Broke My Trunk! (Elephant & Piggie, #14)

Mo Willems

4.7

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.

Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.

Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In I Broke My Trunk! Gerald tells Piggie the long, crazy story about breaking his trunk. Will Piggie end up with a long, crazy story of her own?

Once again, Mo Willems creates another hilarious escapade starring the Geisel Award-winning duo. Vett

17

Should I Share My Ice Cream? (An Elephant and Piggie Book)

Mo Willems

4.7

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In Should I Share My Ice Cream? Gerald has a big decision to make. But will he make it in time?

18

Harold & Hog Pretend For Real! (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!, #6)

Dan Santat, Mo Willems

4.7

Hog is careful. Harold is not. Harold cannot help smiling. Hog can. Hog worries so that Harold does not have to.
Harold and Hog are best friends. But can Harold and Hog's friendship survive a game of pretending to be Elephant & Piggie?

Recommended by Mariah Moon.

Mariah Moon

We've been celebrating #ThankoRama this month in partnership with @disneybooks & thinking of so many things we're thankful for! #ad We're also thankful to enjoy the new book Harold & Hog Pretend for Real! Click to learn more: https://t.co/yXjucFgjWX #ReadMoWillems @The_Pigeon https://t.co/RqoAemYxJO [source]

19

I'm a Frog! (Elephant and Piggie, #20)

Mo Willems

4.7

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In I'm a Frog! Piggie has some ribbiting news! Can Gerald make the leap required to accept Piggie's new identity?

20

Are You My Mother? (Beginner Books B-18)

P.D. Eastman

4.7

This is the classic from which many of our staff first learned to read, starting us on a path of unremitting bibliophilia. Are You My Mother? follows a confused baby bird who's been denied the experience of imprinting as he asks cows, planes, and steam shovels the Big Question. In the end he is happily reunited with his maternal parent in a glorious moment of recognition.

21

Are You Ready to Play Outside? (Elephant & Piggie, #7)

Mo Willems

4.6

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In Are You Ready to Play Outside?, Piggie can’t wait to go play in the sunshine. But will a rainy day ruin all the fun?

22

I am Invited to a Party! (Elephant & Piggie, #3)

Mo Willems

4.6

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In I Am Invited to a Party! Piggie is invited to her first party. She doesn't know what to wear, though, so she asks her best friend Elephant for help. Elephant's advice is odd to say the least, so Piggie will try on all sorts of zany outfits bef

23

I Love My New Toy! (Elephant & Piggie, #5)

Mo Willems

4.6

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In I Love My New Toy!, Piggie can't wait to show Gerald her brand new toy. But will an accidentally broken toy accidentally break a friendship?

24

Today I Will Fly! (Elephant & Piggie, #1)

Mo Willems

4.6

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

Today, I Will Fly! is the funny introduction to the characters. Piggie is determined to fly. But Gerald the elephant knows that's impossible--isn't it?

25

Go, Dog. Go!

P.D. Eastman

4.6

Reading goes to the dogs in this timeless Beginner Book edited by Dr. Seuss. From big dogs and little dogs to red, green, and blue dogs, dogs going up and dogs going fast . . . who knew dogs were so busy? And laughter will ensue at the repeated question “Do you like my hat?” Like P. D. Eastman’s classic Are You My Mother?Go, Dog. Go! has been a go-to favorite for over fifty years, leaving audience

26

The Princess in Black (The Princess in Black, #1)

Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, LeUyen Pham

4.6

Who says princesses don’t wear black? When trouble raises its blue monster head, Princess Magnolia ditches her flouncy dresses and becomes the Princess in Black!

Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with Duchess Wigtower when . . . Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! A big blue monster is threatening the goats! Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia. But luckily Pri

27

My New Friend Is So Fun! (Elephant & Piggie, #21)

Mo Willems

4.6

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In My New Friend Is So Fun! Piggie is having so much fun with her new friend. But where does that leave Gerald?

Cover unavailable

28

Bink & Gollie

Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee, Tony Fucile

4.6

Meet Bink and Gollie, two precocious little girls — one tiny, one tall, and both utterly irrepressible. Setting out from their super-deluxe tree house and powered by plenty of peanut butter (for Bink) and pancakes (for Gollie), they share three comical adventures involving painfully bright socks, an impromptu trek to the Andes, and a most unlikely marvelous companion. No matter where their roller

29

I Will Surprise My Friend! (Elephant & Piggie, #6)

Mo Willems

4.6

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In I Will Surprise My Friend!, Gerald and Piggie want to play a game and surprise each other-but the biggest surprise is the one they least expect.

