PRAISE FOR I LIKE TO READ® Books

“This series dares to make entertaining reads from short texts and familiar vocabulary.”
Kirkus Reviews

“Simple sentences, repetition, and a large font assure success for children just learning to read. This leveled series supports core standards, helping beginning readers understand characters, setting, and plot while building reading fluency. Superb choices for the very earliest readers.”
School Library Journal

¡A mí no!

¡A mí no!

¡Baila, baila, baila!

¡Baila, baila, baila!

1, 2, 3, Pull!

1, 2, 3, Pull!

3, 2, 1, Go!

3, 2, 1, Go!

★ “A sure hit.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“This succeeds both as entertainment and instruction; the pachyderms’ social interactions and STEM content are a delightful bonus.”
Booklist

A Hippo in Our Yard

A Hippo in Our Yard

“Donnelly’s ink-and-watercolor artwork has a steady energy, finely choreographed and sure of hand while possessing a delicacy that makes for a nifty encounter between child and beast.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A simply sweet (but not saccharine) tale for storytime sharing.”
School Library Journal

A Night at the Zoo

A Night at the Zoo

“One boy, one dad, one cellphone and one ill-timed nap add up to one crazy trip to the zoo. . . . Young animal lovers will find much to laugh at here.”
Kirkus Reviews

“The text is easy enough for emerging readers to tackle on their own, and the sound effects that the bold type invites will have even the youngest child joining in to ring, bop, snap, and yip.”
School Library Journal

Am I a Frog?

Am I a Frog?

Animals Work

Animals Work

“The watercolor illustrations of the various locations and the people that inhabit them are stunningly lifelike.”—School Library Journal

“A handsome animal book for young readers.”—Booklist

Bad Dog

Bad Dog

“Clear, direct text focuses on Tom’s many shortcomings. . . . For all his naughty habits, Tom remains a cherished, four-legged member of his family.”
School Library Journal

“Humor abounds . . . Readers may also make an emotional connection to a beloved pet as they witness the unconditional love the children have for their ‘bad’ dog.”
Booklist

Big Cat

Big Cat

“The vocabulary is simple—each spread includes the statement “a Big Cat can” plus a different sight word, creating a solid basic reader . . . a lively addition to easy reader collections.
School Library Journal

“The patient and long-suffering orange tabby Big Cat is an ideal companion for beginning readers. The simple subject-predicate sentence pattern will soon be easily recognized by the youngest beginning readers, offering near-instant reading gratification.”
Kirkus Reviews

“A big hit with burgeoning readers.”
Booklist

Boy, Bird, and Dog

Boy, Bird, and Dog

“This read-aloud, child to adult, with lots of pictorial details to notice and talk about . . . [is] a sweet, gentle charmer.”
Kirkus Reviews

Can Pup Find the Pups?

Can Pup Find the Pups?

Can You See Me?

Can You See Me?

★ “Simple declarative sentences encourage emerging readers to explore and, at the same time, develop a kinship for these creatures who ‘are still here.’ . . . An inviting exploration of a beautiful biome for budding nature lovers.”
Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“It is such a pleasure to turn the pages of a book by Lewin. . . . The full-color illustrations on double-page spreads are soft and pleasing. . . . Lovely, engaging early-reader fare.”
Booklist

“The big pictures make it perfect for storytime or for individual animal lovers.”
School Library Journal

Car Goes Far

Car Goes Far

“A perfect choice for toddler story hours or beginning readers.”
Booklist

“Garland’s little red car invites childen along for a ride to reading success. . . . An inviting, accessible title for new readers.”
Kirkus Reviews

Cat Got a Lot

Cat Got a Lot

“Another ideal story for newly hatched readers.”
Kirkus Reviews

Cat Likes Red

Cat Likes Red

Come Back, Ben

Come Back, Ben

★”This excellent early reader will send new readers’ confidence soaring. . . . The repetitive text will reinforce new readers’ engagement, [and] a supremely satisying page-turn shows Ben’s sister sailing upward while holding onto the balloon’s string.”
Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“This terrific beginning reader is imaginative, funny, and charming. The text is predictable and accessible, and the cut-paper and ink art matches it perfectly. . . . Children will want to read this one again and again. A must-have for both classrooms and libraries.”
School Library Journal

Crow Made a Friend

Crow Made a Friend

★ “A brightly illustrated story perfect for the very beginner reader.”
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Dinosaurs Don’t, Dinosaurs Do

Dinosaurs Don’t, Dinosaurs Do

“Straightforward behavior modeling for newly fledged independent readers. . . . Philosophically solid.”
Kirkus Reviews

