These early reader kindergarten books will help your child learn to read in no time! This list of classic reading books is the perfect place to start reading with your preschool and kindergarten age child!
Whether your child is just starting to learn their letter sounds, or has already started sounding out simple words, these kindergarten books are a great resource for any parent looking to help their child learn to read well!
One of the best ways to help your child learn to read and learn to LOVE reading, is to read TO them! You can also let them read the “simple” words in a larger book to help them get comfortable reading.
As a pre-school and kindergarten teacher, I have taught many children to learn to read and I know it can seem nerve-wracking! But with a few quality resources you really can teach your child to read!
Classic Kindergarten Books for Learning to Read
While I’m including a few early readers, most of these books are for you to read to your child. Again, pick a few words and let them read that word (or words) EVERY time it appears!
For example, the words AND and THE make really good words for them to look for and read each time. Or, if a book has a set of words that repeat frequently throughout the book, let them read those instead.
This method of letting the child look at the words while you’re reading (use your finger to mark where you are so they really can follow along) is a great way to let them naturally learn sight words and phonics rules at the same time.
Classic Books for Kids
These books are classic books that will not only help your child learn to love reading, but that spawn fun activities, deep questions, and life lessons along the way!
Each one of these books for early readers has more information if you click on the title or the cover. You can find matching activities, questions to ask your child as you read, even free printables! Be sure to dive deeper into each of these classic books!
Little Red Riding Hood
Little Red Riding Hood is a cautionary tale that all children should hear. With many lessons to learn, it’s a very important book! But it can also be a super fun book to read and pretend play with too!
>> Learn more about Little Red Riding Hood, and get a free wolf mask printable!
Corduroy
Corduroy is a simple tale of hope and friendship that will tug on the heartstrings of all who read it! Try these Corduroy book lesson plans- two activities- simple sets of questions for reflection on themes and to check understanding.
>> More on learning with Corduroy!
Blueberries for Sal
Blueberries for Sal is everything a good piece of children’s literature should be: beautiful words and illustrations, a hint of silly, and lovely to read over and over again! Plus, it’s another great story to act out!
>> Learn more about Blueberries for Sal, and get a free bear mask printable!
If you Give a Pig a Pancake
A modern classic, to be sure, these If you Give a Pig a Pancake activities bring the beloved children’s story to life! Rich in sensory experiences as well as fine and gross motor skills, these fun activities will bring a smile to everyone’s face!
>> Get the If you Give a Pig a Pancake activity details now!
Make Way for Ducklings
Make Way for Ducklings is one of those classic, simple children’s stories that everyone wants to enjoy again and again. Written and illustrated by the same author as Blueberries for Sal, the story is similarly sweet and the illustrations are equally beautiful.
>> Get the Make Way for Ducklings unit study information!
Early Reader Books
In this section, you will find books that children can start learning to read on their own! With many small words and a general focus on rhyming words, these books are a wonderful way to get kids excited about reading!
While they might not be “classic” books in the same way that Little Red Riding Hood is a classic, they are still well loved tales that have been used in classrooms for many years!
Fox on a Box
Created in consultation with a language expert, this book is part of an engaging phonics-based series, especially written to help your child learn to read. Not only is the story great fun, it also takes into account recent research on the most effective ways of teaching reading. Fold out pages add to the enjoyment.
Fancy Nancy: JoJo and the Twins
Many young children are familiar with Fancy Nancy, and this My First I Can Read book is a great introduction to self-reading with characters they already know. This book is crafted for beginning readers using basic language, word repetition, sight words, and charming illustrations.
>> Get Fancy Nancy: JoJo and the Twins now!
Biscuit Plays Ball
Biscuit is considered “everyone’s favorite little yellow puppy” and he’s been delighting readers for decades! Perfect for any small child, the Biscuit books are sweet and simple with timeless artwork that is very reminiscent of the 1940’s early readers!
>> Get Biscuit Play Ball now!
Little Critter Book Pack
With over 60 years of fun-filled adventures, Little Critter really IS a classic! My husband grew up on these books and our son has loved them since he was just over a year old!
Instead of recommending a single book, I would recommend getting this entire set of 5 Little Critter books to enjoy with your child!
>> Get the 5 book Little Critter set now!
Need Help Getting Started with Phonics?
Sometimes a little “formal fun” is what a child needs to help them solidify the phonics concepts.
If you need a fast win, these instant download printables are perfect for helping your child over the reading hurdles they are facing!
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