Trying to find a fresh way to help your child begin the reading process? BOB Books could be a great resource to consider!

When teaching kids how to read, the goal is to keep them entertained, excited, and invested in the learning process. BOB Books are designed as a tool to lay the foundation in a simple way but must be used correctly to help develop lifelong learners – not just children who memorize words.

Are you new here? Welcome! I’m Miss Beth the founder of Big City Readers - a different kind of early childhood development. Children need flexibility and fun to engage and grow as readers. I believe not all children learn from sitting at a desk, and it is my job as an educator to find the best solution for them. I use the 5 building blocks of early literacy: read, write, sing, talk, and play in addition to the Orton Gillingham method which utilizes the three learning pathways through which children learn—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

So without any further introduction, let’s chat all about what BOB books are, how they can be a tool for your child’s learning (if used correctly), and strategies to make this stage of learning fun!

What Are BOB Books?

BOB Books are a series of easy-to-read, decodable books created to help young children develop their phonics skills. They are designed to introduce new learners to the world of reading with simple, repetitive language and basic sight words. The reason BOB Books became so popular is because of their simplicity. Each book gradually introduces new sounds and blends, starting with short vowel sounds and moving into more complex phonics concepts.

The series was created by Bobby Lynn Maslen, which is partly where the name “BOB Books” comes from. The books are available in sets or collections, with each one progressing in difficulty. This allows your child to move forward at their own pace free from pressure to progress before the time is right.

Disclaimer: On a personal level, BOB Books are not my favorite reading tool out there on the market. While the goal of BOB Books is great, I’ve seen a lot of kids view these books as something to check off as an accomplishment, rather than develop a love of reading at this age. They work great for some early learners, but it all comes down to how to approach them as a family.

Are BOB Books Decodable?

Yes. BOB Books are decodable, which means they are specifically designed to help children sound out words using phonics. A decodable book uses simple language that aligns with the phonics rules a child is learning, making it easier for them to "decode" or break down each word by its sounds. BOB Books focuses on this method by using short vowel sounds, basic sight words, and gradual progression, which helps children read without guessing or relying on pictures for clues.

What Age Is Best for BOB Books?

BOB Books are designed for children ages 4 and up, and they are divided into stages based on different reading levels and age groups. You can choose to purchase a set (which teaches a specific reading concept) or a collection (which has two sets of books for a wider range of concept understanding).

To see where to begin, I’ve broken down the BOB Books into their stages:

Stage 1: Ideal for pre-kindergarten to kindergarten students, Stage 1 uses simple three-letter words, short vowels, and easy sentences. This stage focuses on helping children recognize and sound out basic words, giving them a solid introduction to phonics, and making reading feel approachable.

Stage 2: Designed for kindergarten students, Stage 2 reinforces Stage 1 skills while adding more phonics elements, like blends. Introducing consonant blends and slightly longer words helps children build on their early reading skills, making the transition to more complex sounds smoother.

Stage 3: By the time your child reaches Stage 3, they’re ready for longer words, vowel combinations, and more complex sentences, which works best for kindergarteners and first graders. This stage challenges them to read with greater fluency and comprehension, while still providing the support they need to continue building confidence in their reading abilities.

To take a look at each stage of BOB Books to help decide which set is best for your child to begin with, use my link here.

Are BOB Books Good for Learning to Read?

Yes and no. BOB Books are great for teaching children how to decode letters, words, and sentences. However, it’s important to remember that they are just one tool in your child’s learning toolkit. They are a solid option for practicing phonics, but I always tell parents and teachers to use them alongside other books and learning experiences. Most importantly, you are the person helping your child learn to love reading. No book, game, or activity will teach them as well as you can.

To create a holistic approach to your child’s early literacy development, I HIGHLY recommend checking out the Big City Reader’s On-Demand Kindergarten Course! In this class, we focus on phonological awareness, writing, and reading activities for kindergarten-level blending and sight words. Combined with BOB Books, you can create a great foundation for your child to get excited about their future of reading.

BOB Books Are Excellent Tools, But They Can Be Misused

Sometimes, we treat reading as a task to "accomplish" rather than an experience to enjoy, and this is especially common with tools like BOB Books. While books are great for building essential reading skills, they can sometimes lead to a mindset where both children and adults focus too much on finishing the books instead of truly engaging with the reading process. When reading feels like a checklist item, it risks becoming a chore, and the joy of discovering new stories can be lost.

Instead of rushing through each book to move on to the next, it’s important to slow down and make the experience meaningful. Reading should spark curiosity, imagination, and excitement, and BOB Books should be just one part of a broader, enjoyable journey into the world of books.

The Role of Parents and Teachers in Reading

Here’s the big takeaway: You, the parent or teacher, are the one teaching reading—not the book itself. BOB books, picture books, or even chapter books, the material does not matter as much as the support that comes with it.

Children learn to read best when reading is part of everyday life. While BOB Books are a great tool to have, they aren’t a magic solution. The more you model reading, make it fun and show enthusiasm, the more your child will naturally get excited to learn.

How to Use BOB Books for Reading in Fun Ways!

Like any new subject you introduce to your child, keeping it fun allows them to stay engaged for longer. To help do this, here are a few creative ways to use BOB Books to keep reading engaging, instead of just a task to check off on a big learning list:

Let Your Child Take Ownership: Get your child involved! Encourage them to write their own sentences or make up stories based on BOB Books. You could even create your own “BOB book” together. I even suggest letting kids color inside the books—it makes reading feel more personal and enjoyable.

Make BOB Books Interactive: Turn reading into a game! Use a dry-erase board to write sentences from BOB Books, and then read them together. You could also turn it into a fluency game to practice reading speed and accuracy. By modeling reading and writing at a comfortable level for your child, it feels less intimidating and more fun.

Use Other Books, Too: As much as I love BOB Books, don’t forget about regular storybooks! Keep reading the stories your child loves at bedtime, and mix BOB Books into their routine as a learning tool. It’s all about balance.

Decoding Is Just the Beginning of a Lifelong Love of Reading

At the end of the day, BOB Books are a solid tool for helping kids practice decoding words. But remember, reading is more than just decoding—it's about discovering stories, exploring new ideas, and getting lost in the world of books. So don’t treat reading like a chore or a task on a to-do list. Make it a fun, joyful experience for your child, and you'll be helping them build a lifelong love for reading.

In short, BOB Books for reading are a wonderful start, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. The real magic happens when you bring a love of stories, curiosity, and fun into the mix!

Do you have any further questions on how BOB Books can help introduce reading to your child? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest early education tips for your child, check out my recent posts:

Featured