Kindergarten books are vitally important for early readers. The building blocks they provide as children learn to read are essential! Check out some of our favorite easy-reader books below.
Kindergarten books are essential for young readers!
Watching my oldest son’s development while he was in kindergarten was nothing short of amazing.
He began the year mesmerized by books but not at all able to read them. Yet, by the time June came around, he had his own stack of awesome books for kindergarten readers (all of which he could read fluently,) he knew exactly which stories were “just right” for him in our school library (ok, ok — so I may be his school librarian — but it’s exciting nonetheless!!), and he would stay up way past his bedtime reading with his special book light.
It was incredible. And, of course, it made my book-loving heart so, so happy.
Just as he grew, so did his love of reading. I credit so much of this love not only to great kindergarten read-alouds, but also to getting the perfect books into his hands when he began his reading journey.
What makes a “good” book for kindergartners?
When our children begin kindergarten, most of us typically have one thought in mind: my child will read this year! After all, is there anything more synonymous with kindergarten than this singular goal?
Finding the “right” kindergarten books is therefore essential. We want to give them books that will excite them, delight them, make them laugh, and boost their confidence as they begin to tackle a brand-new challenge.
So how do you know if a book is perfect for your beginning reader? What makes a great kindergarten book different from an easy chapter book? Check out these tips!
Large fonts help kindergarten readers comprehend
Believe it or not, larger fonts can make a difference for new readers! Larger fonts have been linked to a boost in decoding skills, in addition to greater fluency and enhanced comprehension. Larger text in kindergarten books is also much less intimidating to new readers, as pages inherently have more white space and fewer words. It allows children to easily see where their eyes should go next.
Short sentences in kindergarten books are essential
Simplicity is key for new readers. Why? The longer the sentence, the more confusion your child will feel. Remember — kindergarten books are for those kids who are just learning to read. That means they have not yet mastered fluency and speed, nor do they understand the nuances of punctuation. And forget about a sentence extending over a page turn — these are the things that do nothing but frustrate our new readers. Thus, short and simple is key!
Repetition helps young readers grasp new concepts
Repetitive books for kindergarteners are like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. These are the best! This type of story includes both repetitive structures and vocabulary words. Repetition in early readers allows children to master new words and skills. On their first read-through, a child may stumble and pause frequently as they sound out what they see on the page. Yet, the more frequently they read a passage, sentence or word, the more flow and fluency will improve. The best part? When fluency improves, so does confidence.
Kindergarten books should contain decodable words
Many books for beginning readers and kindergarten books incorporate easy-to-read words. But what are those words? These early readers contain not only sight words, but also words that can be decoded easily using the rules of phonics and “chunking” strategies (ie., breaking words up into smaller components.) Decodable books slowly build a child’s knowledge of phonics, and they are incredibly important for new readers.
Illustrations provide supportive clues to early readers
Illustrations in kindergarten books should not just be engaging, but they should also provide supportive, or “context” clues to the reader. This means that a great early reader contains pictures that correspond to the text, support both the plot and mood of the book, and help readers decode unknown vocabulary words.
Our list of kindergarten books will engage your new readers!
As you explore our list of awesome kindergarten books below, keep in mind that books are arranged in a general order. The easier books are at the top of the list, and the more challenging (and longer) reads are at the end.
Enjoy!
RELATED: Do you want to check out all of our children’s book lists in one place? This is the link you need!
Frequently Asked Questions
Aside from great picture books, decodable books are fantastic for kindergarteners. Additionally, kindergarten books often include large fonts, short sentences, and pictures that provide supportive clues to the readers. Finally, the text typically contains a significant amount of repetition, often containing word families and rhyme.
Don’t worry! Every child is different! Some children may begin sounding out words in pre-kindergarten when they are only four years old. Others learn to read in kindergarten, typically around five or six. Some countries don’t even begin teaching kids to read until they are seven years old! The most important thing you can do is read to your child as frequently as possible. When he or she is ready, they will be sure to let you know. Children become readers at different ages, and that is a-ok!
Two books I have fallen in love with recently are Big Bub, Small Tub and Nat the Cat Takes a Nap (both of which are featured below). They are both fun and funny, and I love the way my little guy laughs as he reads them thanks to the fun plots and adorable illustrations! There are so many wonderful kindergarten books, but these two will forever have a special place in my heart!
Our favorite kindergarten books!
This is a family favorite! Big Bub is dirty, and it’s time for a bath. But when he tries to get himself clean, his small tub is just too little! What’s a monster to do? This one is adorable, and if your kids love books about monsters, this one is sure to be a hit.
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For children who are just getting started with reading and decoding, this adorable kindergarten book rocks! Cat, Dog and Frog are playing hide and seek. Where will Dog hide? Where will Frog hide? Will Cat be able to find his pals? Simple, effective and so much fun, this is a perfect story for the newest readers.
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This darling kindergarten book is such a fun read and a wonderful way to inspire a growth mindset in kids. One little creature is trying hard to ride his bike, but it’s hard! Can he do it? Yes, he can! We adore the illustrations, the message, the easy text, and the graphic novel format.
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Winner of the 2020 Geisel Award, this is a darling picture book mystery with simple text and fabulous illustrations that tell much of the story in and of themselves. A young boy stops to show a doorman his new “bot,” but the bot suddenly gets away from him and floats high into the air like a balloon! As the doorman rushes from floor to floor in the building, the people on each floor get zanier and zanier. Will they be able to rescue the bot before it’s too late? Vibrant and engaging, we simply love this one!
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Nat the Cat is taking a nap! At least, he’s trying to. There’s just one problem. The narrator keeps interrupting him from getting that shut-eye. We absolutely love this kindergarten book. It truly is easy to read, it’s hilarious, and Nat the Cat is such an engaging main character. This is a hit with my kiddo. Any book that gets him reading and laughing is a true winner!
