Beginning to Read
Books for beginning readers are available in a wide range of reading levels. Ask Library staff for help choosing the best books for your child and use our suggestions below.
Tips for Reading Together
- Make reading time relaxing and fun!
- Set aside a special time to read together.
- Make reading a part of your family’s daily routine.
- Read aloud to your children. Even when children can read on their own, they enjoy and benefit from hearing stories read to them.
- Be a good example. When your children see you reading they know that reading is important to you.
- Visit the Library - We have books, storytimes, and resources to help you enjoy reading as a family.
- It’s never too late or too soon to start reading with your child. Ask library staff about books and storytimes appropriate to each age level, from babies to teen!
About Books for Beginning Readers
- Designed to appeal to children from about 5-8 years
- Many will be labeled jE
- Found in a “Beginning” or “Easy” Reading section
- Some are available in paperback or with accompanying sound cassettes or CDs as Kits
- They look more like novels than picture books but they are shorter, with larger print and simpler language, than most novels
They offer new readers the chance to experience the pride and enjoyment of reading “all by themselves”.
Pattern Books
Repetition, rhythm and rhyme are devices used to help children, who are just beginning to want to read independently, gain basic word recognition skills and much needed confidence. Pattern books use these devices in a playful and engaging way, allowing your child to begin to acquire mastery of the written word.
See our We Recommend: Beginning to Read - Pattern Books list for specific titles.
Getting Started
Books for the very beginning reader to read independently usually have,
- only one sentence per page
- simple vocabulary
- repetition of words
See our We Recommend: Beginning to Read - Getting Started list for specific titles.
Suggested series books for the very beginning reader:
Making Progress
Once beginning readers feel comfortable with titles in the Getting Started section of our list, they can try moving up to books that have,
- one to three sentences per page
- an expanded vocabulary
See our We Recommend: Beginning to Read - Making Progress list for specific titles.
Reading Confidently
Once beginning readers are comfortable, they can move on to books with,
- multiple sentences per page
- an in-depth story
- a larger vocabulary
See our We Recommend: Beginning to Read - Reading Confidently list for specific titles.
First Chapter Books
Children who are comfortable with Reading Confidently titles may wish to try a novel. Ask library staff for suggestions.
See our We Recommend: First Chapter Books list for specific titles.
Resources For Adults
There are many books available that include tips and activities to help children improve their reading skills and to encourage a love of reading.
See our We Recommend: Beginning to Read - Resources for Adults list for specific titles.
Search For More
From the people that brought you NoveList Plus, Novelist Plus K-8 will help you find fiction and nonfiction books for school projects as well as your next favourite book. This database is filled with excerpts, first chapters, and reviews of books specifically for kids in Elementary and Middle School. Browse lists of award winners, find read-alikes as well as which book comes next in a series. [EBSCO]
E-Newsletters
Sign up for our E-Newsletters in a range of subject areas to find out about new and upcoming books, as well as related programs and services. We have a Kids’ Books E-Newsletter that can be delivered regularly to your email. Each newsletter links titles directly to the library catalogue so that you can easily place holds on items you are interested in. Find out more.
Animated, talking picturebooks, chapter books and non-fiction teach kids the joy of reading
