Finding the Perfect Book for Your Child: A Guide to I Can Read! Levels

One of a child's proudest achievements is learning how to read, and one of a parent’s proudest achievements is guiding the child from reading together to reading alone.

Choosing the right book for your child’s reading level can be an exciting but daunting task. Here is all the information that you will need to help find the right books for your child. I Can Read!™ books are organized into an easy-to-follow color-coded system.

My Very First Level

The My Very First level is the entry point for new, emergent readers. Box sets feature stories that are simple and predictable, and teach word recognition skills such as phonics. Stories about the loveable Tug the Pup and his friends are supported by colorful, engaging illustrations. See all My Very First level books.

My First Level

Books at this level, like Biscuit and Pete the Cat: A Pet for Pete, have short compelling stories, and are written with simple vocabulary. These books are for children who are just beginning to match spoken words to printed words. Repeated phrases allow kids to read some words along with their parents. See all My First books.

Level 1

This level is for readers who are beginning to sound out words and sentences. Books at this level, like Pinkalicious and the Perfect Present, Danny and the Dinosaur, and The Berenstain Bears: Gone Fishin’!, are written with simple sentences using familiar words. See all Level 1 books.

Level 2

Level 2 is for readers who are increasingly confident, but still need some help. Books at this level, like Frog and Toad Are Friends and Amelia Bedelia Joins the Club, include more complex story lines, longer sentences, and more challenging words. Mystery and adventure stories are included at this level, too. For kids who love reading about superheroes, a Justice League Classic, such as I Am the Flash or Superman: Day of Doom may be perfect reads. See all Level 2 books.

Level 3
Level 3 features many fun subjects kids love to read about on their own. Books at this level include challenging words and more complex themes. See all Level 3 books.

Level 4

Books at this level are for kids who are well on the road to becoming book lovers. These adventures make reading fun for the advanced reader. See all Level 4 books.