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Learning to read can be an exhausting affair for little ones. There are so many new words to stretch out and recognize that it's easy to get burned out after a page or two.
That's why it's so great to find beginner books that are playful and explore ideas they can relate to, and make them feel happy and accomplished.
This spring, I've highlighted five beginner series that are certain to reduce wiggles at reading time. Some are silly, others sweet, and all are fast-paced and irresistible to look at.
Max Spaniel (Two Books)
Written and illustrated by David Catrow
Orchard Books, 2009-2010
$6.99, ages 4-8, 40 pages
A goofy, lovely pooch named Max tries to convince everyone that he's not a dog in this side-splitting series about chasing your dreams.
In every book, Max gets a wild hare to be something new and gets in one funny predicament after another.
In Dinosaur Hunt, he struts about like a great hunter and ends up creating his own prey out of garden tools, then in Funny Lunch, Max declares he's a great chef, only to realize he's made a pizza mess.
Catrow's illustrations are incredibly funny and keep readers giggling.
Elephant and Piggie, 12 Books
Written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Hyperion Books for Children,