Cover unavailable

30

Frog and Toad All Year (Frog and Toad, #3)

Arnold Lobel

4.6

Friends all year.
In winter, spring, summer, and fall, Frog and Toad are always together. Here is a wise and wonderful story for each season of the year-and one for Christmas, too.

Cover unavailable

31

Little Bear (Little Bear, #1)

Else Holmelund Minarik, Maurice Sendak

4.5

Dem Kleinen Bären ist niemals langweilig, denn er erlebt immer neue Abenteuer. Eines Tages beschließt er, ins Weltall zu fliegen. Mutter Bär behauptet zwar, dass Bären nicht fliegen können, aber mit einem neuen Astronautenhelm kommt man sogar bis zum Mond! Nach einem ereignisreichen Tag ist es aber am allerschönsten, sich eine Gute-Nacht-Geschichte erzählen zu lassen. Am liebsten über einen Kleine

32

Elephants Cannot Dance! (Elephant & Piggie, #9)

Mo Willems

4.5

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends. In Elephants Cannot Dance! Piggie tries to teach Gerald some new moves. But will Gerald teach Piggie something even more important?

33

Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret (Ballet Cat, #1)

Bob Shea

4.5

Ballet Cat and Sparkles the Pony are trying to decide what to play today. Nothing that Sparkles suggests--making crafts, playing checkers, and selling lemonade--goes well with the leaping, spinning, and twirling that Ballet Cat likes to do. When Sparkles's leaps, spins, and twirls seem halfhearted, Ballet Cat asks him what's wrong. Sparkles doesn't want to say. He has a secret that Ballet Cat won'

34

I Really Like Slop! (Elephant & Piggie, #24)

Mo Willems

4.5

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends. In I Really Like Slop!, Piggie invites Gerald to try her favorite food . . . slop. But Gerald is not so sure he's going to like it. At all.

35

Baby Monkey, Private Eye

Brian Selznick, David Serlin

4.5

Who is Baby Monkey?
He is a baby.
He is a monkey.
He has a job.
He is Baby Monkey, Private Eye!
Lost jewels?
Missing pizza?
Stolen spaceship?
Baby Monkey can help...
if he can put on his pants!

Baby Monkey's adventures come to life in a blend of picture book, beginning reader, and graphic novel.

36

Happy Pig Day! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)

Mo Willems

4.5

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In Happy Pig Day! Piggie celebrates her favorite day of the year! But will Gerald the Elephant be included in the festivities?

Using vocabulary that is perfect for beginning readers (and vetted by an early-learning specialist), Mo Willems has craf

37

The Good for Nothing Button (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!, #3)

Mo Willems, Charise Mericle Harper

4.5

Yellow Bird has a button. It does . . . nothing! It is a good for nothing button. Red Bird and Blue Bird are excited to try the button. But when they press it, they discover that the button makes them happy. Happy is something! A flabbergasted Yellow Bird insists the button does nothing. But it sure does seem to be making him mad. Mad is something!
The hilarious debate that follows takes readers o

Cover unavailable

38

Frog and Toad Together (Frog and Toad, #2)

Arnold Lobel

4.5

Frog and Toad are best friends—they do everything together. When Toad admires the flowers in Frog's garden, Frog gives him seeds to grow a garden of his own. When Toad bakes cookies, Frog helps him eat them. And when both Frog and Toad are scared, they are brave together. The School and Library Journal called this beloved story collection from Arnold Lobel "a masterpiece of child-styled humor and

39

Charlie & Mouse (Charlie & Mouse, #1)

Laurel Snyder, Emily Hughes

4.5

40

I am Going! (Elephant and Piggie, #11)

Mo Willems

4.5

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In I Am Going!, Piggie ruins a perfectly good day by telling Gerald she is going. If Piggie goes, who will Gerald skip with, play Ping-Pong with, and wear silly hats with?

Willems's Geisel Award winning duo continues to delight readers with their silly shenanigans. Packed full of humor and he

41

Listen to My Trumpet! (Elephant & Piggie, #17)

Mo Willems

4.5

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In Listen to My Trumpet! Piggie can’t wait to play her new instrument for Gerald! But is she ready to listen to his reaction?

