Kindergarten is tricky, because reading levels can vary so wildly. One of my daughters was on a second or third grade reading level in kinder while another was very much a beginning reader. I put together a list of classic, beginning literature plus fun picture books that are easy enough for a more advanced reader to read on their own but also short enough to be read by a parent to a child that is just barely learning to read.

1. Usborne First Reading Library
   A fantastic set of early readers covering classic tales and original stories. This is where I would start for a beginning reader. I believe it’s something like 50 books, and they’re actually fun to read, unlike some early readers. Each book has a section that lets the parent know what sounds the child should be able to read before starting, and the back of each book has a little comprehension puzzle. You can often find this set for sale on marketplaces.
2. Biscuit Book Series by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
   Sweet stories about an adorable puppy. Woof! (If you know, you know)
3. Frog and Toad Book Series by Arnold Lobel
   Timeless tales of friendship and adventure.
4. Henry and Mudge Book Series by Cynthia Rylant
   A boy and his lovable dog share heartwarming adventures. I recommend these a lot to my friends with boys, but my daughters also love these.
5. Mr. Putter and Tabby Book Series by Cynthia Rylant
   Stories of a kind old man and his cat, filled with humor and warmth.
6. Bink and Gollie Book Series by Kate DiCamillo
   Fun stories about two best friends with opposite personalities.
7. Mercy Watson Book Series by Kate DiCamillo
   Hilarious tales of a toast-loving pig.
8. Poppleton Book Series by Cynthia Rylant
   Adventures of a pig and his animal friends in a small town. Any book by Cynthia Rylant is such a classic.
9. Elephant and Piggie Book Series by Mo Willems
   Humorous stories of friendship between an elephant and a pig.
10. Grizzwold by Syd Hoff
    A gentle tale of a big bear trying to find a new home.
11. Anatole by Eve Titus (Picture Book)
    The adventures of a clever French mouse who becomes a cheese-taster. If you like Ratatouille, this book is for you.
12. Corduroy by Don Freeman (Picture Book)
    The classic story of a teddy bear searching for a button—and a friend.
13. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (Picture Book)
    A mischievous rabbit learns valuable lessons in the garden.
14. Little Bear Book Series by Else Holmelund Minarik
    Sweet and simple stories about Little Bear and his adventures.
15. Anna Hibiscus Book Series by Atinuke
    Stories about a girl living in modern Africa with her loving family.
16. Nate the Great Book Series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
    Simple mysteries solved by the clever Nate and his dog, Sludge.
17. Max & Ruby Book Series by Rosemary Wells
    Sweet and funny stories about two bunny siblings
18. Pete the Cat Book Series by James Dean (Picture Books)
    Fun, groovy tales about Pete and his adventures
19. The Best Mouse Cookie by Laura Numeroff (Picture Book)
    A charming spin-off from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, perfect for early readers.
20. Flashlight Night by Matt Forrest Esenwine (Picture Book)
    A poetic adventure about the power of imagination at night.
21. Once Upon a Winter’s Day by Liza Woodruff (Picture Book)
    A beautifully illustrated tale about following animal tracks in the snow.
22. The Ugly Doodles by Valeria Wicker (Picture Book)
    A creative story about turning mistakes into art.
23. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (Picture Book)
    A classic story of a boy enjoying a snowy day.
24. Who Will Kiss the Crocodile? by Suzy Senior(Picture Book)
    A humorous twist on Sleeping Beauty, with a crocodile as the sleeper. We often give this book as birthday gifts to our friends.
25. Growing Spaghetti by Katie Trujillo-Acosta (Picture Book) This is one of my books! It’s a sweet story about a boy learning patience in the process of gardening with his family.