Apologetics Press Readers Grades PreK-3rd

These science readers feature sight words and full color graphics. The series has a firm Biblical bias and focuses on refuting evolution.

Beginner Books Grades PreK-2nd

The Beginner Books take easy-to-read essential vocabulary words and string them together into a story that's fun and a little wacky. Children as young as three all the way to second grade will enjoy these books, which are great to read aloud.

BibleTime & BibleWise Grades 1st-3rd 

This collection of 30 beautifully illustrated Bible stories takes the lives of bible characters from both the Old and New Testament, retells them in a way that’s easy for children to read and understand, and has some of the best explanations of bible stories that we've seen.

Bob Books Grades PreK-1st

Simple but funny phonics-based stories, the beauty of these early readers is their ability to make phonics concrete and to boost confidence in young readers. Earlier books have only three letter words, so as soon as children can sound out a few letters they can begin to read.  

DK Readers Grades PreK-4th

Mostly science focused with some history, these books use large type and full color photographs. Perfect for young readers who are into history, knowledge, and "real stuff," and aren't especially squeamish.

I Can Read Books Grades PreK-4th

These stories are fun and kid-friendly, using short, easy words paired with excellent illustrations. Unlike some early readers, these are actual quality literature that children will want to read over and over again, containing stories by famous children's authors such as Arnold Lobel, Else Holmelund Minarik, and more.

Life of Fred Eden Series Grades PreK-1st

Schmidt's trademark wry humor, the large amount of white space and nontraditional text placement of these books make them hilarious fun and keep them from being intimidating. Not just stories, they also include a fair sprinkling of useful skills and facts.

Penguin Young Readers (formerly All Aboard Readers) Grades K-5th

Classic look-say readers that feature stories about history and literature. Includes suggested activities for teachers or parents to do with young readers after the story to reinforce the words and concepts.

Ready-to-Read Grades 1st-4th

The fairly standard simple sentences and word repetition are presented here. They have a number of quality history and biography books as well as stories, in particular the Henry and Mudge books.

Scholastic Readers / Hello Readers Grades PreK-3rd

These are sight word based readers. The books cover a variety of subjects, ranging from science to history, to stories. They aren't the most fascinating readers on the market but they do have a fun series of I Spy books.

Step into Reading Grades PreK-4th

Step into Reading uses bright pictures and big type to make their vocabulary-based readers kid-friendly. We appreciate that they have some truly excellent history books. 

Usborne Beginners Grades 1st-2nd

The simple vocabulary and bright, colorful pictures are engaging, while the large type and unusually small hardcover books make these the perfect kid-sized way to learn science and practice reading.

Usborne Discovery Readers Grades 3rd-6th

Like the Usborne Beginners but for older grades, the Discovery Readers cover a variety of science and history topics in fun, engaging ways at appropriate reading levels.

Dick & Jane Readers Grades K-2nd 

The Dick & Jane books are based on sight words instead of phonics, and as a result, we don't recommend using them for teaching children to read. However, the warm illustrations and simple stories will certainly be enjoyed by some youngsters. Several of these are actually included in the Penguin Young Readers.