Books About Learning To Read

The Best Learning To Read Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about learning to read? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#2 in Series

#9 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Learning To Read

Sale price

$1049

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2024

Boo the Library Ghost

By Becky Paige

A ghost haunts the library, but a brave girl might know how to help him.

32 pages· 594 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.2 Goodreads · 357 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a haunted library, Boo the ghost scares everyone away, casting shadows and causing chaos. But young Poppy, determined to read in peace, suspects Boo's antics hide a deeper desire. As she uncovers Boo's secret wish to learn to read, Poppy sets out to teach him, transforming the mischievous spirit into the friendliest library ghost. Can Poppy's courage and kindness turn fear into friendship and restore harmony to her beloved library? Discover a heartwarming tale of unexpected bonds and the magic of books.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1989

The Wednesday Surprise

By Eve Bunting, Donald Carrick (Illustrator)

A surprise gift reveals the heartwarming bond between generations through shared stories.

Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (1990)

32 pages· 990 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 1,041 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Anna and Grandma have a special surprise for Dad's birthday. While everyone believes Grandma is teaching Anna to read, the truth is far more touching. On the big day, Grandma stands up and reads aloud the stories Anna has taught her, unveiling a heartfelt gift that transcends generations. What lessons do they learn from each other, and how will this surprise change their family dynamic? Discover the power of shared stories and the bonds they create.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2010

How Rocket Learned to Read

By Tad Hills · Rocket series

A dog named Rocket learns to read with the help of a little yellow bird.

40 pages· 811 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 6,438 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Rocket, an eager dog, embarks on a journey to master reading with the guidance of a little yellow bird. As Rocket discovers the wonders of the alphabet, he faces the challenge of sounding out words and reading independently. Will Rocket's determination and his feathered friend's encouragement lead him to success? This heartwarming tale of friendship and learning is perfect for young readers ready to explore the magic of words.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2004

Mr. George Baker

By Amy Hest, Jon J Muth (Illustrator)

An unlikely friendship bridges generations as two learn to read together.

32 pages· 563 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.2 Goodreads · 385 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: On George's porch, a hundred-year-old musician and a young boy form an unexpected bond. As they wait for the school bus, they share a common struggle: learning to read. Despite their differences, George's rhythmic fingers and Harry's untied shoelaces symbolize a warm friendship that transcends age. What challenges will they face, and how will their shared journey transform them? Discover the power of language and connection in this heartwarming tale of intergenerational friendship.

Picture Book · 1998

Wolf!

A wolf learns to read to win over farm animals.

32 pages· 731 words

4.1 Goodreads · 639 ratings

Paperback

Summary: A determined wolf embarks on a journey to learn reading, hoping to win the approval of skeptical farm animals. As he struggles with letters and words, will his newfound skill change their perception of him? Discover how this unlikely scholar's quest for acceptance unfolds in a world where appearances often deceive.

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1989

Sarah Morton's Day

By Scholastic Inc., Kate Waters · Scholastic Bookshelf series

A pilgrim girl navigates daily life and a new stepfather.

32 pages· 1,072 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.0 Goodreads · 692 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In the heart of Plimoth Plantation, a young pilgrim girl faces the challenges of a new life. As she milks goats and learns her letters, she must also adjust to a new stepfather. Will she find her place in this unfamiliar world, or will the weight of change prove too much? Follow her journey through a day filled with chores, learning, and the quest for belonging.

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 1988

Clara and the Bookwagon

By Nancy Smiler Levinson · I Can Read series

A bookwagon visit challenges a father's views on reading.

64 pages· 1,539 words· Est. 26 min read

4.0 Goodreads · 501 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Clara dreams of reading, but her father insists farm life leaves no time for books. When a traveling bookwagon, led by the determined Miss Mary, arrives at their doorstep, Clara's world teeters on the brink of change. Will this unexpected encounter with the first horse-drawn library convince her father to see the value in her dreams? Discover how a simple wagon filled with books can transform a family's perspective and open doors to a world of knowledge and adventure. Can Clara's passion for reading overcome the barriers of tradition and expectation?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 5–11 · 2015

A Complicated Case

By Ulf Nilsson, Gitte Spee (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Detective Gordon series

Forest animals face slander. Can Detective Gordon solve the mystery?

106 pages· 11,346 words· Est. 2 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 266 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In the forest, rumors spread like wildfire, and Detective Gordon is on the case. With his trusty assistant Buffy, they must uncover which animal is behind the malicious gossip. As Buffy questions suspects, Gordon ponders the mystery from his bed, where he does his best thinking. The stakes are high: solve the case, and Buffy might become Police Chief. But if they fail, the forest's harmony is at risk. Will Gordon's unorthodox methods crack the case, or will the truth remain hidden among the trees? Dive into this whimsical mystery filled with humor and heart.

Sale price

$1049

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

It's a Sign!

By Jarrett Pumphrey (Author/Illustrator), Jerome Pumphrey (Author/Illustrator), Mo Willems · Book #9 in the Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! series

Four friends struggle to name their new club. Will they find a sign?

64 pages· 428 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

3.8 Goodreads · 451 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Four friends, each with unique talents, embark on a quest to name their new club. As they brainstorm, they realize that finding the perfect name is harder than expected. Will a mysterious sign guide them to the answer, or will their club remain nameless? Join One, Two, Kat, and Four on a whimsical journey of creativity and friendship, where the challenge of naming becomes an adventure in itself.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2012

The Wild Book

By Margarita Engle

A girl with dyslexia finds strength in a blank book, transforming her struggle into a powerful tool when her family faces danger.

144 pages· 6,822 words· Est. 46 min read

3.8 Goodreads · 822 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Fefa battles dyslexia, her world a jumble of elusive letters. Given a blank book by her mother, she begins to plant words like seeds, nurturing them into strength. As her confidence grows, so does her ability to face challenges. When her family is threatened, Fefa's newfound skills become their unexpected salvation. Can her wild book truly hold the key to their safety? Discover the transformative power of words in this poetic journey of resilience and hope.

The Bookroo Book Club