42

Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same! (Ling & Ting, #1)

Grace Lin

4.5

Ling and Ting are twins. They have the same brown eyes. They have the same pink cheeks. They have the same happy smiles.

Ling and Ting are two adorable identical twins, and they stick together, whether they are making dumplings, getting their hair cut, or practicing magic tricks. But looks are deceiving--people can be very different, even if they look exactly the same.

43

Fox the Tiger

Corey R. Tabor

4.4

Winner of the 2019 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

Fun-loving, mischievous Fox wishes he were a tiger. Tigers are big and fast and sneaky. So he decides to become one!

Soon Turtle and Rabbit are joining in the fun. But will Fox want to be a tiger forever?

In Fox the Tiger, this winning trickster character and his animal friends learn that the best thing to be is yourself.

Fox the Tiger is a My First I Can

44

Amelia Bedelia (Amelia Bedelia, #1)

Peggy Parish, Fritz Siebel

4.4

From dressing the chicken to dusting the furniture, Amelia Bedelia does exactly what Mr. and Mrs. Rogers tell her. ...But somehow things never turn out quite right.

45

Pigs Make Me Sneeze! (Elephant & Piggie, #10)

Mo Willems

4.4

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In Pigs Make Me Sneeze!, Gerald believes he is allergic to his best friend! Will he have to stay away from Piggie forever?

46

Penny and Her Marble

Kevin Henkes

4.4

In the third easy-to-read book about Penny the mouse, written by Caldecott Medalist and bestselling author Kevin Henkes, Penny finds a beautiful marble on her neighbor's lawn and must decide whether or not to keep it. With age-appropriate vocabulary, compelling characters, and a memorable storyline, Penny and her Marble is just right for beginning readers and was named a 2014 Geisel Honor book by

47

Watch Me Throw the Ball! (Elephant & Piggie, #8)

Mo Willems

4.4

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In Watch Me Throw the Ball!, Gerald is determined to teach Piggie that ball-throwing is serious business... but Piggie is just as determined to have serious fun.

48

Ten Apples Up On Top!

Dr. Seuss, Roy McKie

4.4

Learning to count has never been more fun than in this crazy tale of a dog, a lion and a tiger all showing off how many apples they can balance on their heads as they skip, walk the tightrope and roller skate their way through the book.

This delightful book forms part of the second stage in HarperCollins’ major Dr. Seuss rebrand programme. With the relaunch of 10 more titles in August 2003, such al

Cover unavailable

49

Hi! Fly Guy (Fly Guy, #1)

Tedd Arnold

4.4

When Buzz captures a fly to enter in The Amazing Pet Show, his parents and the judges tell him that a fly cannot be a pet, but Fly Guy proves them wrong.

50

Days with Frog and Toad (Frog and Toad, #4)

Arnold Lobel

4.3

Frog and Toad enjoy spending their days together. They fly kites, celebrate Toad's birthday, and share the shivers when Frog tells a scary story. Most of all, they have fun together—every day of the year.

Days with Frog and Toad is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

The classic Frog and Toad stories by Arnold Lobel have won numerous award

51

Don't Throw It to Mo!

David A. Adler, Sam Ricks

4.3

Winner of the 2016 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

Mo Jackson is a little boy with a big passion for sports. He may not be the biggest, the strongest, or the fastest player, but he won't let that stop him from playing!Mo is the youngest kid on the Robins, his football team. His classmates don’t mind, but the kids on their rival team tease him for being a "butterfingers" who's too tiny to catch the ball.

Cover unavailable

52

Fox in Socks

Dr. Seuss

4.3

In this hilarious book, the irrepressible Fox in Socks teaches a baffled Mr. Knox some of the slickest, quickest tongue-twisters in town.

With his unique combination of hilarious stories, zany pictures and riotous rhymes, Dr. Seuss has been delighting young children and helping them learn to read for over fifty years. Creator of the wonderfully anarchic Cat in the Hat, and ranked among the UK's top

53

Danny and the Dinosaur (I Can Read Level 1)

Syd Hoff

4.3

A day with a dinosaur

Danny's on the town with a real live dinosaur. From the ballpark to the zoo, these two are having one hundred million years of fun -- all in one day!

54

Bink & Gollie: Two for One

Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee, Tony Fucile

4.3

Your favorite marvelous companions are back! Meet them at the fair in this delightfully droll sequel to the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning Bink and Gollie.

