16 Teacher-Recommended Emergent Reader Books

Reading is a fundamental skill that helps children develop a strong educational foundation. As such, it is important to get children interested in reading at an early age. Emergent reader books are designed specifically for beginning readers who are just starting to learn new words and read simple sentences. To help young readers transition into the world of literacy, teachers recommend the following 18 emergent reader books.

1. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. This classic story of a caterpillar’s journey to becoming a butterfly has been a favorite of children and adults alike since it was first published in 1969. The colorful illustrations and simple story make it an ideal book for emergent readers.

2. “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin and Michael Sampson. This rhythmic story begins with the letters of the alphabet climbing up a coconut tree, and features a cast of memorable characters who are determined to get to the top.

3. “Frog and Toad Are Friends” by Arnold Lobel. This charming series follows the adventures of two good friends, Frog and Toad, as they explore life’s daily adventures. Each story is filled with small lessons about friendship and life.

4. “Corduroy” by Don Freeman. This beloved classic is the story of a toy bear in search of his missing button. Along the way, he discovers the power of friendship and the importance of being brave.

5. “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. After misbehaving and being sent to his room, Max escapes to an imagination-filled world of wild things. This story celebrates the power of the imagination, and is an excellent choice for budding readers.

6. “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss. This beloved classic follows the Cat in the Hat as he visits two children on a rainy day and shows them all the fun they can have. The rhyming words and whimsical illustrations make it a fun book for emergent readers.

7. “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson. Harold goes on a magical adventure with his purple crayon, creating his own world as he goes. This story is a great way to introduce young readers to the power of imagination.

8. “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey. This classic story follows a family of ducks as they search for a safe place to call home. The book celebrates the importance of family and features beautiful illustrations.

9. “Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?” by Dr. Seuss. This playful book features a variety of fun sounds that children will love to imitate. It’s a great way to introduce children to new words and sounds.

10. “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle. This beloved children’s classic follows a variety of animals as they look for each other in a colorful world. The simple rhyming words make it an ideal choice for emergent readers.

11. “Caps for Sale” by Esphyr Slobodkina. This classic story follows a peddler who has his caps stolen by mischievous monkeys. The peddler’s clever plan to get his caps back is sure to captivate beginning readers.

12. “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats. This classic story follows a boy as he explores the wonders of a snowy winter day. The beautiful illustrations and simple story make it a great choice for emergent readers.

13. “The Very Busy Spider” by Eric Carle. This story follows a busy spider as she builds her web with the help of some curious animals. The beautiful illustrations and simple language make it an ideal book for beginning readers.

14. “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper. This classic story follows a small engine that embarks on a big journey. The engine’s determination and optimism make it a great story for young readers.

15. “Llama Llama Red Pajama” by Anna Dewdney. This story follows a young llama who is scared of the dark and can’t fall asleep without his mama. The whimsical illustrations and simple language make it an ideal book for emergent readers.

16. “The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!” by Mo Willems. This beloved story follows the adventures of a mischievous pigeon who finds a hot dog and decides to keep it. The book is filled with fun illustrations and simple language that children will love.

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