5 Tips for Parents picking books for Early Readers

My word, I think early reading is less about “fostering a lifelong love of literature” and more about surviving the 47th consecutive reading of a book about a talking truck without losing your mind. As parents, we want books that help our kids learn, but we also want books that don't make us want to hide under the coffee table. How on earth do you pick books that encourage early readers?

So, what actually makes a "good" early reading book? Aside from being chew-proof (a literal lifesaver), here are the components that actually work—with a few guest appearances from my own literary adventures.

1. Predictability (or: The "I Can Guess the Ending" Strategy)

New readers need a win. Predictable books use repetitive lines and rhythms so kids can anticipate what’s coming next. It’s like a karaoke machine for toddlers. In my book

ABCDewey, I use the familiar structure of the alphabet to guide the way. When kids see the pattern, they stop guessing and start reading.

2. Supportive Pictures (Visual Cheating is Allowed)

In early literacy, looking at the pictures isn’t cheating—it’s "contextual decoding." Good books have illustrations that practically shout the story at you. If the text says "The dog is sad," the dog better look like he just found out his favourite ball is stuck under the fridge. In

Sometimes I Feel Lonely, the visuals help bridge the gap between those "Big Feelings" and the words on the page, making the complex stuff easier to digest.

3. Relatable Drama (The "I've Been There" Factor)

If a kid doesn’t care about the character, they won’t care about the vowels. You need stakes! Whether it’s a picky eater facing down a marigold in MMM... Marigolds! or a reindeer trying to get his groove back in Blitzen Bounces Back!, kids connect when they see their own struggles—like perseverance and tenacity—reflected in a silly story.

4. Simple Sentences, Big Ideas

Early readers shouldn’t feel like they’re reading a legal contract. We’re talking simple sentences and clear fonts. But "simple" doesn't have to mean "boring." You can teach big lessons about unique gifts—like in Merry to Be Me! —using language that won't make a five-year-old's brain short-circuit.

5. The "Read It Again" Magic

The ultimate test of a children’s book is its longevity. Does it make you chuckle? Does it have a bit of wit? If you can’t stand it, they won't either. Look for books that treat kids like the smart, funny little humans they are—because eventually, they’ll be reading the grocery list back to you, and you’ll want to make sure they have good taste.

Happy reading, parents. May your coffee be strong and your "one last story" actually be the last one.