The state fair is in town, and now Bink and Gollie - utter opposites and best friends extraordinaire - must use teamwork and their gray matter while navigating its many wonders. Will the energetic Bink win the world's largest donut in the Wh

55

A Pig, a Fox, and a Box

Jonathan Fenske

4.3

In the style of Mo Willems, Jonathan Fenske tells three humorous stories of two friends, Pig and Fox, and their shenanigans with a cardboard box (all of which involved Pig accidentally crushing Fox in the box). With comic art and simple language, this Level 2 reader is sure to have kids rolling with laughter.

56

Duck, Duck, Porcupine! (Duck, Duck, Porcupine)

Salina Yoon

4.3

Big Duck likes to boss around her younger brother, Little Duck, and she fancies herself the leader of their trio--when joined by their gentle friend Porcupine. Little Duck doesn't speak yet, but through his expressions and his actions, he shows that he has a better grasp on any situation than his older sister. Told entirely through dialogue and visual storytelling with subtle humor throughout, Lit

Cover unavailable

57

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea (A Narwhal and Jelly, #1)

Ben Clanton

4.3

Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together.

58

The Foot Book: Dr. Seuss's Wacky Book of Opposites

Dr. Seuss

4.3

A toe-tapper babies will love--the classic Seussian book about opposites: "Wet foot, dry foot. Low foot, high foot..."

This Little Book is an adaptation of the original book The Foot Book published by Random House in 1963.

59

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Mo Willems

4.3

When the driver leaves the bus temporarily, he gives the reader just one instruction: Don't let the pigeon drive the bus! But, boy, that pigeon tries every trick in the book to get in that driving seat: he whines, wheedles, fibs and flatters. Will you let him drive? Told entirely in speech bubbles, this is a brilliantly original book.

Recommended by Elys Dolan.

Elys Dolan

Funny enough to keep even the most jaded parent entertained. [source]

60

Henry and Mudge - The First Book (Henry and Mudge, #1)

Cynthia Rylant, Suçie Stevenson

4.3

The first book in the acclaimed Ready-to-Read series from Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant featuring Henry and his lovable 180-pound dog, Mudge.

Henry, feeling lonely on a street without any other children, finds companionship and love in a big dog named Mudge.

61

Mercy Watson to the Rescue

Kate DiCamillo, Chris Van Dusen

4.2

To Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just a pig — she's a porcine wonder. And to the portly and good-natured Mercy, the Watsons are an excellent source of buttered toast, not to mention that buttery-toasty feeling she gets when she snuggles into bed with them. This is not, however, so good for the Watsons' bed. BOOM! CRACK! As the bed and its occupants slowly sink through the floor, Mercy escapes

62

First Little Readers: Guided Reading Level A (Parent Pack): 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers

Deborah Schecter

4.2

Jumpstart reading success with this big collection of motivating storybooks correlated with Guided Reading Level A. Most pages of these full-color storybooks feature just one line of simple, repetitive text to help children learn to read with ease and confidence. Includes a tip-filled parent guide. A great value!
Includes these 25 titles:
1. Hello, Beach
2. What Can I See?
3. Cold Rose
4. Birthday Surp

63

Penny and Her Doll

Kevin Henkes

4.2

Penny loves her new doll. The doll is absolutely perfect, from her head to her toes. But Penny's doll needs a name. What should Penny call her?

64

I Lost My Tooth! (Unlimited Squirrels, #1)

Mo Willems

4.2

Mo Willems, creator of the revolutionary, award-winning, best-selling Elephant & Piggie series, is back with another breakout beginning-reader series. This time, an ensemble cast of Squirrels, acorns, and pop-in guests host a page-turning extravaganza! Each book features a funny, furry adventure AND bonus jokes, quirky quizzes, nutty fact formats, and so, so many squirrels!

In I Lost My Tooth!, Zoo

65

Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea

Cynthia Rylant and Arthur Howard

4.2

"The gentle, affecting first volume introduces elderly Mr. Putter, who decides that a cat will keep him from feeling lonely. Rylant’s texts reflect admirable concern for brevity and meticulous consideration of every word. They are in perfect sync with Howard’s expressive sketches, which slip abundant visual jokes into sunny, transparent watercolors and gouaches, and fluid pencil and pastel scribbl

Cover unavailable

66

Put Me in the Zoo

Robert Lopshire

4.2

Illus. in color. Spot, a polka-dot leopard who can change colors and even juggle his own spots, tries to convince two children that he is special enough to be exhibited in the zoo.

67

The Story of Diva and Flea

Mo Willems, Tony DiTerlizzi

4.2

Diva, a small yet brave dog, and Flea, a curious streetwise cat, develop an unexpected friendship in this unforgettable tale of discovery.

For as long as she could remember, Diva lived at 11 avenue Le Play in Paris, France. For as long as he could remember, Flea also lived in Paris, France-but at no fixed address. When Flea fl neurs passed Diva's courtyard one day, their lives were forever changed.

68

The Itchy Book! (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!, #5)

Mo Willems, LeUyen Pham

4.2

Triceratops has an itch. . . so does Pterodactyl. . . and Brontosaurus. . . and T-Rex! But Dino-Mo reminds them all of the BIG rule: Dinosaurs do not scratch! What's an itchy dinosaur to do?

69

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!

Dr. Seuss

4.2

Relates in verse some of the unusual thinks you can think if only you try. A mad outpouring of made-up words, and intriguing ideas.

Recommended by Jon Burgerman.

Jon Burgerman

Saturated with the delirious sense of infectious nonsense that is prevalent in all my favourite Dr Seuss books [source]

70

It's Shoe Time! (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!, #4)

Mo Willems, Bryan Collier

4.2

Bryan Collier turns the closet on its heel and redefines what it means to be a pair.

Cover unavailable

71

Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?

Dr. Seuss

4.1

Moo moo! Hoo hoo! Cock-a-doodle-doo! Oh, the wonderful sounds Mr. Brown can do. Now see if you can do them too! This fabulous book is ideal for teaching young children all about noises!

This delightful book forms part of the second stage in HarperCollins’ major Dr. Seuss rebrand programme. With the relaunch of 10 more titles in August 2003, such all-time favourites as How the Grinch Stole Christmas

72

The Cat in the Hat Comes Back

Dr. Seuss

4.1

The Cat in the Hat returns for more out-of-control fun in this wintry Beginner Book by Dr. Seuss.

It’s a snowy day and Dick and Sally are stuck shovelling . . . until the Cat in the Hat arrives to liven things up (to say the least!). Featuring the Cat’s helpers Little Cat A, Little Cat B, and so on through the alphabet, and ending with a gigantic Voom,

'The Cat in the Hat Comes Back' is a riotous,

Cover unavailable

73

Nate the Great

Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, Marc Simont

4.1

Nate the Great has a new case! His friend Annie has lost a picture. She wants Nate to help her find it. Nate the Great must get all the facts, ask the right questions, and narrow the list of suspects so he can solve the mystery.

74

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carle

4.1

THE all-time classic story, from generation to generation, sold somewhere in the world every 30 seconds! Have you shared it with a child or grandchild in your life?

One sunny Sunday, the caterpillar was hatched out of a tiny egg. He was very hungry. On Monday, he ate through one apple; on Tuesday, he ate through three plums--and still he was hungry. When full at last, he made a cocoon around himsel

75

BOB Books Set 1: Beginning Readers

Bobby Lynn Maslen and John R. Maslen

4.1

Bob Books are back, now with a bright, unique box display and colored illustrations throughout that make learning to read even more fun!
Bob Books Set 1: Beginning Readers

Teach a child letter sounds with Bob Books Set 1! With four letters in the first story, children can read a whole book. Consistent new sounds are added gradually, until young readers have read books with all letters of the alphabe

76

Meet Yasmin!

Saadia Faruqi, Hatem Aly

4.1

Meet Yasmin! Yasmin Ahmad is a spirited second-grader who's always on the lookout for those "aha" moments to help her solve life's little problems. Taking inspiration from her surroundings and her big imagination, she boldly faces any situation, assuming her imagination doesn't get too big, of course! A creative thinker and curious explorer, Yasmin and her multi-generational Pakistani American fam

77

Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover

Cece Bell

4.1

WINNER OF A 2013 GEISEL HONOR!

Rabbit’s carefully planned visit with Robot doesn’t work out exactly as he imagined in this offbeat tale about two comically mismatched friends.

Rabbit is excited: his friend Robot is coming to spend the night! Rabbit has left nothing to chance and has drawn up a list of all the things they will do. First off is making pizza, but Robot only likes nuts and bolts and scr

78

Pete the Cat: Too Cool for School

James Dean, Kimberly Dean

4.1

Pete the Cat can't decide what outfit he should wear to make him look cool for school. He has so many colorful choices in his closet to choose from, how will he decide on one?

