Book List
I have created a book list for beginning readers who have dyslexia or are otherwise struggling. I read through approximately 10,000 books at the Allen County Public Library and evaluated their formats and fonts. Sadly, there is no indication of font type in a book’s description.
You can also view the list here.
Alden, Laura
Cat's Adventure in Alphabet Town
Cat meets several "c" words on her adventures in Alphabet Town. Includes alphabet activities.
1992
Alden, Laura
Elfin's Adventure in Alphabet Town
Elfin meets several "e" words on his adventures in alphabet Town.
1992
Alden, Laura
Nightingale's Adventure in Alphabet Town
While collecting sticks to build a nest, Nightingale is hit on the neck by a nut and is taken to the hospital by his friend Nellie the nurse. Includes alphabet activities.
1992
Balfour, Melissa
When the new girl next door gives Tim, who is very shy, a mysterious birthday present, the two children become friends.
2005
Battistoni, Ilse
Simple text and photos describe the sound of the long I.
2002
Bird, Sheila
The narrator lists in simple rhyming text some of the great things about Auntie Susan, who wears a long scarf and likes to cook and bake.
2008
Black, Robyn Hood
Mike is all ready to fight the dragon he thinks he sees, but then is happy to realize it is just his pet dog.
2005
Blackaby, Susan
Easy-to-read text describes Lucy's two, very different dogs.
2005
Blackaby, Susan
Two rascals sell a vain emperor an invisible suit of clothes.
2004
Blackaby, Susan
When Mr. Dill, the fire chief, comes to school to talk about fire safety, something unexpected happens.
2005
Blackaby, Susan
Mrs. Shay brings to class seven eggs from her hen, and her students take care of them until they hatch.
2005
Blackaby, Susan
Easy-to-read text describes how Grandpa, Mom, and Dad try to cheer Ben up while Grandpa packs up to move.
2005
Blackaby, Susan
When Bob and the others go out for recess, a friendly dog joins them on the playground.
2005
Blackaby, Susan
The perilous adventure of a toy soldier who loves a paper dancing girl culminates in tragedy for both of them.
2004
Blackaby, Susan
After learning about fire safety at school, Todd makes a map of his house, marking two exit routes from each room, and conducts a fire drill for his family. Includes activities.
2008
Blackaby, Susan
Easy-to-read text lists all of the colorful clothes Kat puts on to get ready for winter snow.
2005
Blaisdell, Molly
A story about classmates who try to grow grass for a contest teaches young readers about grasses.
2008
Borkin, Jeff
Blue and her friends build a sandcastle at the beach.
2004
Bradman, Tony
Some fairy magic helps Flora overcome her fear of Rufus the cat when she goes to visit her Grandma and Grandpa.
2005
Bradman, Tony
1999
Brimner, Larry Dane
2007
Brimner, Larry Dane
Simple, rhyming text counts monkeys as they swing into a kitchen, enjoy a wild visit, and swing back out.
2007
Brown, Richard
1996
Burg, Ann E.
Pirate Pickle and the White Balloon
2007
Clairmont, Patsy
Stinky, a mouse who lives in the pantry with his family, recalls the first time he met his ant friends, Tid and Bit, and their talk about the importance of being nice.
2006
Caple, Kathy
Follow Termite's adventures with his friend Ostrich.
2009
Clarke, Jane
A honey-loving bear spreads the gooey stuff everywhere, leading to some unwelcome visitors.
2008
Clarke, Jane
A young hermit crab is perfectly happy with his chipped, too-small shell and his mother insists that he needs a new one to be safe, but they also disagree on whether the new shell should be sensible or spiky and cool.
2001
Cristaldi, Kathryn
2004
Crow, Melinda Melton
"Little Blue is too small for some jobs. Find out if he finds the right job for him"--Unedited summary from book.
2010
Dahl, Michael
When Brandon and his frog friends give a pajama party, they have a frightening encounter with a cat.
2006
Dahl, Michael
Pamela the rhinoceros is always angry until a strange bird lands on her back and refuses to leave.
2006
Donahue, Jill L.
No matter whether the teacher orders the class by name, favorite animal, or height, Zelda Zena Zipperelli always seems to be the last person.
2006
Doudna, Kelly
2006
Dougherty, Terri
After planting flowers in the yard, Tanya and her dog Rudy both need a bath, but who will get to use the soap first?
2005
Dougherty, Terri
When Beth and Ben go camping in their back yard, a strange thumping noise keeps them awake.
2007
Durant, Alan
Bird gets tired of the rain and decides to fly south where it is warm.
2005
Ehrlich, Amy
2001
Emerson, Carl
"Emma and Owen visit Old Oak at the park. It is autumn, and the leaves are falling from the trees. Only one leaf is left. Will it fall, too?"--P. [4] of cover.
2009
French, Vivian
Cave Baby, who cries at the sight of a butterfly, soon finds himself facing a huge mammoth that even frightens Cave Mom and Cave Dad.
2005
Friend, Catherine
2000
George, Olivia
By observing a tree outside the bedroom window, a child is able tell what the weather is like throughout the year.
2005
George, Olivia
A little girl designs herself a birthday cake that has all her favorite ingredients, including jelly beans, doughnuts, brownies, lollipops, and more.
2005
George, Olivia
A kitten longs to be like the big cats until it finds something they can all do together.
2004
Gerver, Jane E.
No one will wait for a little boy who is always late until he finds a friend who is late too.
2004
Gikow, Louise
After a visit to the zoo with the children, it is Daddy who needs the nap.
2004
Gill, Janie Spaht
1999
Gill, Janie Spaht
1999
Gillham, W. E. C.
1996
Gillham, W. E. C.
1996
Gillham, W. E. C.
1996
Ginns, Russell
2008
Gowar, Mick
Leo's new pet hamster escapes from its cage before Leo has even decided on a name.
2008
Grindley, Sally
Poppy and Max and the Lost Puppy
Poppy and Max find a lost puppy. Poppy thinks she's lovely, but Max isn't so sure, especially when Poppy seems to like the puppy better than him!
2008
Gurney, Stella
The hot dog on Dan's plate surprises him both by talking and by pretending to be a fish, a tree, and a boat.
2005
Hall, Kristen
When Pooky runs out of time to pick enough berries for her Beastie Berry pies, her friends pitch in to help.
2003
Hall, Kristen
A young boy shows the reader, and someone hidden until the end, all around his school, pointing out the different rooms, demonstrating things he has learned to do, and sharing his favorite book.
2004
Hall, Kristen
While giving a tour of his new town, a young boy introduces the reader to his teacher, dentist, barber, and police officer, as well as to his newly adopted baby sister.
2005
Hall, Kristen
While a little boy plays with his toy trucks, he imagines driving various real trucks, such as a fire engine, a farm pickup, and an ice cream wagon.
2003
Hall, Kristen
When he loses a tooth, a young boy excitedly awaits a visit from the tooth fairy.
2003
Hall, Kristen
Singing before a musical conductor, animals from chicken to owl reveal their own special sounds.
1990
Hardy, Lorien Trover
When Chester asks his mother about the tiny lights he sees in the tall grass one summer, she teaches him the firefly song, which he keeps singing even in the fall, after the fireflies are gone.
2007
Hardy, Lorien Trover
Though they look ordinary during the day, Mac knows that his four snowmen have a special nightime secret.
2007
Harrison, Paul
A fly is having so much fun eating all kinds of foods, from pizza to pudding, that he does not notice a frog sneaking up behind him.
2005
Hillert, Margaret
1981
Hillert, Margaret
A rabbit, a fox, a wolf, and a bumblebee try to help a little boy get his stray goats back from the next field. Includes reading activities.
2007
Hillert, Margaret
Brownie the cow tries very hard to jump over the moon.
2009
Hillert, Margaret
"A boy and his pet dragon go exploring and have fun on a family camping trip"--Provided by publisher.
2011
Hillert, Margaret
Dear Dragon Goes to the Carnival
"A boy and his pet dragon spend a day at the carnival going on rides and playing different games"--Provided by publisher.
2011
Hillert, Margaret
Dear Dragon Goes to the Library
"A boy and his pet dragon go to story time and take out books from the library"--Provided by publisher.
2008
Hillert, Margaret
"A boy and his pet dragon visit the zoo and see animals of all different shapes and sizes"--Provided by publisher.
2011
Hillert, Margaret
"A boy and his pet dragon spend a day participating in activities with the boy's father"--Provided by publisher.
2008
Hillert, Margaret
"A boy and his pet dragon play a game of hockey in the snow"--Provided by publisher.
2009
Hillert, Margaret
"A boy meets his pet dragon after school to rake and jump in leaves, carve a pumpkin, and enjoy a pretty fall day"--Provided by publisher.
2010
Hillert, Margaret
"A boy and his pet dragon enjoy a spring day by playing outside and exploring all the season has to offer"--Provided by publisher.
2010
Hillert, Margaret
"A boy and his pet dragon go sledding, make a snow fort, and have a snowball fight with friends on a fun winter day"--Provided by publisher.
2010
Hillert, Margaret
"A boy and his pet dragon enjoy a summer day by swimming, having a picnic, playing teeball, and seeing a fireworks show"--Provided by publisher.
2010
Hillert, Margaret
It's St. Patrick's Day, Dear Dragon
"A boy and his pet dragon celebrate St. Patrick's Day by finding things that are green"--Provided by publisher.
2008
Hillert, Margaret
Little Cowboy and the Big Cowboy
A little cowboy and his father ride horses, round up cattle, mend a fence, practice roping, cook over a campfire, and sleep outdoors in their sleeping bags.
2009
Hillert, Margaret
"When a young girl rescues her nutcracker from an attack by mice, the nutcracker becomes a prince and takes her to see the Snow King and Queen, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and waltzing flowers"--Provided by publisher.
2009
Hillert, Margaret
Relates a tiny boy's adventure in a cow's mouth, a fish's belly, on the back of a mouse, and at a king's table. Includes reading actvities.
2006
Hillert, Margaret
"A boy and his pet dragon meet up with their friends and play football"--Provided by publisher.
2009
Hines, Anna Grossnickle
Sam's older brother Mike keeps fooling him, but Sam thinks of a way to turn the tables.
2001
Hurwitz, Johanna
Four simple stories about a young boy at bedtime, when he is sick, getting ready to play in the snow, and helping his mother clean the house.
2003
Hurwitz, Johanna
Ethan feeds birds, squirrels, and ants, chases a cat, and rides bikes with his Dad.
2002
JER JONES
Jones, Christianne C.
Amy and Brad's parents go to the movies, leaving them with a babysitter who knows just what to do to make them happy.
2006
Jones, Christianne C.
Jamal, who will be in the fifth grade, and his little sister Anisa, who is going into first grade, go shopping for school supplies.
2006
Jones, Christianne C.
Mike is always clumsy and inept when he goes camping with his friends, but one night his problems come in handy.
2006
Jones, Christianne C.
Eric sits and watches as others participate in track and field day activities at camp.
2006
Jones, Christianne C.
A young fish wants to be able to play tag and other games with his friends, but first he must learn to swim.
2006
Jones, Christianne C.
Joey is nervous about his first day of school, but by the second day he is just excited.
2006
Jones, Christianne C.
Tom is sure that he does not like peas, beans, broccoli, corn, or carrots, until one day he eats them all cooked together in a casserole.
2006
Kalz, Jill
When three bears go fishing in a little house on the ice and catch only one fish, they have a good time eating what they have brought in their backpacks.
2006
Klein, Adria F.
Max likes riding the bus to and from school.
2006
Klein, Adria F.
During a visit to the barber, Max gets his hair cut and combed.
2006
Klein, Adria F.
Max visits the dentist to have his teeth checked and cleaned.
2006
Klein, Adria F.
While on a visit to his grandparents' farm, Max and his friend Don have fun helping with the chores.
2008
Knudsen, Michelle
Fish swims around, finds a mirror, and plays games with Frog.
2005
Lee, Quinlan B.
2007
Loewen, Nancy
Lady Lulu litters lots. Her leftovers fill the lawn, lane, and lake. Will a litter landslide swallow Lulu and all of Lucky Landing?
2009
Mackinnon, Mairi
2006
Martin, David
Four very brief stories about two frogs doing things that frogs enjoy.
2006
Martin, David
Monkey's adventures include making a birthday cake for Mom, losing a tooth, and hiding in the garbage.
2000
Martin, David
Monkey's troubles include popping balloons, high-flying kites, and puddles.
2000
Martin, David
Piggy and Dad have fun with drawings, the bathtub, sandwiches, and bedtime.
2001
Martin, David
Piggy's activities with Dad include playing with a ball, finding that Piggy has drunk all the lemonade he was trying to sell, having a water balloon fight, and sledding.
2002
Martin, David
Four brief, simple stories featuring Brother, Sister, and Baby Bear sharing a variety of activities.
2004
Marzollo, Jean
Shanna dresses up as the animal answer in these easy-to-read riddles.
2004
Meier, Joanne D.
Dalton teaches his dog, Duner, not to dig in mother's garden, in simple text featuring the consonant "d."
2005
Meier, Joanne D.
In simple text featuring the consonant F, Fatima and Fay find an injured bird, which they take to Dr. Fem.
2005
Meier, Joanne D.
Holly helps Hank build a snowman, in simple text featuring the "h" sound.
2005
Meier, Joanne D.
Lilly misplaces her lunch while getting ready for school, in simple text featuring the "l" sound.
2005
Meier, Joanne D.
Simple text featuring the sound of the letter "m" tells about Marcus receiving something in the mail.
2005
Meier, Joanne D.
Learn about the sound of the letter P, as Pam and her parents pack a picnic lunch to visit the park and petting zoo.
2011
Meier, Joanne D.
Simple text describe the move of Victor and his family to a new house.
2011
Meier, Joanne D.
Simple text featuring the sound of the letter "w" describes a child washing a dog.
2005
Michalak, Jamie
2007
Minden, Cecilia
Celine and Cedric Go to the Circus
Simple text featuring the sound of the soft "c" describes two friends' trip to the circus.
2005
Minden, Cecilia
2011
Minden, Cecilia
Simple text featuring the sound of the letter "t" describes how brothers Taejon and Terrel like to play together.
2005
Olsen, Leigh
Super Why and his friends fly into the fairy tale The Stars in the Sky to meet Ella, a young girl who is upset because she can't play with the stars. While in the book, they show Ella how she can use her imagination to play with the stars.
2009
O'Ryan, Ellie
Super Why and his friends fly into the story of George and the Dragon and meet the young knight who is too scared to rescue a princess guarded by a terrible dragon. While in the book, they help George find the courage to save the princess.
2009
Packard, Mary
A child watches his kite fly high in the sky.
1990
Packard, Mary
A young girl is having a very bad day, from falling out of bed in the morning to not being able to find her friends, but when she returns home from a rainy trip to the park her friends are waiting for her.
2004
Pearson, Mary
When a boy goes to the library, he realizes he can pretend to be and to do anything by reading books.
2002
Reggier, DeMar
A boy grocery shops for nutritious food with his father, and together they cook dinner for the family.
2005
Regier, DeMar
A child is so excited about her grandfather's upcoming visit that she counts down the hours until he arrives.
2005
Ring, Susan
The Little Einsteins fly to the jungle and discover some very musical dinosaurs.
2008
Ruane, Johanna
Rhyming text introduces a variety of boats.
2003
Russell, Paige
"It's a rollicking game of hide and seek and Pig Wig is it! You can run from Pig Wig, but you can't hide." -- Cover [p.4].
2008
Samton, Sheila White
Four brief adventures of Rosa as she imitates animals, goes to the beach, makes a sandwich, and has a birthday cake.
2001
Samton, Sheila White
Rosa enjoys digging a hole, walking in all kinds of weather, catching a fish, running, jumping, spinning, and more.
2001
Schaefer, Carole Lexa
Four stories about Beeper the alien.
2001
Schaefer, Carole Lexa
Beeper the alien has fun with friends, playing music, having a surprise, wearing silly clothes, and riding bumper cars.
2002
Shook, Rebecca E.
"Judy and Ruth have been practicing with their teacher, Mr. Hugh. Now they're ready to make beautiful music with their friends."
1998
Webster, Christine
Easy-to-read text follows Otter as she shares a picnic with some ants, takes a bubble bath, prepares for a swim in her back yard, and gathers apples.
2007
Whitehill, Simcha
Gary and Ash try to save some Shieldon from being hunted and sold.
2008
Willems, Mo
Time to Sleep, Sheep the Sheep
Cat the Cat has a slumber party with her animal friends.
2010
Willems, Mo
What's your Sound, Hound the Hound?
Cat the Cat's animal friends make many different sounds