Dog Meets Dog

Dog Meets Dog

Drew the Screw

Drew the Screw

“Cerato brings the coolness of working in the toolshed to life.”
Kirkus Reviews

“A good choice for children interested in identifying objects and actions they may see going on in their own basements or garages.”
Booklist

Ed and Kip

Ed and Kip

“An engaging tale of friendship, play and cooperation, replete with mild suspense and gentle humor.”
Kirkus Reviews

“This fine title will give much pleasure—and satisfaction—to emergent readers.”
School Library Journal

Ferry Boat

Ferry Boat

Fireman Fred

Fireman Fred

“This easy-to-read title features appealing folk-art paintings and a correspondingly simple text . . . this is a kid-friendly presentation about a popular topic.”
—School Library Journal

Fish Had a Wish

Fish Had a Wish

★”From the beaver’s coat to the tiger lily’s petals to the snakeskin, this fish tale is a keeper.”
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Fix This Mess!

Fix This Mess!

“Arnold offers emergent readers a predictable text, humorous cartoon-style illustrations, and a gentle reminder that we must all clean up after ourselves.”
Booklist

“A fun read for everyone, the mantra ‘I will fix this mess’ will be repeated in well-practiced robot voices by children, teachers, and parents alike.”
School Library Journal

Friends Are Fun

Friends Are Fun

Fun in the Sun

Fun in the Sun

“A buoyant dog tale from a master of the genre.”
Publishers Weekly

“This madcap summer adventure will guarantee a fun-filled storytime.”
School Library Journal

Gato feliz

Gato feliz

Gato gordo

Gato gordo

Go, Go, Go

Go, Go, Go

Good Night, Knight

Good Night, Knight

★ “The loony plot and the spirited pen-and-ink-and-watercolor illustrations elevate this book above most for emerging readers. . . . Clear text, amusing illustrations, and a captivating easy-to-read story make this a winner.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Grace

Grace

“The newest addition in the ‘I Like to Read’ series is a great purchase for early reader collections everywhere.”
School Library Journal

“There is more than one way to shine on stage, as Grace happily attests.”
Kirkus Reviews

Happy Cat

Happy Cat

★”Plenty of visual cues, lots of repetition and a clear story arc make this a perfect choice for beginning readers–and parents pressed for time will likely be happy themselves to find such a short, sweet read-aloud.”
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Three-word sentences allow beginning readers to connect with the action of the story while bright spreads provide lots of opportunities for discussion. Repetitive sentence structure and an engaging, simple story with colorful illustrations offer incentive for new readers to develop their reading skills.”
School Library Journal

Here Is Big Bunny

Here Is Big Bunny

“Each page delivers plenty to pore over, inviting kids to make up their own stories-within-the-story, and the revelation of the bunny’s identity (a parade is involved) should elicit some larger-than-life chuckles.”
Publishers Weekly

“Big fun for new readers.”
Kirkus Reviews

“This simple story with its detailed ink and paint illustrations will please beginning readers.”
School Library Journal

Hide!

Hide!

“This is a solid choice for those beginning to recognize sight words and visual clues . . . a winner.”
School Library Journal

“Created with ink, watercolor, gouache, and acrylic, the playful illustrations set the tone for the story of this funny book, which is sure to engage beginning readers.”
Booklist

“In fewer than 30 words, Henry creates a bright, cheerful ocean world. The characters are expressive and inviting—even the scary shark is depicted smiling. A delightful dip into reading.”
Kirkus Reviews

Hiding Dinosaurs

Hiding Dinosaurs

“A useful addition to collections for new readers in libraries and classrooms. An intriguing cover, attractive, action-filled illustrations, and an amusing story add up to a beginning reader with solid appeal.”
Kirkus Reviews

Horse & Buggy on Ice

Horse & Buggy on Ice

Horse & Buggy on Wheels

Horse & Buggy on Wheels

Horse & Buggy Plant a Seed!

Horse & Buggy Plant a Seed!