In this hilarious I Can Read tale, Pete learns it's not what you wear, but how you wear it that makes you cool.

Cover unavailable

79

Dory Fantasmagory

Abby Hanlon

4.1

Move over, Junie B. Jones and Ivy & Bean! Here comes a lovably energetic little sister with a BIG personality—and an imagination to match!

As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But she’s too much of a baby for them, so she’s left to her own devices—including her wild imagination and untiring energy. Her

80

The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party (The Princess in Black, #2)

Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, LeUyen Pham

4.1

Inconvenient monster alarms, a sparkly array of princess guests, and spot-on slapstick pacing make for a party readers will celebrate.

Today is Princess Magnolia’s birthday party, and she wants everything to be perfect. But just as her guests are arriving . . . Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! Princess Magnolia runs to the broom closet, ditches her frilly clothes, and becomes the Princess in Blac

Cover unavailable

81

I Spy Fly Guy! (Fly Guy, #7)

Tedd Arnold

4.1

The 7th book in the bestselling Fly Guy series--with fun foil covers!

When Fly Guy and Buzz play hide-and-seek, Fly Guy hides in his favorite place--the garbage can. But as Buzz finishes counting, the garbageman drives away with the garbage and Fly Guy, too! A very worried Buzz follows the truck to the dump, where he sees zillions of flies. Where is Fly Guy?!

Time after time, Buzz thinks he spies Fl

82

Fly High, Fly Guy! (Fly Guy, #5)

Tedd Arnold

4.1

The fifth book in an award-winning, easy-to-read series about a boy and his pet fly, each book in the series has a fun foil cover!

Mom and Dad won't let Fly Guy go along on the family road trip. They're afraid he'll get lost. But when Dad accidentally shuts him in the trunk, Fly Guy goes along for the ride!

First, Fly Guy gets lost at the picnic site--but he shows up in the garbage can. Then he gets

83

My Kite Is Stuck! And Other Stories (Duck, Duck, Porcupine)

Salina Yoon

4.1

Continuing in this exciting paper over board reader format, award-winning author/illustrator Salina Yoon's early readers are perfect for fans of bestselling series like Elephant & Piggie, Ballet Cat, and Pig in a Wig.

Loud and in-charge Big Duck, quiet and clever Little Duck, and friendly and gentle Porcupine return in another delightful trio of stories. First, Big Duck and Porcupine are so busy bu

84

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Bill Martin Jr.

4.1

A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck--all parade across the pages of this delightful book. Children will immediately respond to Eric Carle's flat, boldly colored collages. Combined with Bill Martin's singsong text, they create unforgettable images of these endearing animals.

85

My Toothbrush Is Missing (The Giggle Gang, #4)

Jan Thomas

4.1

Dog's toothbrush is missing. Has anybody seen it? Maybe . . . But what does a toothbrush look like? Donkey wonders. Featuring Jan Thomas’s wonderfully wacky humor, rowdy repetitions, and hilarious characters, this book is sure to have young readers laughing out loud!

86

Fox & Chick: The Party: and Other Stories

Sergio Ruzzier

4.1

Fox and Chick don't always agree. But Fox and Chick are always friends.

87

Penny and Her Song

Kevin Henkes

4.1

When Penny comes home from school, she is ready to sing her song. But the babies are sleeping, and Mama and Papa are worried that Penny will wake them up. Oh, but it is a good song, a really wonderful song . . . and Penny wants more than anything to sing it.

What do you think will happen?

88

There's a Pest in the Garden! (The Giggle Gang, #2)

Jan Thomas

4.1

There’s a pest in the garden and he’s eating all the vegetables! But Duck has a plan to save the day (well, sort of). Featuring Jan Thomas’s wonderfully wacky humor, rowdy repetitions, and hilarious characters, this book is sure to have young readers laughing out loud!

89

Mouse Soup

Arnold Lobel

4.1

In 1957, Harper published its first I Can Read title, Little Bear, written by Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Large type, simple vocabulary, chapter-like divisions, and decorative pictures made Little Bear perfect for emerging readers-they could read the story comfortably and not feel overwhelmed by the text. Following suit came such classics as Peggy Parish's Amelia Bede

Cover unavailable

90

What Is Chasing Duck? (The Giggle Gang, #1)

Jan Thomas

4.1

What is chasing Duck? Is it something wild and hairy? Does it have big teeth? Who will help protect Duck? Featuring Jan Thomas’s wonderfully wacky humor, rowdy repetitions, and hilarious characters, this book is sure to have young readers laughing out loud!

