The journey to reading begins long before a child sounds out their first word.

For parents and educators guiding emerging readers (ages 0-5), selecting appropriate books helps to develop oral language skills that form the foundation for later reading success. 

While reading apps and digital tools are becoming more prevalent, nothing quite compares to the tactile experience of holding a physical book and turning its pages—especially when stopping to discuss a character’s actions or pointing out small details included in illustrations.

Who Are Emerging Readers?

Emerging readers are typically children between ages 0-5 in the pre-reading stage of literacy development. This stage focuses primarily on listening and speaking development, vocabulary acquisition, book sense, and foundational comprehension skills, not decoding text.

In this stage, children may begin to:

• Show interest in books and eagerness during story time
• Hold books upright and turn pages in time with your reading
• Recognize some uppercase and lowercase letters (particularly those in their name)
• Understand that print holds the story you’re telling and carries meaning
• Develop an ear for the sounds in words (phonemic awareness) through exposure to songs and rhyme
• “Read” familiar books from memory

The emergent reader stage builds foundational skills rather than actual decoding. It’s a time for developing vocabulary, phonemic awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words), and other oral language skills that create strong reading foundations.

Key Features to Look for in Books for Emerging Readers

Rich Language and Engaging Stories

Books with rich vocabulary and engaging storylines are important for language development at this stage. Look for stories with engaging characters and relatable situations that capture interest and introduce new vocabulary in meaningful contexts. The quality of language children are exposed to during these years significantly impacts their vocabulary development and later reading comprehension.

Engaging Illustrations

Picture books provide visual context that helps emerging readers understand stories, develop vocabulary, and make connections. 

High-quality illustrations can:

• Spark conversations about what’s happening in the story
• Help children learn new words by connecting images to language
• Support storytelling skills as children describe what they see
• Engage children’s attention while you read aloud

Wordless picture books can be especially valuable, allowing children to practice storytelling without the pressure of text. Try asking open-ended questions about illustrations: “What do you think is happening here?” or “How does the character feel?” These discussions build vocabulary and comprehension skills that form the foundation for later reading success.

Topics That Interest Your Child

A child’s enthusiasm for a particular topic—whether dinosaurs, vehicles, or animals—can significantly boost engagement with books. 

When children are excited about a book’s subject matter, they’re more likely to:

• Stay engaged during longer reading sessions
• Ask questions that develop comprehension skills
• Remember new vocabulary related to the topic
• Request repeat readings that reinforce language skills

Timely topics are also worth consideration as well. For fall reading, for example, you might want to choose books with apples featured in the storyline, or if you are moving, look for books about new homes or making new friends. 

Appropriate Length for Attention Span

Choose books with a length that matches your child’s attention span. Board books with durable pages work well for very young children, while picture books with more complex stories suit older emerging readers who are developing longer attention spans.

Three Types of Books for Emerging Readers

1) Books for Story and Vocabulary

Picture books with rich language play an important role in literacy development. These picture books might be more sophisticated and expose developing readers to new language.

When you read aloud, enhance vocabulary by:

• Explaining unfamiliar words and word meanings
• Connecting new vocabulary to familiar concepts
• Asking children to repeat interesting words
• Noticing when your child uses new vocabulary
• Using gestures to emphasize meaning

2) Books for Rhyme, Riddle, and Wordplay

Books featuring rhymes, alliteration, and other forms of wordplay are particularly valuable for developing a perception for language sounds, often called “phonemic awareness.” Fun texts like nursery rhymes, Dr. Seuss books, and titles like “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” help children hear and manipulate sounds within words—a foundational skill for later phonics success.

Try these activities with rhyming books:

• Ask kids to predict the next rhyming word
• Clap to the rhythm of rhyming text
• Make up fun sound patterns together
• Point out words that start with the same sound

3) Repetitive, Predictable Books for Memorization

Short, predictable books with repetitive phrases allow emerging readers to participate in “pretend reading” through memorization. While it’s important not to mistake this memorization for actual decoding, this practice builds confidence and reinforces the concept that print carries consistent meaning.

A child selecting to read the same book repeatedly is engaging in a specific task of brain organization. The repetition of a specific, familiar book helps to lay down well-myelinated pathways in their brains to facilitate the eventual emergence of reading. Think of it like creating a well-paved road for their reading experiences. They are not trying to drive their parents crazy—their brains just need that repetition.

Strategies for Supporting Your Emerging Reader

Read Aloud Daily

Reading aloud to children is perhaps the most important activity for building the foundational skills needed for learning how to read.

When you read aloud, you are:

• Modeling fluent reading
• Exposing children to rich vocabulary
• Demonstrating how print works
• Creating positive associations with books

Follow the child’s lead during read-aloud time. If they want to stop and discuss pictures, ask questions, or read the same book repeatedly, these are all valuable parts of the reading development process.

Engage in Conversations About Books

Discussion before, during, and after reading helps with comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. Ask open-ended questions that encourage children to think about the story, make predictions, and connect to their own experiences.

Create a Print-Rich Environment

Surrounding children with print—labels, lists, books, magazines, etc.—reinforces the idea that reading is valuable and useful in everyday life. Seeing adults read and discuss books helps children understand the importance of reading in our daily lives.

Follow Children’s Interests

When selecting books, consider the child’s interests. A child fascinated by dinosaurs, vehicles, or animals will be more motivated to engage with books on these topics. These kinds of interest-based “deep dives” are excellent for developing specialized vocabulary. A library card and a weekly adventure at your local library can be a tremendous source of support for parents. Many libraries offer opportunities for librarian-led experiences that will expand your child’s world even further.

Create a Rich Language Environment

Supporting emerging readers goes beyond providing the right books; it also involves creating a rich language environment.

Turn everyday activities into language-building opportunities:

• Grocery store visits:  Discuss food names, colors, and categories
• Nature walks:  Use specific vocabulary for plants, animals, and the world around them
• Mealtime conversations:  Describe flavors, textures, and experiences
• Car rides:  Play word games, sing songs with rhymes

Remember that “Reading” Takes Many Forms

For emerging readers, “reading” might mean:

• Looking at pictures and telling a story
• Pretending to read text while turning pages
• Identifying letters or words they recognize
• Listening to you read aloud

All these activities are valuable parts of reading development and should be encouraged.

Nurturing Life-Long Readers

Emergent literacy develops holistically through rich vocabulary exposure, meaningful conversations, experiences connecting words to the world, language play through songs and rhymes, and joyful interactions with books.

Whether you’re a homeschool instructor, classroom teacher, or parent, your role in selecting books that support, challenge, and delight your emerging readers is invaluable. When you pick books that emphasize oral language development and engaging with your child through thought-provoking discussions, you’re nurturing a love of reading that will serve them well as they become beginning readers.

Looking for more reading resources? Check out our additional articles on supporting struggling readers, building a family book club, or a librarian’s tips to further your child’s reading journey.