Hot Cat, Cool Cat

Hot Cat, Cool Cat

I Had Ten Hats

I Had Ten Hats

I Have a Garden

I Have a Garden

“A playful pup shares the wonders of his garden and all the living things that reside in it. . . . Superb.”
Booklist

“The bright pictures, particularly coupled witht he clearly defined value of the garden as a shared environment, make this a nice choice for preschoolers, too.”
Kirkus Reviews

“Barner’s amusing artwork done in paper collage, gouache, pastel, and pencil radiates off the pages as a playful pup shares the wonders of his garden and all of the living things that reside in it. The clear vocabulary and engaging drawings provide the earliest readers with a delightful story. . . . Simple sentences, repetition, and a large font assure success for children just learning to read. This leveled series supports core standards, helping beginning readers understand characters, setting, and plot while building reading fluency. Super choices for the very earliest readers.”
School Library Journal

I Help

I Help

“This early reader’s thoughtfully controlled vocabulary makes it accessible to the newest of new readers. Throughout, Cepeda’s energetic, warm depictions of the characters provide context clues to help emerging readers. . . Helpful!”—Kirkus Reviews

“Bound to be a success for beginning readers, this early reader is full of the repetition needed for introducing basic sight words.”—School Library Journal

 

I Hop

I Hop

I Like My Bike

I Like My Bike

“A mixed-media landscape reflects movement from road to road. Pencil, watercolors, and ink enhance digital scenes that flow from one driver to the next, while cartoon representatives of both flora and fauna drive their favorite vehicles. A simple repetitive refrain, “I like my…,” reinforces the text, while images allow readers to search for details, like finding the bike rider and other recognizable characters who meet at a parkside birthday party. . . . A suggested general purchase for guided reading, the visual variety of images urges readers to infer changes in text.”
School Library Journal

I Like the Farm

I Like the Farm

★”Special kudos must be given for the very natural way Rotner has included diversity—it’s especially gratifying to see diversity normalized and validated early, at the same time that reading comprehension is taught. Simple, encouraging text, charming photographs, straightforward, unpretentious diversity, and adorable animals—what’s not to like?”
Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

I Love Insects

I Love Insects

I Said, “Bed!”

I Said, “Bed!”

“Everything about this book is solid, from its picture-book size to its seamless melding of story and art. It raises the bar on what a beginning reader can be and will inspire any child to enjoy reading.”
—School Library Journal

I See

I See

I See a Bat

I See a Bat

I See a Cat

I See a Cat

★”The repeated sentence structure helps build confidence and fosters reading fluency. Another successful addition to the I Like to Read series: ‘I see a winner!'”
Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

I See and See

I See and See

“A useful instructional addition for beginning readers.”
Kirkus Reviews

“Simple repetitive text and large detailed pictures make this a perfect choice for the very youngest readers and may encourage them to take artistic inspiration from the world they see as the young narrator does.”
School Library Journal

“Lewin’s charming, realistic watercolors incorporate details with evocative touches.”
Booklist

I Will Try

I Will Try

“This cheery selection will bring feelings of accomplishment and security to new readers and budding gymnasts alike.”
Kirkus Reviews

It Is a Tree

It Is a Tree

It Is Time!

It Is Time!

Jump

Jump

“Kids who are interested in independent reading will likely read it over and over again . . . A charming early reader.”
School Library Journal

“Don’t expect the newest readers to sit still for this one. They’ll want to jump right into reading.”
Kirkus Reviews

Late Nate in a Race

Late Nate in a Race

“This easy reader is part of the publisher’s successful I Like to Read series, replete with large print and short, simple sentences. . . . Kids will readily relate and race to find another book like this one that they can read on their own.”
Booklist

Little Ducks Go

Little Ducks Go

“Little ducks do indeed go: not only where their mother leads them but also where they shouldn’t . . . ideal text for early readers.”
—School Library Journal

“It all ends with a very clever rescue scene and a nice lesson in generosity and cooperation to boot.”
—Booklist

Lo que hacen y no hacen los dinosaurios

Lo que hacen y no hacen los dinosaurios

Look Out, Mouse!

Look Out, Mouse!

“Delightful illustrations accompany a charming tale that will make a positive addition to most collections.”
School Library Journal

Look!

Look!

★”A satisfying challenge and a fun animal adventure made thrilling by Lewin’s characteristically spectacular use of light.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred

“The sentences of one to three words per spread in a large, clear font and the straightforward text-to-action correlation make for solid and attractive support for very beginning readers in a picture-book format.”
—Booklist

Los patitos pasean

Los patitos pasean

Lost Dog

Lost Dog

“Digitally produced illustrations create a dreamy, imaginative world. . . . A delightful story with wide appeal beyond the early-reader designation.”
Kirkus Reviews

Lunch Box Bully

Lunch Box Bully

Me Too!

Me Too!

