usborne my first reading library

"It is a map." Let me tell you, that humble sentence is an exciting one. It's exciting because my son read it all by himself! As a confirmed book addict, I have been waiting, waiting for the day my kids can read because I know how empowering it is to lose yourself in a story. And, thanks to the First Reading Library, that day is on the horizon!

The Usborne My First Reading Library is a collection of 50 - yes, 50! - leveled books that will lay the foundation for literacy with your kids. The first 22 books are leveled very intentionally. They start with "dual reader" books with some text on the page for you to read and a very simple phrase or sentence for your young reader to practice. From there, you progress over 15 levels to books your kids can practice reading independently, still with simple sentence structure and vocabulary.

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The next 12 books are designed for kids to practice reading on their own, and the final 16 books get a little more complex to build stamina and confidence. With a variety of topics and illustration styles, this set will keep you and your young readers engaged and entertained as your young reader becomes familiar with the art of reading!

An added bonus with this series is the downloadable parents' guide, an 18-page PDF filled with resources, questions and answers, and insights about the words introduced in each book. 

It's that book (after book after book) that will gently guide your little one from recognizing basic words to being an independent, confident reader!

Book benefits (so many!):

• Books in the series were developed based on research, supporting development with phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension
• ​First seven levels of books are "dual readers" you read with your child to model and encourage reading
• Each book contains puzzles and questions at the back to check comprehension and reinforce keyword recognition
• Books address a variety of topics and characters to engage readers with all sorts of interests
• Series includes multiple illustration styles to keep reading fresh
• Books are lightweight and small, perfect for little hands - and for taking with you on the go
• At $80 for 50 books, you're paying less than $2.00 for each book!

What's more, online resources are available to support you from the British Usborne site:

• Downloadable Parent Guide for the series
• Very First Reading parent and teacher resource site
• Websites to support parents
• Activities for young children
• Guide to phoneme pronunciation​

Buy the Usborne My First Reading Library here! (paperback in cardboard case, $79.99)

Other reading series to consider:

• Very First Reading Boxed Set ($69.99, hardcover with cardboard case)
  • includes the first 15 books from the reading library in hardcover
• Read with Usborne books ($3.99 each, paperback)
  • new series of leveled books - buy individually, 4 levels available
• Phonics books
  • Phonics Readers Boxed Set (20 paperback books for $69.99 with cardboard case)
  • individual phonics books ($6.99 each, paperback)
  • Ted and Friends ($19.99, hardcover with CD)
    • bound collection of 12 phonics stories, including audio versions on CD
  • Cow Takes a Bow and Other Stories ($14.99, hardcover)
    • bound collection of 6 phonics stories
  • Raccoon on the Moon and Other Tales ($14.99, hardcover)
    • bound collection of 6 phonics stories

My short video review of the series: