Best Kids Level 1 Reading Books

You might be familiar with the I Spy series of books. These are wonderful hidden object picture books that are works of art.

The Level 1 reading book versions have been edited to suit a beginner reader. The puzzles seem to be smaller sections from the larger books but they still work well as beginner books.

The puzzle finding activity in these books makes reading more fun. This encourages your child to read because they can't finish the puzzles if they don't read the clues first.

Kids love books with interesting facts about things they love. This means they're a good choice for encourage your child to read. There are some great fact filled books in the Level 1 reading book range. The trick is to buy one that catches their current interest.

I like the DK Level 1 fact books the best. They have great photos in them to capture your child's attention. They're well written to keep kids reading. But the Scholastic fact books are popular too.

Some fact books for beginning readers are a mix of information and story. So fact and fiction. These are a good choice because they usually keep children reading by getting them involved in a story. The fictional part of the story won't confuse your child because of the skill the books are written with. The books are usually based upon facts (like about the times the dinosaurs lived in) but add action and drama through a fictional story.

Everyday life is a good topic for children. This is because it is something they know. Buying a book about a tooth falling out is perfect if your child is waiting for their own tooth to fall out. Being able to relate to the characters and stories makes reading more interesting. 

The key for buying books about life is timing. You need to give your child the book either just before an event (like a new brother or sister), at the time it is happening (like having a tooth fall out) or just after. It's these times that the book will have the biggest impact. Although if something has special meaning to a child (like birthdays) the book can be given to them at any time. 

Some ideas for books about everyday life include sports activities, going to school, having a pet - really anything that's an important part of your child's life can be a good choice for a Level 1 reading book.

Bears in the Night is one of the books I remember from my own childhood. I loved it. Looking at it today through the eyes of a teacher I can see how well it's written for a Level 1 reader. The mood is spooky from the first page (but not too spooky). It's also an adventure with a surprise at the end.

The words are easy but are able to keep a sense of mystery about where the bears are going. It's no wonder this book has been loved by beginning readers for decades.

Boys can sometimes be reluctant readers. I think this is often because it can be hard to find good books for them. But there are some good choices in Level 1 reading books if you know where to look.

To pick a high interest book for you son you need to look for stories with facts or action. Topics that interest them are also a must. So if you son likes Star Wars grab a few Level 1 early readers about this topic. 

High interest books can capture your son's interest even if he is a reluctant reader. So they also help him find out that learning to read is worth the effort.