★”From their adventures in the snow to a warm snuggle in their tiny and huge beds, Bear and Chipmunk are friends that new readers will want to turn to again and again. Here’s hoping there will be more.”
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★”Short declarative sentences and a great deal of repetition make this picture book perfect for developing readers. The large, joyful watercolor and ink illustrations are enchanting and will help children make predictions regarding unfamiliar words.”
School Library Journal (starred review)

Mice on Ice

Mice on Ice

“This very simple story is filled with rhyming and sight words perfectly suited to children just starting to read on their own. . . . Charming.”
School Library Journal

“An exuberant tableau.”
Kirkus Reviews

Mira cómo corro

Mira cómo corro

Moe Is Best

Moe Is Best

“This lighthearted take on youthful determination and the value of continued efforts successfully avoids undue complexity, allowing both message and story to reach their emergent-reader audience.”
Kirkus Reviews

“The simple text and repeatable story will make for a pleasant read.”
School Library Journal

Momo

Momo

My Day with Dad

My Day with Dad

My Day with Mom

My Day with Mom

My Dog, Bob

My Dog, Bob

“Though the story is short and understated, its gentle, ironic humor and quiet acceptance of individual strengths sends a powerful message. Not everyone has the same abilities, and sometimes one who is less than successful on the playground may be a star at home in the family constellation. Cartoon-style illustrations in watercolor and oil pencil use simple shapes and uncluttered backgrounds to effectively complement the restrained feeling of the succinct text. Quiet and clever, just like Bob.”
Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Nate Likes to Skate

Nate Likes to Skate

“Graphite and colored pencil illustrations lend a soft, accessible feel to the story, and brief conflict with a satisfying resolution makes this ideal for very young readers.”
School Library Journal

“From the I Like to Read® series, here’s a satisfying choice for children just getting started.”
Booklist

New Red Bike!

New Red Bike!

“Told in only a few words, this likable story of multicultural friends will tap into children’s emotions as they identify with Tom’s excitement over owning something new and his dismay when it is taken away. Ransome’s watercolor and pencil artwork is surrounded by plenty of white space and extends the story. . . . A fine choice for storytimes, this picture book would be a good discussion starter on the topics of friendship and sharing.”
School Library Journal

“Ransome, winner of a Coretta Scott King award for illustration, writes here about the joys of cycling and the perils of a lost bicycle, and ultimately about the rewards of sharing and riding bikes among friends. With sweet illustrations and simple text, the message will work especially well with the training-wheel set.”
The New York Times Book Review

Not Me!

Not Me!

“While controlled, repetitive text makes the story accessible to new readers, slapstick humor characterizes the busy watercolor-and-ink illustrations and adds interest. . . An early reader that kids will want to befriend.”
Kirkus Reviews

“A sweet and enduring story about two friends who just want to be together.”
School Library Journal

“With its large format, big print, and easy-to-read text, the book works well for beginning readers and for reading aloud to younger children.”
Booklist

Pants for Chuck

Pants for Chuck

“In this hilarious book, a sassy woodchuck experiences the pitfalls of trying on pants that are too tight. . . . A fun choice for independent or shared reading.”
School Library Journal

Peeper and Zeep

Peeper and Zeep

“The easy, repetitive text complemented by eye-catching cartoon art will encourage and reinforce young children’s efforts to read on their own. A great choice for beginning reader collections.”
School Library Journal

Pete Won’t Eat

Pete Won’t Eat

★”This charmer of an early reader presents an ironic twist on the tried-and-true picky-eater character by casting him as a pig. . . . McCully’s watercolors are comically expressive and engaging. New readers will eat this up.”
Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

★”The book’s bigger format leaves plenty of room for the uncluttered, colorful cartoon pictures and appropriately placed large font. Short, simple sentences; similar vowel sounds; and repetition add to readers’ ability to decode the text.”
School Library Journal, Starred Review

Pie for Chuck

Pie for Chuck

“The words have pure drive to them, and the repetition calls forth an incantatory urge to speak the words out loud. Fine for a read-alone but like dynamite for a read-aloud.”
Kirkus Reviews

Pig and Cat Are Pals

Pig and Cat Are Pals

“This short and simple story serves to enhance reader confidence with its repetition in text.”
School Library Journal

“A book for emergent readers to befriend.”
Kirkus Reviews

Pig Has a Plan

Pig Has a Plan

“Bright pastel-and-primary full-bleed illustrations featuring big-eyed farm folk will keep eyes on the page during storytime or guided independent reading. . . . A winner.”
Kirkus Reviews

Pig Is Big on Books

Pig Is Big on Books

★ “A subtle, accomplished story with few words but a big overall effect.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Ping Wants to Play

