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Book Lists, Chapter Book Lists · October 5, 2022

The Best Early Readers for Kids (Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3)

For new readers, a full-length chapter book can be terribly intimidating (even with pictures!) and that’s where easy readers (or early readers, as I call them) come in. The I Can Read book series are just one brand of early readers, but I like them because the stories are engaging and diverse, which can help to foster a love for reading at an early age. These books are organized into three levels, based on reading ability, as follows:

  • Level 1 is for kids who are just starting to sound out words and sentences. Books in this class use simple, familiar words and feature animals having exciting (or funny) adventures.
  • Level 2 is designed for more confident readers who may need help with the occasional tough word or two. Expect longer sentences and more complicated words and storylines in this series.
  • Level 3 is for kids who have begun to read independently. The books in this series have fuller plots with more mature themes like friendships, science, and the like.

There’s also a fourth level, but we typically include those books in other of our chapter book lists.


The Best Early Readers for Kids (Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3)

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Enjoyable Easy Readers for Beginning Readers

Here are some great easy readers in the I Can Read series:

Level 1

First, some level one picks:

Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: March 20, 2012

Mac wants to spend a day at the beach, but Cheese would rather stay in bed.

Can Mac convince his best friend that the sea is the place to be?


Splat the Cat: Goodnight Sleep, Sleep Tight

Splat the Cat: Good Night, Sleep Tight (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: May 31, 2011

Splat is really excited about going camping—until his mom tells him she has invited his rival, Spike.

Will Spike ruin Splat’s trip? Or maybe Splat will learn that his worst enemy isn’t so different from him after all…


The Fat Cat Sat on the Mat

The Fat Cat Sat on the Mat (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: May 31, 2011

The fat cat sat on the mat. “Get off!” said the rat. But the fat cat just sat. Will the rat get the fat cat off the mat? Enjoy reading this silly story aloud for maximum effect!


Charlie the Ranch Dog: Where’s the Bacon

Charlie the Ranch Dog: Where's the Bacon? (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: June 25, 2013

In Charlie the Ranch Dog: Where’s the Bacon? a new dog comes to visit. Things get off to a bad start. Rowdy doesn’t understand Charlie is the boss of the ranch. He sleeps in Charlie’s bed, drinks Charlie’s water, and worst of all, he eats Charlie’s bacon. Charlie has to get Rowdy under control. And he really needs to find more bacon!
 
Where’s the Bacon? is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.


Chicken on Vacation

Chicken on Vacation (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: June 5, 2018

Zoey the chicken needs a vacation!

Zoey knows you don’t need to go to the shore to have the perfect beach day…but you do need a great imagination and a treasure map! Will Zoey lead her barnyard pals to buried treasure?


Paddington Sets Sail

Paddington Sets Sail (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: May 3, 2016

Paddington is thrilled to go to the beach with the Browns. He’s never splashed in the ocean or built a sand castle. Outfitted with a new set of beach toys, Paddington seems ready for whatever comes his way. But the biggest surprise of all sweeps Paddington off on a new adventure.


Going to the Sea Park

Little Critter: Going to the Sea Park (My First I Can Read)

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Published: September 1, 2009

Little Critter is going on a class trip!

There isn’t a dull moment when Little Critter® and his classmates go on a trip to the Sea Park! They see and learn about exciting and strange sea creatures—from crabs and octopuses to whales and sharks. A day at the Sea Park proves to be full of fun and adventure.


Clark the Shark: Too Many Treats and Danny

Clark the Shark: Too Many Treats (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: February 5, 2019

With easy-to-read text and Clark’s trademark rhymes, this chocolaty Level One tale will have beginning readers ready to take a bite out of reading. Also included are Clark the Shark’s Bite-Sized Facts, real facts on shark communication, behavior, and more.

Clark the Shark has been embraced in the elementary school classroom and at home. Kids laugh at his antics, and they also relate to the young shark who always means well but can get himself into scrapes due to his overabundance of energy.


The Dinosaur: Too Tall

Danny and the Dinosaur: Too Tall (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: September 1, 2015

Readers first fell in love with Danny and his prehistoric pal in the I Can Read classic Danny and the Dinosaur, created by Syd Hoff in 1958. Now the popular pair are together again in a hilarious I Can Read adventure sure to win over a new generation of beginning readers.


Pete the Cat Goes Camping

Pete the Cat Goes Camping (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: September 4, 2018

In Pete the Cat Goes Camping, Pete can’t wait to go hiking, fishing, and eat s’mores by the campfire. But when he hears about the mysterious creature named Bigfoot, Pete can’t help but wonder: Is Bigfoot real?


I Want to Be a Doctor

I Want to Be a Doctor (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: March 13, 2018

Doctors help sick and hurt people feel better. When little brother Jack hurts his foot, the family gets to meet all kinds of doctors.