91

A Pig, a Fox, and Stinky Socks

Jonathan Fenske

4.1

Pig and Fox are back--and so are their shenanigans! Told in a silly three-part story, A Pig, a Fox, and Stinky Socks begins with a prank, with Fox -gifting- Pig with a pair of stinky socks. But what happens when his plan goes awry and the shoe (or sock!) is on the other foot?

92

Little Blue Truck

Alice Schertle

4.1

Beep! Beep! Beep! Meet Blue. A muddy country road is no match for this little pick up--that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck. Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they're willing to whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road.
Filled with truck sounds and animals noises, here is a rollicking homage to the power of frien

93

A Bargain for Frances

Russell Hoban, Lillian Hoban

4.0

Frances and Thelma are friends -- most of the time. Thelma always seems to get Frances into trouble. When she tricks Frances into buying her tea set, it's the last straw. Can Frances show her that it's better to lose a bargain than lose a friend?

94

Dr. Seuss's ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book!

Dr. Seuss

4.0

From Aunt Annie's Alligator to Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, this sturdy board book version of 'Dr. Seuss's ABC' is now available in a bigger trim size. With Dr. Seuss as your guide, learning the alphabet is as fun and as funny as the feather on a Fiffer-feffer-feff!

Cover unavailable

95

We're Different, We're the Same

Bobbi Kates and Joe Mathieu

4.0

Who better than Sesame Street to teach us that we may all look different on the outside--but it's important to remember that deep down, we are all very much alike. We all have the same needs, desires, and feelings. Elmo and his Sesame Street friends help teach toddlers and the adults in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it's our differences that make this wonderful world, wh

96

Hooray For Fly Guy! (Fly Guy, #6)

Tedd Arnold

4.0

Children will laugh out loud at the story and pictures in this sixth book in the easy-to-read Fly Guy series!

"Flies can't play football," says the coach. But Fly Guy and Buzz are determined to prove him wrong. New readers will experience both pride and delight as they read the simple text and look at the funny pictures of Fly Guy trying to kick a football, go out for a pass, and tackle his friend

97

Fly Guy Meets Fly Girl (Fly Guy, #8)

Tedd Arnold

4.0

In the 8th book of the bestselling Fly Guy series, Fly Guy falls in love!

Fly Guy has met his match, and her name is Fly Girl. Fly Guy can do fancy flying. Fly Girl can do fancier flying. Fly Guy can eat gross stuff. Fly Girl can eat grosser stuff. Fly Guy can say his boy's name--Buzzzzzz! And Fly Girl can say her girl's name--Lizzzzzzz! Fly Guy is totally impressed, and totally smitten. Will Fly G

98

Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House, #1)

Mary Pope Osborne and Sal Murdocca

4.0

Jack and Annie's very first fantasy adventure in the bestselling middle-grade series—the Magic Tree House!

Where did the tree house come from?

Before Jack and Annie can find out, the mysterious tree house whisks them to the prehistoric past. Now they have to figure out how to get home. Can they do it before dark . . . or will they become a dinosaur's dinner?

99

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Fly Guy (Fly Guy, #4)

Tedd Arnold

4.0

The fourth book in a humorous, easy-to-read series about a boy and his pet fly! Each book in the series has a fun foil cover!

Buzz is visiting Grandma, and Fly Guy comes along for the ride. Oops! Grandma swallows Fly Guy, then a spider, then a bird, then a cat, then a dog. . . .

She's about to swallow a horse, when Fly Guy shouts: "BUZZZ!" Buzz is starting to worry, but there is nothing Fly Guy can'

100

The Bad Guys: Episode 1

Aaron Blabey

4.0

They sound like the Bad Guys, they look like the Bad Guys . . . and they even smell like the Bad Guys. But Mr Wolf, Mr Piranha, Mr Snake and Mr Shark are about to change all of that! Mr Wolf has a daring plan for the Bad Guys first good mission. The gang are going to break 200 dogs out of the Maximum Security City Dog Pound. Will Operation Dog Pound go smoothly? Will the Bad Guys become the Good G