Joyful Momma's Top Picks

When you have a new reader, the way to get them into the realm of "Experienced Reader" or "Comfortable Reader" is to have them read often, and for enjoyment. The problem is with finding easy to read, yet interesting books for young readers. When I was starting to homeschool, and read all I could about it, the general consensus seemed to be that older books were the best. Though I do enjoy the old classics, not all of the older readers are interesting enough to make a young reader want to read them, especially if it has to compete with a TV in the home (side note: if it were up to me the TV would be long gone, but it is not my decision). So, I give you the Top Picks I have for early readers. I have tried to classify them as for boys or girls, and also for very early vs. more experienced readers.

I think going to your local library and checking out the "beginning reader" section of the children's department is another great place to start! Our Libary has a wide selection of books for new readers (Some good, some not so good, but with a quick flip-through a mom can usually tell the difference in these short books). Each summer, my children sign up for the summer reading program, where they are encouraged to read Ten books. When they are done, they get a new book of their choice, and a free pizza at Pizza Hut! However, the real blessing is that they spent time during them summer reading 10 books. This past summer my newest reader read a whopping 17 books outloud to me, and was just under the 1000 page challenge they have at our libary too (which wins you another prize).

Early Readers/Boys and Girls

Hands down, the best thing to read (in addition to your regular reading curriculum) for both boys and girls who are just starting out is the BOB books. The BOB Books are sets of saddle-stapled books in boxes which use very basic phonics and simple words to tell amusing stories, with cute line drawings. There are Levels A, B, and C, and Sets within each of those levels. Level A and B could be used as soon as phonetical awareness is acheived (ie, your child understands that different letters make different sounds, and he or she knows the basic consonant sounds and short vowel sounds).

Early Reader Chapter Books of General Interest

Grasshopper on the Road by Arnold Lobel is a family favorite, which helped getting my children reading better. This fun little book is all about a little Grasshopper who is curious to see where the road leads to, and along the way he meets all sorts of critters. We used Grasshopper on the Road as a read-to-mom book once my children had learned most of the basic phonics sounds. This book also helped with some common sight words.

The Minnie and Moo series by Denys Cazet tells some rather silly stories about two cows who go on all sorts of adventures, leaving the poor farmer wondering just what is going on in that barnyard. These are fun chapter books to read with aloud with newer readers that always make me laugh out loud!

Early Reading Chapter Books of Particular Interest to Boys

Christian Liberty Press' Robinson Cruesoe Reader is of particular interest to my son. This is the classic story of Robinson Cruesoe, stranded on a deserted island after choosing to run away from home, but retold for new readers. My girls read this book as well, but were not quite so enthralled as my son was.

Josephine Pollack's "Life of George Washington" is a simple book written over a hundred years ago, with words broken into syllables for new readers. This book tells about George's life, and what moved him to be the man he became.

Stories of Great Americans for Little Americans by Edward Eggelson is another great biographical reader that my son enjoyed. Again, though everyone in the family read through it, the stories seemed to really interest my son, as they told the tales of heroic men who helped found our country.

and a couple Great "Girlie" Books

These books are great for read aloud, or for newer readers to read by themselves.

The Purple Coat by Amy Hest is about a little girl who visits her grandfather (a tailor) for her new coat, and talks him into making her a purple coat instead of the usual navy blue. I always loved this books, as I always opt for a purple coat too! :-))

Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen is a really awesome book about an immigrant girl, reminding us of modern day pilgrims to our country. It's one of those books that you get tears in your eyes reading! Though it is a short book, my children all have read it a few dozen times to themselves, and it was frequently requested when I was the one doing most of the read-aloud.