Best Books for Beginner Readers

Discover the Best Books for Beginner Readers

The best books for beginner readers are decodable books, because they create a context which expects the student to actually blend and read the words and not guess or memorize.

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What are decodable books?

Decodable books are the useful books for beginner readers, because they are created to help students build a strong reading foundation. In fact, the readers are used to help students apply their phonic knowledge to read the words in books without getting overwhelmed. As a result, these readers allow students to become excited about pursuing how to read more, since they are successful and able to apply the phonic information in a meaningful way.

Additionally, these books are not predictable, meaning readers are not able to guess the next word which forces them to sound out the word as they read. Furthermore, students can use these books in conjunction with the phonics curriculum.  I use the Reading Simplified method in my tutoring and group classes. Not only does it help students make sense of the English phonetic code from the beginning, but it also cultivates good reading practices to be in place even before a concern is detected.  Nevertheless, we will discuss this topic more in detail on another day 🙂

Proven benefits of decodable books:

As a result, using decodable readers, which are the best books for beginner readers, will allow an enrichment in the learners learning experience. Furthermore, after many years of research, researchers see that having decodable, unpredictable text helps develop strong readers.

-Most students are able to successfully read the book. -Repeated readings of these books will improve fluency and automaticity.

-Struggling students can use these books for additional practice.  Select the sound that needs to be reinforced, select the decodable books that target the sound and have students read and re-read these books.  Read here to learn more about why re-reading is important for the beginner reader.

-Reading and applying the phonetic code develops neural pathways in the brain. 

Marilee Sprenger states:
“When the brain encounters a word repeatedly, it builds neural networks for the spelling, pronunciation, and the meaning of the word.  Scientists believe that a model of this word that includes the information in all of these networks will eventually be formed and stored in the area of the brain referred to as the word form area…It is through explicit phonics instruction that these word form networks are created.”  Marilee Sprenger, Wiring the Brain for Reading Brain Based Strategies For Teaching Literacy, pages 106-107

Useful ways to use decodable book

Obviously, there is no right or wrong way to use the books. However, I always like to go through the book with my students before having them read it for the first time.

First, introduce the new book to your child.  Next, have him read the title.  If he is unable to do it on his own, cover all but the first sound.  Have him say the sound then reveal the word sound by sound.  At this time, talk about what the story might be about. Encourage them to look at the pictures. Next, have the child start reading the book.  Make sure he reads the entire word.  When he guesses, be sure to remind him to read the entire word.  Meanwhile keep the experience lighthearted, since stress can cause the brain to shut down and cause a disinterest in reading.  

If it is difficult for your child to read on his own, you can do it together or take turns reading pages.  Make sure to model how to blend as you go.  

Creative Ways to make reading more exciting

When the student is re-reading for fluency, it is important to change the environment where the student is reading.  Here are just a few ideas of how to do re-reads.  All in all, fun reading atmosphere and the best books for beginner readers results in fun memories and a love for reading!!! In the comments below, let me know if you have any other ideas.

Have your child read to siblings, stuffed animal, or to grandma and grandpa.

Discover a fun cozy place to read, such as, under a tree, in a DIY reading nook, or build a tent.

Also, you can go beyond the people and place. You and your child can take turns reading in different voices, for example, a high or low voice.

5 Engaging Book Sets for Every Beginner Reader to Read Today

There are a lot of great decodable books out there.  These are the books for beginner readers. If you google decodable books or books for beginner readers, you can find some amazing little books online.  Moreover, you can add traditional printed books to put in your family library. I would recommend having both!  Admittedly, I prefer the paper books. There is something about seeing your child get excited and grabbing a book. Anyways, read on to discover the 5 best books for beginner readers.

Now I’m Reading! Playful Pals By Nora Gaydos and others

These books are great.  They start off easy, just two words on the first page. Then the author adds more words per page as the book progresses. The sentences build off each other by adding more details. Furthermore, these stories are cute, silly and the illustrations are enjoyable and intriguing.  Go ahead! Look at the cover of ‘Frog Cops’, doesn’t it just make you smile and want to read it?

Scholastics Bob Book Series

The Scholastics Bob books are another great treasure for the beginner reader. This set of readers expose children to different vocabulary, and they get to meet new characters along the way.  Some of the sets focus on word families and sight words.  Remember not to read by word families but sound by sound.  These are still good because they allow the child to have eyes on print.

I Can Read Little Critter by Mercer Mayer’s

Look at those little Critters! Don’t they make you want to smile?

This series has sweet stories.  These books are decodable and focus on a certain sound; however, there tends to be other advanced sounds in words through the text.  If my reader can handle it, I will underline/point to the sound and tell them the unfamiliar sound.  Then they blend the word together.  However, if they are struggling and overwhelmed, I will just say the word.  Be sure to encourage the reader to read the words you know he can do.

I Can Read Pete the Cat by James Dean

Pete likes to go on adventures and save the day.  These books are groovy and keep the reader interested.  My favorite thing about this book is that it keeps the reader wondering what is going to happen next.

I can Read The Berenstain Bears by Jan and Mike Berenstain

It is time to visit Bear Country.  Mother, Father, Brother, Sister bear have many delightful experiences together. Kids can enjoy these fun warm stories again and again. In addition to the targeted sounds, there are also advanced sound/letter combinations. While reading, you can read the more difficult words. Or you can challenge the reader by letting them hear the unfamiliar letter combination sound. For example, ‘frighten’. Tell the child [igh] says I. Then have them blend the word.

Summary for Best Books for Beginner Reader

In conclusion, decodables are a great way to reinforce the targeted phonetic sound(s) during a reading lesson. Also, they provide additional practice for struggling readers.  Most importantly, these are great books to model real reading.  If you would like to learn more about helping your child become a strong confident reader.  Click the link below to get notified when new posts are posted. 

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