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Did you know the creator of the famous Dog Man and Captain Underpants series also writes beginning books for kids? This collection of five simple stories captures the friendship — and hilarious shenanigans — of Big Dog and Little Dog, both entertaining your children and developing their reading skills at the very same time. This collection was a huge winner in our house when my oldest first made the jump to beginning readers.
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We absolutely love these books about Otto the Robot and all of his great adventures! The Adventures of Otto stories are perfect kindergarten books for brand-new readers who are beginning to master sight words and decode text all on their own. Several books in this set have won Theodore Seuss Geisel Award Honors for being distinguished books for beginning readers. We can’t rave about this starter set enough!
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In this funny story, Fat Cat is looking for a seat — and all of the animals in this silly story are hoping Fat Cat won’t sit on them! With each animal hoping he is not the victim, they have got to find something else for Fat Cat to sit on. Will a chair suffice? And if so, what will Fat Cat do for lunch? This one is so much fun!
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Fox desperately wishes he was a tiger. Why? Tigers are sneaky! Fast! Big! This leaves Fox with an important mission- he will turn himself into a tiger by painting himself some stripes! Soon other animals join in the fun— but when it comes right down to it, Fox quickly discovers one very important lesson- the best thing to be is himself. Clever, fun, and with an awesome message to boot, it’s no wonder this great book won the 2019 Geisel Award. For our full review of Fox the Tiger, click here!
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If you guessed that the book hog loves books, you guessed correctly! He loves everything about them — from the way they feel to the way they smell. One thing he doesn’t love, though? He can’t read them. Leave it to a special librarian to help him unlock the magic within each story! We love this one, a Geisel Honor from 2020.
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Flubby is a big, fat cat, but unfortunately, he can’t do what a lot of other pets do. Flubby can’t sing or catch — he can’t even jump! But Flubby needs his owner – and his owner needs him, too. And that’s enough. A sweet book, with repetition, simple text, and pictures that help tell this adorable story. Another 2020 Geisel honor book!
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This was one of the first books my son read aloud from start to finish, and there is so much to love about it! From big dogs to little dogs, dogs going in, to dogs going out, fast dogs, red dogs, blue dogs, and more, children for years have adored this silly story that is also a perfect one for beginning readers to share aloud. Read it once, your kids will laugh. Read it twice, and your kids will forever ask everyone “do you like my hat?” The best!
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We are loving this new series for beginning readers, with its big pictures, big text, simple prose, and plots that will undoubtedly make your kids laugh as they perfect their new reading skills. Is there anything better than that? In this book, it’s up to Jack to make a winning run during a baseball game, but on the way to the plate, he spots some snacks. Uh oh! Between Jack the rabbit, his funny dog, and a cranky old lady, this series is a delight!
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In this Geisel Honor early reader series, Big Duck constantly bosses around her little brother, Little Duck. And this means that when Porcupine joins their crew, Big Duck is definitely the leader. This darling book contains stories about making lemonade, new friends, and kite flying. We love this lively and engaging series!
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If you want someone to smell your foot, no matter whether you think that scent will be good or bad, you better make sure to use your manners and say please!! My big one could not get through this book without laughing hysterically. And when I read it with him for the first time, I too was laughing so hard I could not catch my breath. If you want a book that’s sure to be a hit for new readers, with easy-to-read text, hilarious illustrations, and bucket-loads of fun, this one is a must!
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Reina Ramos cannot wait – her class is going to have a wax museum day, and each student will get to dress as a famous star! Reina can’t wait to dress up as Frida Kahlo. The artist was a strong woman like Mami and Abuela, and she even has the perfect headband for the part. But then Reina learns her best friend has already picked Friday, so what will Reina do now?! We love Reina’s resilient personality, and we also adore the Hispanic representation in this great story!
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Gigi is so excited for her grandfather, Ojiji, to come to visit from Japan. She plans so many things for them to do together, but suddenly, nothing seems to go as planned. Will Gigi be able to connect with Ojiji when his visit isn’t at all what she expected? How will they have fun together when they can barely communicate and Ojiji and Gigi continue to misunderstand one another? We love this intergenerational story about an adorable biracial child learning about her Japanese heritage. It’s a tender story, and the way it celebrates inclusivity and diversity leaves us grinning from ear to ear!
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Poor Dog! All he wants is to play with Frog, Frog, and Frog! But when the frogs hop, Dog simply flops. Dog tries and tries but is unsuccessful until a bear comes along and Dog may just have a way to save the day. Funny, repetitive, and fun, we love this series about friendship!
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Bumble and Bee cause lots of mischief in the pond, and their cranky best friend Frog isn’t all that happy about giving up his peace and quiet. He won’t smile for pictures! He won’t do a waggle dance! Nonetheless, these guys are best friends despite their very different personalities. This is another great graphic novel and part of Scholastic’s Acorn line which is aimed at children who are learning to read.
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Meet Henry and Mudge, companions, friends, and forever partners! Henry has no siblings or friends on his street, so he convinces his parents to get him a pup — who grows into a very large dog. These delightful stories are terrific for children moving just beyond beginning readers, as they feature more complex sentences, longer paragraphs, and short chapters. A classic series for newly independent readers looking for easy chapter books!
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What happens when calm and quiet Frank meets toot-toot-tooting Bean who just loves playing his trumpet? These two total opposites may be in trouble when they end up camping right next to each other. Can two seemingly different characters find a way to be friends? This goofy kindergarten book is perfect for your kids who want a longer story to read where they can practice their skills and laugh at the very same time.
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This is such a great list – we can really use a little extra reading practice now!
This is such a great list! Im getting them all!
Lots of our favorites on this list!
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