two young children reading a decodable book for beginners

A Recommended List of Decodable Books for Beginner Readers

How do you know what books to give your child as they start learning how to read? While previous generations grew up browsing through Scholastic book catalogs and “leveled readers,” educational science now shows there are more effective reading materials to give beginner readers. One of the go-to options today is decodable books.

In this article, Reading.com explores the efficacy and importance of decodable books, plus a list of recommendations for when you want to build your child’s home library. 

What Are Decodable Books?

Decodable books are carefully constructed and selected texts for beginner readers. The words in decodable books match the phonics skills the reader has previously learned and practiced. This means new readers can sound out most words in a decodable book. They do not rely on guessing strategies or filling in predictable sentences to practice reading connected texts. 

Because decodable books are intended to be read sequentially—from easiest to most advanced—they help children build essential literacy skills in a way that aligns with the science of reading. 

Unlike leveled readers, decodable books reinforce phonics instruction and help students develop stronger decoding skills. Additionally, decodable texts help struggling readers by focusing on phonetically specific words and concepts so that they can practice reading in an approachable way while gradually building confidence. 

Benefits of Decodable Books for Early Readers

Decodable books have been shown to benefit beginner readers for several reasons.

  1. Boosts confidence: Decodable books help children begin reading independently, experiencing success early on.
  2. Reinforces phonics skills: Students practice applying learned letter-sound relationships which reinforce phonics skills as they progress.
  3. Encourages reading fluency: Repeated exposure to decodable words improves accuracy, fluency, and reading speed.
  4. Supports comprehension: As decoding becomes easier, children can focus more on understanding the text (reading comprehension).
  5. Helps struggling readers: Decodables help struggling readers or students who might be behind the rest of their class by encouraging decoding practice and positive reinforcement of foundational word reading skills. 

Choosing the Right Decodable Books for Kids 

When choosing decodable books for your child, consider their current phonics knowledge and reading abilities. Books that are ‘leveled’ by a number or letter (i.e. a Level E book) do not focus on building specific word reading skills. Instead, focus on matching books to your child’s specific word-reading skills. 

This approach helps your child feel successful while continuing to grow as a reader. Here are some things to consider when looking for the right decodable books.

  • Scope and Sequence: Follow a sequential phonics plan to encourage practice of specific skills, step-by-step. Match the decodable book to the skills in the phonics plan. 
  • Phonics patterns: Look for books that focus on the sound-letter relationships your child is currently learning.
  • Engaging content: Try to choose books with interesting stories or topics that capture your child’s interest.
  • Illustrations: For beginner readers, look for books that contain supportive illustrations that aid comprehension without enabling guessing.
young girl reading a Dr. Seuss book for beginners
Photo source: Josh Applegate

Recommended Decodable Book Series for Beginners 

Here are some popular decodable books that cater specifically to beginner readers.

1. All About Reading Readers

The All About Reading series offers four different skill levels of decodable books that align with a structured phonics program. The stories are engaging and feature colorful illustrations, making them appealing to young readers.

2. Charge into Reading Decodables

Charge Into Reading books provide a systematic approach to phonics, introducing new sounds and patterns gradually. The series includes both fiction and non-fiction texts which can help you find topics that meet your child’s different interests.

3. Dynamite Decodables

Dynamite Decodables offers plenty of engaging and beautifully designed phonics books for K-2 learners. Developed with reading expert Wiley Blevins, these decodable books encourage literacy success through fun, trade-like stories.

4. ReadBright Decodable Readers 

ReadBright offers research-based, structured literacy books for K-2 learners, fostering literacy skills and adorable illustrations that kids love. These are great for early readers and for students in reading intervention.

5. SyllaSense Decodable Books

SyllaSense features six sequential sets of decodable books perfect for new readers. The colorful “DECK-odables” set of 150 cards featuring decodable phrases and short sentences are also worth checking out. 

6. Reading.com Decodable Texts

The Reading.com app takes readers through a library of engaging decodable texts within its modules, designed to boost early literacy through interactive stories and phonics-based lessons.

Examples of Decodable Books for Different Phonics Skills

As your child progresses in their reading abilities, you can introduce books with more complex phonics patterns. 

Here’s a list of examples of decodable books that you can use to support your child’s current skills they’re learning, whether at home or in the classroom.

Books for Beginners (CVC words)

  • “Sam Sat” by Nora Gaydos
  • “Nat the Cat” by Jez Alborough
  • “Meg and Ted” by Rita Soltan

Books for Progressing Readers (Blends and Digraphs)

  • “Frog on a Log” by Kes Gray and Jim Field
  • “Chip the Chick” by Rod Clement
  • “The King’s Wish” by Benjamin Elkin

Books for Advancing Readers (Long Vowels and More Complex Patterns)

  • “Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach” by James Dean
  • “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson
  • “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss

These categories are flexible and there are so many other decodable books on the market today. The most important thing to remember when choosing books is to match your child’s current abilities to the book they are reading.

Going Beyond Decodable Books

It is always appropriate and encouraged to read different types of books aloud to your child. If a book has many challenging words and your child is interested, read it to them! 

Mix decodable books with other reading materials to create a balanced reading diet. Here are some other options for expanding your child’s reading experiences:

  • Picture books: Choose books with more complex vocabulary and engaging illustrations for engagement and read-aloud bonding.
  • Home items: Encourage your child to read simple pieces of print at home such as snack wrappers, greeting cards, and organizer labels.
  • Public signs: See if your child can read text contained in public signage. Examples include street names, ad banners, and menu boards. 
  • Digital reading apps: Keep reading fun and interesting by changing up the media your child interacts with. Using digital learning apps such as Reading.com is a great way to maintain a decoding practice while your child learns!

More Tips for Helping Your Beginner Reader Succeed 

Decodable books are important tools for beginner readers, providing them with the type of practice and confidence-building they need to develop strong reading skills. By choosing books that match your child’s current abilities while offering some challenge, you help create positive reading experiences that foster a love of learning.

With the right decodable texts and plenty of encouragement, your child will be well on their way to becoming a confident reader. At Reading.com, we’re committed to supporting your child’s literacy development! Our app offers a science-backed approach to reading education, complementing the use of decodable books and other reading materials. Try a free trial of the Reading.com app today!

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