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15 Books Your Child Will Learn To Read With

by Meg Kehoe

Of all the wonderful things you get to teach your child as a parent, reading is, perhaps, the greatest of them all. Not only is it an important life skill, it's one of the most joyous activities you can partake in with your child, one that they can grow to love for years to come. And if you teach them a love of reading, you're also teaching them a valuable tool — a way to entertain themselves without needing your help. But I'm getting ahead of myself. To instill this love of reading, you first have to start with the books your child will learn to read with.

Teaching a child to read can seem like a daunting task as a new parent. After all, reading helps the rest of the world determine your child's skill levels for pretty much the rest of their lives. Luckily there are libraries upon libraries of books to get your child going when it comes to reading. No matter what their interests are, no matter what their ability, the following list contains books suitable for all beginning readers, and contain subjects all over the map. Stock your child's bookshelf with these wondrous books, and you're sure to cultivate a lifetime love of reading.

1

'Hop On Pop' by Dr. Seuss

This "simplest Seuss for toddlers' use" has been beloved for generations, and doesn't show any signs of stopping. Created specifically with the intention of teaching children to read, Hop on Pop will quickly become a favorite.

2

'Creature ABC' by Andrew Zuckerman

With delightful wildlife photography gracing every page, teach your child to learn with the ferocious fun of the animal kingdom that lies within Creature ABC.

3

'I Spy Letters' by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick

With simple picture clues and rhyming riddles, teach your child to learn the letters of the alphabet with I Spy Letters.

4

'Charlie Parker Played Be Bop' by Chris Raschka

Not your average children's book, Charlie Parker Played Be Bop reflects the very music that Charlie Parker played. Fun, light, and jazzy, this book is a perfect way to get your child reading!

5

'Make Way For Ducklings' by Robert McCoskey

Mrs. Mallard is sure that the Boston Public Gardens will be the perfect place to raise her baby ducks, the only problem is getting through the busy city to get there. Make Way For Ducklings is a delightful tale that's remained a classic for over fifty years.

6

'I Want My Hat Back' by Jon Klassen

Your child will traipse through the magic of dialogue between animals in I Want My Hat Back. Laced with visual humor and more — it's sure to be a classic your child won't soon forget.

7

'The Bear Scouts' by Stan Berenstain

Like all other beloved Berenstain Bears books, The Bear Scouts teaches children to read in rollicking rhyme, while the cubs learn to camp.

8

'Orange Pear Apple Bear' by Emily Gravett

With simple, easy to learn words, Orange Pear Apple Bear teaches children the basics with rhyming, reading, and clever creations.

9

'The Day The Crayons Quit' by Drew Daywalt

Duncan just wants to color. But the crayons are not having it. Creating humorous conversations with crayons, your child will love learning to read with The Day The Crayons Quit, with laughter and creativity.

10

'The Jolly Postman' by Allan Ahlberg

Depicting the all too amusing correspondence between fairy tale and Mother Goose characters, readers not only get a chance to catch up on their favorite characters in The Jolly Postman, but they also learn how wonderful receiving and reading letters can be.

11

'From Head To Toe' by Eric Carle

Encouraging children to move and play while reading is at the epicenter of this beloved Eric Carle book, From Head To Toe. While watching their favorite animals, they not only learn to read, but learn the movements of the animals too.

12

'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!' by Mo Willems

Silly, zany, implausible, and utterly fun, Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! strikes the perfect cord with anyone who's ever experienced a preschooler's temper tantrum before.

13

'Chicka Chicka Boom Boom' by Bill Martin Jr.

Your child will be reaching for Chicka Chicka Boom Boom over and over again to have fun with it's exciting rhymes and colorful pages.

14

'One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish' by Dr. Seuss

A true classic, I remember reading this as a child — and reading it with my younger brothers, years later. Dr. Seuss never gets old, and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish is perhaps one of the greatest reading tools he ever wrote.

15

'May I Please Have A Cookie?' by Jennifer Morris

May I Please Have A Cookie? is sure to be a hit with your young reader, not only because it's fun for them to read — but because, yes, it features delicious cookies. And bonus, it's all about teaching your child to ask for the things they want with manners. Two life lessons, one book.