Best Books for Kindergarten Reading Level: Complete Parent Guide
Is there a more important milestone than when your child begins to discover the joy of reading?
Kindergarten is officially the first year when your child begins learning to read on their own. During this year, they begin sounding out words, recognizing letters, and figuring out how stories work. So what can you do as a parent to help along with this process? Read with your kindergartener!
Reading with your kindergartener is one of the most magical and important things you can do as a parent. This marks the start of their reading journey, and the stories you share will shape their love of books for years to come. But what books are best for kindergarteners? Don’t worry—I've got you covered with some fantastic picks!
Why Is Kindergarten Reading So Important?
When your child hits kindergarten, their brain is like a sponge ready to soak up all the information they learn during the school day. A HUGE part of this is the reading and writing process! Learning to read specifically is not just about memorizing letters and words—it’s about developing a love for storytelling, using their imagination, and building the foundation for future literacy skills.
Reading together as a family is a great way to encourage this process daily. Together, you can work on language development, increase their attention span, and create a bond over the shared love of reading. Plus, it's fun! Whether your child is curling up with you at bedtime or showing off their new reading skills when they get home from school, it’s important to make the experience enjoyable. The more they enjoy it, the more they’ll want to read on their own.
To help develop a love of reading (and learning) with your kindergartener at home, I HIGHLY recommend checking out my guides: The Ultimate Learning to Read Workbook and Decodable Reading Passages! Together, these guides make teaching your child feel fun and easy because YOU are equipped with the knowledge, these help streamline the process.
What Makes a "Kindergarten Book"?
Kindergarten books come in all shapes and sizes, but they generally have a few things in common: they’re colorful, fun, and easy to understand. Here are some common types of books that are perfect for your kindergartener:
Picture Books: Bright illustrations with simple text.
Simple Chapter Books: For kids who are ready for more than just pictures.
Rhyming Books: Helps with word recognition and sounds.
Alphabet and Phonics-Based Books: Great for early literacy skills.
Wordless Picture Books: These let kids create their own stories, building creativity and language skills.
Best Books For Kindergarten Reading Level: My Top Picks
As the founder of Big City Readers, I’ve made it part of my job to read as many children’s books as possible. Let me tell you – some are far better than others. So, after hundreds of books under my belt, I’ve compiled a list that both parents and children can enjoy. Hopefully, there’s one to add to your reading list!
For The Child That Likes Picture Books:
Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo: A sweet, quirky tale of two friends with different personalities who go on fun adventures together. Great for showing how opposites can still be best friends!
Butt or Face? by Kari Lavelle: This hilarious book keeps kids laughing as they guess whether they're looking at an animal’s butt or face. Silly, interactive fun for curious minds!
For The Child That Likes To Make Their Own Stories:
Ahoy! by Sophie Blackall: This wordless picture book allows your child to create their own story as they flip through the gorgeous pirate-themed illustrations. Perfect for sparking creativity!
If You Spot A Shell by Aimee Sicuro: Another beautiful wordless book where kids can imagine their beach adventure. A perfect way to build storytelling skills.
For The Child That Likes Rhyming:
The Hiccupotamus by Aaron Zenz: A rhyming book about a hippo who can’t stop hiccupping! The playful rhymes and bright illustrations make this one a read-aloud favorite.
Rickey, The Rock That Just Couldn’t Rhyme by Mr. Jay: Rickey the Rock is struggling with rhyming, but that doesn’t stop him from having fun! Kids will giggle and root for Rickey as he tries his best.
If I Was A Horse by Sophie Blackall: A lovely rhyming book that plays with imagination and sounds. This one’s perfect for kids learning new words and letters.
For The Child Who Loves Silly, Interactive Fun:
This Is A Ball by Beck Stanton: This book is an absolute hoot! It tells kids the wrong information about objects (like calling a ball a dog), and children have to correct it, which creates lots of laughter.
If You Laugh, I’m Starting This Book Over by Chris Harris: The challenge is simple: don’t laugh! But of course, kids can’t help themselves, and the reader has to “start the book over.” A great way to engage any reluctant readers.
The Truth About The Couch by Adam Rubin: An imaginative and humorous tale that makes kids question what’s real and what’s pretend—perfect for budding little thinkers.
Pete The Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party by James Dean: Pete the Cat is back, and this time, he's throwing a pizza party! This book is packed with silliness and fun, showing that sometimes, the best way to enjoy things is to be a little different.
For The Child Who Loves Adventure:
How To Catch A Star by Oliver Jeffers: A beautiful, imaginative story about a boy who dreams of catching a star. It’s simple, sweet, and will spark creativity in your little one.
The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy: A clever, adventurous story about an octopus escaping its tank. This story will keep young readers intrigued and on the edge of their seats!
For The Transition To First Grade:
Off To First Grade by Louise Borden: A wonderful story for children transitioning into the next big step—first grade! It’s all about celebrating new beginnings and easing those first-day jitters.
Ready to Find A New Book To Add To Your Kindergartener’s Reading List?
Hopefully, these book recommendations get you excited to sit down and read something new with your child. Remember, at this stage, it’s all about building excitement and fun around the reading process. Whether your child likes interactive books or prefers to make up the story themselves, what matters most is creating that special reading time together.
To dive deeper into the journey to developing a lifelong love of reading, I HIGHLY recommend checking out my On Demand Course for Kindergarteners! This class covers phonological awareness activities, writing and reading activities for kindergarten-level blending, and introduces sight words. Most of all, it’s created to be short and enjoyable for the whole family!
Do you have any kindergarten books you love? Please let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts:
