All journeys have a starting place.
This is a weekly place to find books and tools
that you may use with readers at the start of their reading journey.
Join in the conversation at #road2reading.
Each week, Michele Knott and I post about new early readers and transitional chapter books.
Recently, I went into one of my local indie bookstores searching for some new early readers. You would think this would be an easy task. If I was looking for a picture book, transitional chapter book, graphic novel or middle grade novel, I could have easily located them. New early readers are a challenge to track down. So, I picked up a few new to me books and requested a couple from my library.
This past week, I read some new to me early readers. And re-read some new early readers in their finished form. The books below technically fall within the early reader category based on size, and style. Several of them have 3 to 4 very short chapters and others are one continuous story. The reading levels of these books vary significantly so I would encourage teachers and parents to look at the text to determine the best match for a particular reader. Even if you don't feel that the books would be a match for a child's independent reading level, any would make an enjoyable read aloud.
Spark (Tiny Tales #1) by Kallie George; Illustrated by Genevieve Cote (Simply Read Books, 2013) - There are three books in this Tiny Tales series featuring magical creatures.
Lana's World: Let's Go Fishing! by Erica Silverman (HMH Books for Young Readers, 2015) - I am a fan of Silverman's Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa series and was interested in checking out her Lana's World series. I really enjoyed this one as well. And out of the list this is more of a true early reader.
Get a Hit, Mo! by David A. Adler; Illustrated by Sam Ricks (Penguin Young Readers, 2016) - This follow up to the 2016 Geisel Winner, Don't Throw It to Mo!, was another true early reader that fans of the first book will equally enjoy.
The Toad by Elise Gravel (Penguin Random House Canada, 2016) - Gravel has about seven or eight books in this Disgusting Critters series. Though the size is compact, the text and humor makes this for a slightly more sophisticated reader.
My Kite is Stuck! And Other Stories by Salina Yoon (Bloomsbury, January 10, 2017) - This sequel to Duck, Duck, Penguin! is one of my favorites. I am always amazed at how Yoon can get so much emotion on the faces of her characters. The dialogue boxes make this one a great mentor text for children learning to incorporate dialogue in their own writing.
Charlie & Mouse by Laurel Snyder; Illustrated by Emily Hughes (Chronicle Books, April 11, 2017) - This new book from Snyder is sweet and whimsical. Divided into four separate stories in short chapter formats.
Snail & Worm Again by Tina Kugler (HMH Books for Young Readers, May 3, 2017) - Kugler's follow-up to Snail & Worm is just as wonderful. I love this quirky friendship story and Kugler's illustrations are delightful.
Barkus by Patricia MacLachlan; Illustrated by Marc Boutavant (Chronicle Books, June 6, 2017) - This one is more of an early chapter book. Readers who are beginning to build stamina but are not ready for a true early chapter book or transitional text will find this one just right. Children looking for pet stories will enjoy this one.
Look for all of these books at your local indie bookstore or community library.
Don't forget to check out Michele's post today and link up any reviews you have done below: