Books for Early Readers

 Series such as “I-Can-Read”, “Step Into Reading” and “Dell Picture Yearlings” were created to support the child who is starting to read without any help.  Books for early readers contain many of the same characteristics.

 Usually done in cartoon style.  Provide clues to the text.  Detail is often minimal.  Extra objects and unnecessary backgrounds are not usually included.  Fun, artistic illustrations are still used (i.e.-Frog and Toad are Friends).

 Unexpected or humorous scenarios involving the characters.  Whimsical illustrations.

 Repeated Themes:  Longing for and importance of friendship  Children and adults making mistakes and still being accepted  Celebration of special events (i.e.-birthday parties)  Joy of having a pet  Reluctance to go to bed  Being afraid  Children being adventurous or creative  The need to be taken care of, etc.

 The best early reader books don't have a controlled vocabulary.  Most books have sentences no longer than twelve to twenty words.  Authors tend to repeat words over and over in the context of the story so that they make sense.  New words are used in the illustrations the majority of the time.

 Frequent use of rhyme and rhythm makes books easier to read because it makes them more predictable.  Make reading more fun!  The reader can make predictions about what the next word will be.

 Motivates children to figure out words.  Makes the tone light and playful.  Infuses fun into reading.

 Lots of dialogue is used in early readers to carry the plot line forward.  Helps keep the action moving.  Allows much information to be conveyed in short sentences.

 Encourages new readers to “chunk” or read phrases instead of individual words.  Help readers to do more than sounds out individual sounds.

 Carry the heavy load of establishing the characterization as well as the setting.  Nature of the characters is portrayed through the drawings.  Show a lot about the characters and their relationships with each other.

 Demonstrate the characteristics of humans.  Fun for children to see the scenarios with animals involved.  Children can easily relate to animals.

 Mitchell, Diana. Children’s Literature: An Invitation to the World. 1 st edition. Pearson Education, Inc., 2003.