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  • General Recommendations
  • Staff-Created List

Beginning and Early Readers

Build reading confidence with this list of fun books that appeal to kids learning to read independently. Includes series in English and French, recommended by our children's librarians. Beginning Readers (BR) For ages 6-7; grades 1-2 | Easy, controlled vocabulary, repetitive words, rhyme, shorter sentences and a clearly defined format | Large, widely spaced print, lots of white space and many illustrations | May be categorized by reading level, which varies by publisher Early Readers or Easy to Read (ER) For ages 7-8+; grades 2-3 | Some controlled vocabulary, less word repetition, longer sentences and more pages than BRs | Many illustrations (generally in black and white), larger print and more white space than fiction for older children | Not usually categorized by reading level

User from Toronto Public Library

62 items

  • Ballet Cat

    the Totally Secret Secret

    Shea, Bob,
    BR series. Ballet Cat loves to twirl, leap and spin! Join her as she learns to deal with secrets, a fear of underpants, and winning Grandma's affection. Other books in the series.
    Book, 2015Los Angeles ; New York : Disney-Hyperion, [2015] — BR SHE
  • BR series. Read along with Biscuit, everyone's favourite yellow puppy, who finds himself in adorable yet mischievous situations. Fans of his board books can graduate to this delightful series. Other books in the series.
    Book, 1996New York : HarperCollins Publishers, [1996] — BR CAP
  • BR series. Brownie and her cat Pearl love exploring the world around them. In vibrant and bold colours, this book is a wonderful introduction to words for emerging readers. Other books in the series.
    Book, 2013New York : Simon Spotlight, [2013] — BR RYL
  • BR series. Take an adventure with Dodsworth and his quirky traveling companion, Duck. This humorous series introduces readers to Paris, London, New York, Rome and Tokyo. Other books in the series.
    Book, 2007Boston : Houghton Mifflin, 2007. — BR EGA
  • Ling & Ting

    Not Exactly the Same!

    Lin, Grace,
    BR series. Twin sisters Ling and Ting try to convince everyone of their differences while on a series of fun adventures, performing magic tricks, making dumplings and visiting the library. Other books in the series.
    Book, 2010New York : Little, Brown, 2010. — BR LIN
  • BR series. For readers with a sense of humour and who enjoy a lighthearted mystery. Filled with colourful illustrations and simple text, this is sure to appeal to newly independent readers. Other books in the series.
    Book, 2013[Vancouver] : Simply Read Books, 2013. — BR LLO
  • BR series. Positive Power is an easy to read series full of positive statements for children and their parents. Families are encouraged to adapt affirmations to daily living. Other books in the series.
    Book, 2018New York, NY : Rodale Kids, [2018] — BR CAP
  • Snail & Worm

    Three Stories About Two Friends

    Kügler, Tina,
    BR series. When Worm meets Snail, a delightful friendship is born. Follow the two friends as they support one another on their funny adventures. Other books in the series.
    Book, 2016Boston ; New York : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, [2016] — BR KUG
  • BR series. Splat is one of the most expressive cats around and you will find that you can't help but make silly faces while you read his stories. Other books in the series.
    Book, 2011New York : Harper, 2011. — BR STR
  • BR series. Strap in for a high-octane adventure as Jack Truck and Dump Truck Dan hit the road! Have fun in Trucktown by making noise and getting dirty. Other books in the series.
    Book, 2010New York : Aladdin, 2010. — BR SCI
  • You Read to Me, I'll Read to You

    Very Short Stories to Read Together

    Hoberman, Mary Ann
    BR series. The text is divided into three columns to encourage readers to read together. Stories include tall tales, fables, nursery rhymes, scary stories and more. Other books in the series.
    Picture Book, 2001Boston : Little, Brown, 2001. — BR HOB
  • BR popular author. Jonathan Fenske's books are full of action and pair bold illustrations with playful text. Kids will crack up while reading these stories, filled with shenanigans and silliness! Browse all books by Jonathan Fenske.
    Book, 2013New York, N.Y. : Penguin Young Readers, 2013. — BR FEN
  • BR popular author. Andy Griffiths is a master of rhyme and comedy and his engaging illustrations will keep readers excited and craving more. Browse all books by Andy Griffiths.
    Book, 2010New York, NY : Square Fish, 2010. — BR GRI
  • BR popular author. Candice Ransom explores childhood experiences, using rhythmic text and picture clues to help beginner readers decode her delightful stories. Browse all books by Candice Ransom.
    Book, 2016New York : Random House Children's Books, [2016] — BR RAN
  • BR popular author. Capture the imaginations of emerging readers! Funny characters, entertaining rhymes and outlandish illustrations are found throughout the works of Dr. Seuss. Browse all books by Dr. Seuss.
    Book, 1988New York : Beginner Books, a division of Random House, 1988, [1960] — BR SEU
  • BR popular author. Follow the silly adventures of the Giggle Gang in these hilarious titles. Browse all books by Jan Thomas.
    Book, 2018New York, New York : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, [2018] — BR THO
  • BR popular author. Eccentric, heartwarming and hilarious, Willems' stories teach about friendship, sharing and responsibility. Browse all books by Mo Willems.
    Book, 2010New York, NY : Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2010] — BR WIL
  • BR nonfiction. This exciting series encourages beginner and young readers to learn with fun facts and engaging photography. Other books in the series.
    Book, 2014New York : Kingfisher, [2014] — 529 FEL
  • BR nonfiction. Factual and funny at the same time, these books depict commonly reviled creatures. They offer trivia and the opportunity for kids to expand their vocabulary of the grotesque. Other books in the series. Some titles catalogued as Les…
    Book, 2014Plattsburgh, New York : Tundra Books, [2014] — 595.774 GRA
  • BR nonfiction. This informational series is for curious kids who want to learn about a variety of topics, from sharks to trucks to Albert Einstein... and so much more! Other books in the series.
    Book, 2017Washington, DC : National Geographic, [2017] — 599.75 GAL