Fancy Nancy: Sees Stars

Fancy Nancy Sees Stars (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: May 2, 2017

Nancy absolutely adores stars. She loves how they sparkle in the sky, and she can even name the constellations. When she finds out her class will visit the planetarium she is ecstatic—that’s a fancy word for excited. But when it starts to rain Nancy is afraid she might not be able to see the stars. Will the rain keep Nancy from watching stars sparkle?


Little Penguin’s New Friend

Little Penguin’s New Friend (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: October 1, 2019

A polar bear is coming to visit! Little Penguin has never met a polar bear, but his friends have heard they are scary, with sharp teeth and terrifying roars—and that they tell very bad jokes.

But Little Penguin knows you can’t believe everything you hear, right?


The Bad Seed Goes to the Library

The Bad Seed Goes to the Library (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: March 29, 2022

The Bad Seed is in a good mood…for once. That’s because there’s a really cool book at the library available for checkout. The Bad Seed reads, and reads, until the book can’t be read anymore.

But suddenly, he gets bad news: The book must be returned to the library so another seed can enjoy it. Will the bad seed return to his baaaaaad ways and keep the book? Pick up this really cool book to find out!


Pinkalicious and the Cupcake Calamity

Pinkalicious and the Cupcake Calamity (I Can Read Level 1)

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Published: May 13, 2014

Join Pinkalicious on a cupcake adventure! Mr. Swizzle has a surprise for everyone in town: a brand-new cupcake machine! Pinka-de-licious! But when the cupcakes don’t come out, Pinkalicious sneaks inside the machine to see what’s going on. She ends up with an even bigger treat than she imagined!


Level 2

Now, some Level 2 picks:

The Best Seat in Second Grade

The Best Seat in Second Grade: A First Day of School Book for Kids (I Can Read Level 2)

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Published: June 28, 2011

Sam brings his hamster buddy on the class field trip to the science museum…but disaster strikes when George jumps from Sam’s pocket into the museum’s Hamster Habitat.


Marley: Farm Dog

Marley: Farm Dog (I Can Read Level 2)

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Published: November 15, 2011

When Marley’s family visits Uncle Bob’s farm, Cassie turns out to be an excellent farmhand but Marley just seems to get in the way. He tries rounding up the chickens, but all he does is excite them. He attempts to herd the sheep, but they think he’s playing a game. Surely there’s something Marley can do to help!


Reina Ramos Works It Out

Reina Ramos Works It Out (I Can Read Level 2)

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Published: September 20, 2022

Reina Ramos is excited about dressing up as Frida Kahlo for the class wax museum. Frida was a strong person like her mami and abuela—plus Reina has the perfect headband for the costume! But when her best friend Nora picks Frida first, Reina doesn’t know what to do. Who will she dress up as now?


How to Drive Your Sister Crazy

How to Drive Your Sister Crazy (I Can Read Level 2)

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Published: October 21, 2008

Do you have a big sister? Do you know how to drive her crazy? With a rubber snake, some bubble gum, and a really great hiding space, Bradley Harris Pinkerton shows just how easy it is!


Splat the Cat Gets a Job!

Splat the Cat Gets a Job! (I Can Read Level 2)

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Published: September 18, 2018

Splat is so excited to be the new newspaper cat! But getting up super early, keeping track of all those papers, and delivering to all those houses sure isn’t as easy as it looks. With help from Kitten, and some cool inventions, can Splat figure out how to toss papers like a pro?


Flat Stanley and the Haunted House

Flat Stanley and the Haunted House (I Can Read!, Level 2)

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Published: July 27, 2010

The Lambchops are ready to be spooked at a Halloween party! Arthur is excited for the haunted house, and Stanley wants to show off his limbo moves. But when they see a bully picking on their friend at the party, the boys know that they have to help. Soon Stanley comes up with a plan that is flat-out hilarious!


Teamwork Trouble by Dan Gutman

My Weird School: Teamwork Trouble (I Can Read Level 2)

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Published: January 2, 2018

Join the gang from Ella Mentry School in this hilarious, hijinks-filled sports story as they show young readers why they attend the weirdest—and most fun!—school around.

With help from Coach Deen, Ryan wants to form a sports team with A.J. and Andrea, but it’s for one of the weirdest sports there is: curling! Will the sweepers be able to get the stones to the house, or will trouble among the teammates end in one weird mess?


The Camping Trip by Catherine Hapka

Pony Scouts: The Camping Trip (I Can Read Level 2)

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Published: March 4, 2014

For the campers and the horse lovers in your home or school!

It’s the first day of summer vacation and time to go camping with the ponies! Meg discovers there’s a lot she doesn’t know about camping—but learning is part of the fun in the end.


Gilbert and the Lost Tooth

Gilbert and the Lost Tooth (I Can Read Level 2)

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Published: May 15, 2012

Who lost a tooth?

Gilbert’s tooth is wiggly and loose all through spelling and lunch. Then he scores a run in kickball and—BAM!—his tooth is knocked right out of his mouth! Gilbert is so excited that the tooth fairy will be visiting. But Lewis is jealous of Gilbert’s lost tooth and comes up with a sneaky plan. Will the tooth fairy fall for Lewis’s trick?


