Lately I have spent a substantial amount of time in the easy reader section in the children's book room of my local library. I read selections of numerous series--Step into Reading, 1-2-3 Read, DK Readers, and I Can Read. For the most part, they each follow the same basic guidelines for how they differentiate between their reading levels. However, it's crucial to be aware of the differences in order to make recommendations to both readers and their parents and teachers.
The beginning level books are large print, sight word vocabulary, illustrations that offered clues to the text, and quite a lot of white space on the pages. As they rose in levels, the vocabulary branched out, sentences were longer and the white space shrank. In this week's reading log I've including two limited vocabulary stories, two books that might be more appealing to either a girl or a boy, a non-fiction science book, and a book about pets.
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Go, Go, Cars!by Jennifer Liberts
Illustrated by Mike Yamada
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Series: Step Into Reading (Level 1)
- Publisher: Random House LLC, New York (2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN 978-0-399-55461-2
- Target audience: 4-6 years old
A book all about cars
Book quality
This book sticks with simple, easy to read sight words. They're repeated often, and the cadence of the words moves the young reader along the pages. The images do a terrific job of providing clues to the words--even going as far as a cat car (car that purrs) and a dinosaur car (a car that roars).
Potential use of book with young readers
Level 1 books in this series are recommended for young children who know their alphabet and are ready to begin reading. With it's repetition of words, sounds, and sight word vocabulary, it would be a great book for reading practice.
Storytelling and appeal
For a the youngest readers, they would find the short words and sentences just enough of a challenge to feel a sense of accomplishment when they made it to the very end. Given the silliness of some of the words and the images, it would hold the attention of the four and five year olds.
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Pete the Cat: Too Cool for School
by Kimberly and James Dean
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Series: I Can Read (My First)
- Publisher: Harper Collins, New York (2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN 978-0-06-211076
- Target audience: 4-6 years old
Pete asks for advice on what to wear so he looks cool
Book quality
Classic Pete the Cat! He's trying so hard to please everyone, and in the end realizes that it doesn't matter what you wear, just be yourself. The whimsical illustrations assist the reader with figuring out the words, and they gain confidence as they get more comfortable with the repeated phrases.
Potential use of book with young readers
"My First" level is the shared reading level of the I Can Read series. It uses basic vocabulary, word repetition, and the illustrations offer clues to the text. This is also a book that would work well for reading practice.
Storytelling and appeal
I don't know a single child who doesn't adore Pete the Cat. This story, using sight words, repetition, and relatable story would appeal to a range of readers, not just the youngest.
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Star Wars: Even Droids Need Friends
by Sam Beecroft
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Series: DK Readers (Pre-level 1)
- Publisher: DK Publishing, New York (2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN 978-1-4654-0183-0
- Target audience: 4-8 years old
Different friendships of the Star Wars characters
Book quality
The DK Readers series, especially the pre-level 1 books, makes heavy use of images from known movies, or TV characters. They also draw the story from the movie or show's storyline. In this case, it's the various friendships formed within the Star Wars universe. They also all include a picture glossary and an index at the end of the books.
Potential use of book with young readers
New readers could use this book as a challenge with the advanced vocabulary. It could also be one they can work up to in practice reading.
Storytelling and appeal
For a Star Wars fan, this particular series would be appealing for the pictures and characters. It uses quite a bit of advanced vocabulary, and even with the images providing clues, it might be too challenging for the youngest of the new readers.
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Fancy Nancy and the Delectable Cupcakes
by Jane O'Connor
Pictures based on the art of Robin Preiss Glasser
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Series: I Can Read (Level 1)
- Publisher: Harper Collins, New York (2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN 978-0-06-188269-2
- Target audience: 4-8 years old
Fancy Nancy has to make cupcakes for school, if she can follow directions.
Book quality
Harper Collins lists their I Can Read Level 1 series as beginning readers. They're described as having short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts for children eager to read on their own. The Fancy Nancy series are terrific books for introducing new and challenging vocabulary, however, they also include longer sentences and sometimes up to ten sentences on a page. This is a feature parents need to be aware of when choosing books for their young readers--it may be more of a challenge than a child just beginning to read is prepared for.
Potential use of book with young readers
Where these books shine is when read together, or at least with help. The "fancy" words can be challenging, and a brand new reader may need help with them. They would be a fantastic (that's a fancy word for great) addition to a summer reading list for raising first graders.
Storytelling and appeal
The Fancy Nancy books, though challenging, appeal to beginning and higher level readers with the introduction of challenging new vocabulary words. The glossary of "fancy words" included with most of the books helps remind readers of the new words they learned.
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Ladybugs
by Monica Hughes
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Series: Raintree Sprouts
- Publisher: Raintree, Chicago (2004)
- Language: English
- ISBN 141090623-X
- Target audience: 4-8 years old
A non-fiction book all about ladybugs
Book quality
The author uses short sentences and mostly known vocabulary to reveal a lot of facts about ladybugs. The images are all photographs on bright backgrounds. When a new word is introduced it's in bold print to alert the reader to pay attention. With its inclusion of a table of contents, a glossary, and an index the book is a valuable introduction to the higher level science books.
Potential use of book with young readers
As an introduction science book, Ladybugs could potentially be used for homework help. Or even as a research source for the young students school project.
Storytelling and appeal
For the age group the Sprouts series is intended for, they're highly appealing. Young children in kindergarten and first grade are enamored with exploring their world. Non-fiction books with clear, colorful photographs are compelling to younger readers. With this one in particular, ladybugs are always popular!
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Tiny's Bath
by Cari Meister
Illustrated by Rich Davis
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Series: Easy-To-Read (Level 1)
- Publisher: Penguin, China (1998)
- Language: English
- ISBN 0-670-87962-2
- Target audience: 4-7 years old
A very large dog named Tiny desperately needs a bath!
Book quality
The story of Tiny is a series in the Penguin's Easy-to-Read series. The Level 1 is recommended for readers just getting started. It stays close to that reader ability with sight word vocabulary, short sentences, and repetition. The illustrations do well with providing clues to figuring out words the reader may not know.
Potential use of book with young readers
A book like this would be an appealing addition to a summer reading list, as well as for reading practice at home or school.
Storytelling and appeal
Stories detailing taking care of pets are compelling to any age group. But especially to the younger ones still in the exciting time of exploring their expanding world. The story is humorous and relatable, the illustrations are delightful and truly portray the struggle of giving a dog a bath!
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