Ping Wants to Play

“This playful story offers plenty of support to new readers.”
Kirkus Reviews

Pip Sits

Pip Sits

“A good book for hatching new readers.”
Kirkus Reviews

Pizza Mouse

Pizza Mouse

“A satisfying treat for beginning readers everywhere.”
School Library Journal

Pug

Pug

★”‘Yap yap yap’ has never been so expressive or so insistent. New readers will be happy to yap along with this pup.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Sam and the Big Kids

Sam and the Big Kids

“Young kids who know what it’s like to be told ‘you’re too little’ will relate to Sam’s story, cheer Sam’s heroism, and delight in their own achievement of reading this all by themselves.”
—The Bulletin

“SAM will strike home with little brothers and sisters everywhere who always get left out when the ‘big kids’ are playing . . . Superb . . . for the very earliest readers .”
—School Library Journal

Score One More

Score One More

See Me Dig

See Me Dig

★”In this gem of an early reader, a cast of cavorting canines find more than they expected when they start digging. . . . New readers will dig this.”
Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“The dogs from See Me Run (Holiday House, 2011) return in another charming early reader. . . . A must-have for early readers.”
School Library Journal

See Me Go

See Me Go

See Me Run

See Me Run

“Formatted in a larger trim than the usual early reader, this imaginary rumpus is just right for beginners to successfully read and reread.”
Kirkus Reviews

Sick Day

Sick Day

“McPhail’s warm illustrations capture happy and sad emotions beautifully, but what’s best here is the sweet relationship between the trio [of Boy, Bird, and Dog].”
Booklist

Snow Is Fun

Snow Is Fun

Snow Joke

Snow Joke

“Anti-social high jinks deliver a lesson in kindness and in learning to read. . . . A snow book that deserves a warm reception from new readers.”
Kirkus Reviews

“A quiet picture book about navigating friendship. . . . Degen presents a story that’s not only perfect for budding readers but also one that teaches kindness and etiquette at an early age.”
—Booklist

“Readers will learn important lessons about friendship and forgiveness. . . . A good choice for the very earliest readers.”
—School Library Journal

Tengo un jardín

Tengo un jardín

The Big Fib

The Big Fib

“This story tells of a child in a true-to-life situation that leads to a useful lesson. . . . Sure to evoke smiles and recognition from readers and could prompt class discussion.”
School Library Journal

“This is light and enjoyable, and rare will be the kid who doesn’t get a kick out of Hamilton’s huge-headed, walleyed, and good-intentioned characters.”
Booklist

The Cats and the Cake

The Cats and the Cake

The Cowboy

The Cowboy

★ “It’s rare to find a real story in a book that brand-new readers can tackle alone—Anna and Toto and the cowboy certainly deliver.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Charming . . . a gentle and subtly humorous story of finding friends in unexpected places.”
—Publishers Weekly

 

The End of the Rainbow

The End of the Rainbow

“This enchanting story might inspire readers to set out on adventures of their own.”
School Library Journal

The Fly Flew In

The Fly Flew In

“Catrow’s outrageously funny caricatures steal the show in this simple story of a fly that wreaks havoc. . . . Repetitive words and extremely short sentences make this tale accessible for the newest readers. . . . Wonderful humor.”
School Library Journal

The Lion and the Mice

The Lion and the Mice

“Fantastic visual fun. . . . Aesop’s lion and mouse (or mice, as this case has it) have never looked more stylish. . . . As an added bonus after the moral is delivered, the lion says ‘thank you.’ Two lessons in one!”
Kirkus Reviews

Tugboat

Tugboat

“The glossary of shipping terms and a brief note about the use of tugs to transport parts of the Willis Avenue Bridge from Albany to New York City are genuinely insightful. This book will be tugged around quite a bit.”
—Booklist

“Children who love boats will thrill at the sights and see that small size does not preclude great strength.”
—Kirkus Reviews

VEO UN GATO

VEO UN GATO

What Am I? Where Am I?

What Am I? Where Am I?

“A straightforward guessing game connects iconic animals to their habitat . . . will make even pre-readers feel competent.”
Kirkus Reviews

“An excellent choice.”
—Booklist

Where Is Mommy?

Where Is Mommy?

Who Will Win?

Who Will Win?

You Can Do It!

You Can Do It!

“With its common themes of self-doubt, confidence, and friendship, this charming book should be a perfect fit for preschoolers, many of whom will get to experience immediate reading success.”
—Booklist

“A winner of an early reader.”
—Kirkus Reviews