Sometimes early readers have a bad reputation for being boring and dry. However, they can be a lot of fun, really they can! We are talking so much fun that even adults enjoy reading them. Talk the Elephant and Piggie books for example, I still chuckle every time I read them. Plus, there are some classics like Frog and Toad that have stood the test of time for a reason. Below you will find a list of our favorite early readers in order of recommended age. At this point we haven’t read every book in every series listed yet, but we have read at least a few in each one. I put a couple of our favorite titles form each series at the bottom of each write up for recommendation. I hope you enjoy reading them with your child as much as they enjoy learning to read them on their own.
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“Dr Suess’s Beginner Books” by Dr. Suess and a selection of other authors and illustrators (4-7)- What can I say except “of course”! We started reading these books to our kids before we even started teaching them how to read because they are just that appealing to little bookworms. Again, they are classics for a reason!
A couple of our favorites: The Foot Book, Go Dog Go, One Fish, Two Fish, Read Fish, Blue Fish
“The Giggle Gang” by Jan Thomas (4-7)- These books are short and sweet yet pack a real punch in the humor department. We just love the silly cast of characters and the jokes we find the jokes in the stories truly funny.
A couple of our favorites: There’s a Pest in the Garden! (The Giggle Gang)
“Ballet Cat” by Bob Shea (4-8)- Ballet cat is a fun loving character in bright illustrations that are eye-catching and hold your attention. You get to know a little bit more about her and her friends each book and she is a fun character to revisit.
A couple of our favorites: The Totally Secret Secret, Ballet Cat What’s Your Favorite Favorite?
A Pig In a Wig (4-8)– The main character is a pig in a wig! That alone should tell you how awesome this series is right?! Quick and fun to read, these books and their humor are a real win!
A couple of our favorites: What This Story Needs Is a Pig in a Wig (A Pig in a Wig Book)
“Charlie and Mouse” by Emma J Virjan (4-8): This series is brand new and there are currently only two out. We have read the first one though and love it! I am so excited to get ahold of the second. It features two creative and relatable brothers and their little adventures together. Such a sweet one.
The first two: Charlie & Mouse
“Bernstain Bears” by Stan, Jan and Mike Bernstain (4-8)- I grew up with the Bernstain Bears so I was excited when my oldest fell for them. These early readers that feature them are extra fun because he recognizes the characters and can learn to read these ones on his own. Perfect!
A couple of our favorites: We Love Baseball, The Berenstain Bears at the Aquarium (I Can Read Level 1)
“Elephant and Piggie” by Mo Willems (4-8)- These books are extremely popular and for a good reason. Elephant and Piggie are two of the most likable book characters ever created and their mini stories are full of wit and charm. Every child needs these books in their life!
A couple of our favorites: Let’s Go for a Drive! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
“Pete the Cat” by James Dean (4-8): My oldest fell in love with Pete when his preschool teacher read the books to him and he has been a favorite in our house ever since. Like the Bernstain Bears, these early readers are extra fun because he recognizes and loves the character. Plus, he can get the satisfaction of learning to read Pete on his own.
A couple of our favorites: Pete the Cat: Scuba-Cat (My First I Can Read), Pete the Cat: Snow Daze (My First I Can Read)
“Frog and Toad” by Arnold Lobel (4-8)- The friendship between these two is so sweet and we love their little everyday musings, adventures and interactions. A lovely and sentimental classic.
A couple of our favorites: Frog and Toad All Year (I Can Read Level 2)
“Henry and Mudge” by Cynthia Rylant and Suçie Stevenson (5-7)- Henry and Mudge features the special relationship between a boy and his dog. Their short stories are easily relatable for young children and can be so memorable even though they are brief.
A couple of our favorites: Henry And Mudge And The Best Day Of All Ready To Read Level 2 English Edition, Henry and Mudge Get the Cold Shivers
“Duck, Duck, Porcupine” by Salina Yoon (5-7)- This new series has a fun and warm modern vibe that is sure to capture your child’s attention and makes reading them a pure delight. Witty and fun they are wonderful!
A couple of our favorites: Duck, Duck, Porcupine! (A Duck, Duck, Porcupine Book)
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