Early reader’s books are not always the most engaging on your bookshelf. The typical A for apple, apricot, airplane and B for ball, balloon, bat are not interesting enough beyond one or two reads. My son doesn’t want to even look at them, he finds them plain boring. And frankly so do I.
Writing a good early reader book is an art. A beginners books, in my experience, must use easy, simple, fun repetitive words yet keep the story interesting. An attractive, brightly illustrated beginner book can make the transition from ‘non-readers’ into readers very smooth, effortless and enjoyable.
Here is my list of 5 excellent books that helped my 5 year old to learn to self-read. Make sure you buy them instead of borrowing from the library as your budding reader will love to read them again and again. All of these are prices under Rs 300
#1 Sam and Pam by Key Word with Red Series
What I liked about the book
There are 12 books in the series and this one is THE first book you must buy for your child. The simple and everyday 3 letter words are fun to read for first timers and have been presented in a very lively manner.
#2 Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett
What I liked about the book
This seemingly simple book has all of 5 words. That’s it. But, the author has created such a clever variation by rearranging these words that kids enjoy reading this book over and over again. This is the FIRST book that got my kid really into reading! And now he is learning to self-read too with this book. I feel, every child must read this ONE book.
#3 Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss
What I liked about the book
This attention-grabbing book introduces the budding readers to words that rhyme.
House, Mouse!Hop, Pop!Cup, Pup!
Change the first letter and the whole word changes, what follows is a laugh riot. Learning about words that rhyme has never been this much fun. The green back book is meant for budding readers, so make sure to buy the correct version of the title.
#4 One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
What I liked about the book
This all-time Dr Suess favorite book can now be your child’s self-reading book, the first few pages to start with. A hilarious exploration of opposites, colours, numbers and nonsense, Dr. Seuss paints a crazy world of singing. Again the green back book is meant for budding reader, so make sure to buy the correct version of the title.
#5 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle
What I liked about the book
The sing-song text of this Eric Carle book creates unforgettable image in your young reader’s mind and they keep coming back again and again to this book. The flat plump boldly colored animals parade across all the pages of the book. This book can be your budding readers stepping stone to the next level of books.
“Some books you READ, some books you ENJOY. But some books just SWALLOW you up, Heart & Soul” – Joanne Harris
This article was first posted here
An Urban Nomadic 
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