Friendbots: Blink and Block Make a Wish

Friendbots: Blink and Block Make a Wish (I Can Read Comics Level 2)

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Published: June 22, 2021

Meet the robots Blink and Block in this STEM-inspired story by debut author-illustrator Vicky Fang. Blink is scanning the playground for treasure, and Block is pretty sure there’s no gold to be found. Will Blink prove that treasure does exist—or will these two new pals find something even better?


Monster School: First Day Frights by Dave Keane

Monster School: First Day Frights (I Can Read Level 2)

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Published: June 26, 2012

Norm is perfectly normal. That is, until he finds himself at a new school full of monsters. Without fangs, horns, or a tail, suddenly Norm has become the odd one out. But as the day goes on, Norm’s unusual classmates find that Norm isn’t too unlike them after all, and Norm thinks he may actually fit right in.


Amelia Bedelia Talks Turkey

Amelia Bedelia Talks Turkey (I Can Read ! Level 2)

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Published: August 26, 2008

The literal-minded Amelia Bedelia makes kids ages 4 to 8 giggle, and this story is a fun encouragement to keep exploring reading.

Amelia Bedelia Talks Turkey is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.


Level 3

And finally, some Level 3 picks:

Gigi and Ojiji

Gigi and Ojiji (I Can Read Level 3)

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Published: May 3, 2022

Gigi can’t wait for her Ojiji—Japanese grandpa—to move in. Gigi plans lots of things to do with him, like playing tag, reading books, and teaching Roscoe, the family dog, new tricks.

But her plans don’t work out quite the way she’d hoped. And her grandpa doesn’t seem to like Roscoe. Will Gigi find a way to connect with her Ojiji?


Libby Loves Science: Mix and Measure

Libby Loves Science: Mix and Measure (I Can Read Level 3)

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Published: January 5, 2021

Libby loves science—and experimenting! In this Level 3 I Can Read! title, Libby hosts a puppy party for her friends and their dogs. With the help of her friend Rosa and little brother, Libby decorates, stuffs goody bags and bakes delicious cupcakes. But when they realize they’ve forgotten an important ingredient, they use science to solve the problem—just in the nick of time.


Cece Loves Science: Push and Pull

Cece Loves Science: Push and Pull (I Can Read Level 3)

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Published: February 25, 2020

Cece loves science—and experimenting! In this Cece Loves Science Level 3 I Can Read!, Cece’s teacher, Miss Curie, explains the opposite forces of push and pull. To demonstrate this concept, she divides the class into two teams. Each team must make a treat dispenser for Cece’s dog, Einstein, that uses both forces. Cece and her classmates rely on science, creativity, and teamwork—and they learn a lot along the way.


Tiny Friends: A Feast For Friends by Steph Waldo

Tiny Tales: A Feast for Friends (I Can Read Comics Level 3)

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Published: January 4, 2022

What’s better than a snack with friends? A snack surprise for friends, of course! When Snail spots a shiny crab apple high up in a tree, she can’t wait to share it with her pals . . . she just has to get it down first! This whimsically illustrated, uplifting story will not only make kids fall in love with comics but will also spark their curiosity about the natural world.


The Addams Family: A Frightful Welcome by Alexandra West

The Addams Family: A Frightful Welcome (I Can Read Level 3)

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Published: September 3, 2019

The Addams family isn’t your typical American family. Together, Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Mad Uncle Fester, and Grandma are an eccentric clan who delight in the macabre and are unaware that people find them a bit different than the rest of the neighborhood. 


Minnie and Moo: The Case of the Missing Jelly Donut

Minnie and Moo: The Case of the Missing Jelly Donut (I Can Read Level 3)

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Published: August 9, 2005

Denys Cazet was an elementary school teacher for 25 years, and has also been a school librarian and elementary school media specialist. He was inspired to tell stories about the silly cow best friends when he passed a herd of cows in which all but two were facing the same way. Those two nonconformist cows became Minnie and Moo.


Emma’s Strange Pet by Jean Little

Emma's Strange Pet (I Can Read Level 3)

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Published: October 26, 2004

Pet wanted! Max wants a furry pet. Emma wants a pet too, but she’s allergic to animals with fur. When Emma finds the perfect animal, will Max like his sister’s strange pet?


There they are: 34 of the best early readers for kids! Which of these have you read and loved? What did I miss? What are some of your favorite early readers for kids?

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Books mentioned: I LOVE pairing middle grade fiction with non-fiction recommendations. It’s a brilliant way to get kids more interested in non-fiction and find similar threads between fiction and real life. 🏀 girls can play ball too 🏀 Previously, currently, and next in line: adult fiction edition. This doesn’t even include my audiobook lineup and my middle grade + YA stuff! 😥 living a lie is hard work 😬 🥠 Meet Maya 🥠
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