Course Content
Welcome
This AHEAD short course is designed for self-access. It should take around 2 hours to complete. You can complete it in any order you like but we recommend working through sequentially. There are inbuilt reflections and tasks to help you embed the learning into your day-to-day work. By the end of the course, you should: Be aware of diversity in Education and how traditional teaching approaches can create unnecessary barriers. Understand how Universal Design for Learning (or UDL for short) is an inclusive Education framework that gives staff in Education guidance to deal with diverse learners. Get insights into “UDL in practice”, Develop an awareness of how UDL can inform your practices, Help connect you to further UDL courses and communities of practice.
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Welcome to the Course
🌱 Module 1: Foundation & Mindset
Theme: Laying the emotional groundwork for joyful, resilient reading. Before we build skills, we build mindset. This module helps parents shift from correction to connection—seeing mistakes as moments for growth and collaboration. You’ll learn to nurture motivation, model authentic joy, and partner with teachers to create a united reading village that supports your child’s confidence from the inside out. 🌸 Module Takeaway When parents reframe challenges, nurture curiosity, and model joy, reading shifts from obligation to opportunity. The mindset you plant here becomes the root system for every confident reader who blooms from your care.
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45/. Module 1 Welcome Elementor
1Lesson 1.1 ELEMENTOR Reframing Reading Struggles into Opportunities (copy)
2Lesson 1.1 ELEMENTOR Reframing Reading Struggles into Opportunities
1.2 Elementor
1.3 Elementor
1.4 Elementor
2Lesson 1.1 – NEW💫Reframing Reading Struggles into Opportunities (copy)
CHECKED: Elementor 1.1:Practice: The “Pause & Wonder”
4 CHECKED: Activity 1.1 Response Scripts
5 CHECKED: Activity 1.1: 🔍 How Parents Can Step Back, Pause and Be Curious
6 CHECKED Elementor. Activity 1.1: Tiny Triumph Tracker
7 CHECKED Elementor Activity 1.1: 🧩 Additional Reasons for Stumbles
8 CHECKED: Elementor 1.1: Growth Mindset Phrase Chart
9 CHECKED Elementor 1.1: Weekly Practice Log
10 CHECKED Elementor /1.1: Micro-Wins Celebration Log
Elementor 1.1 Language Reframe
11/ 1.1: Think-Aloud Scripts
12/ 1.1: Language Reframe Quick-Reference Card
13/ Lesson 1.2 – 🔥 Understanding Motivation & Interest
14/ Lesson 1.2 – NEW 🔥 Understanding Motivation & Interest (copy)
15 CHECKED Elementor Activity 1.2: 🪄 Engagement Tracker
   16/ Activity 1.2: Book – Matching
17 CHECKED Elementor / Activity 1.2: 📸 Interest Safari
18 CHECKED Elementor / Activity 1.2: 🎶 A Reading Soundtrack
19 CHECKED Elementor /  Activity 1.2: 📖 Build-a-Book
21 CHECKED Elementor / 1.2 Activity Choice Board Template
22 CHECKED Elementor/ 1.2: Interest Inventory Worksheet
23 CHECKED Elementor / 1.2 Activity Engagement Cues
24 CHECKED Elementor / 1.2 Actyivity Book-Matching Guide by Interest
25 CHECKED Elementor / 1.2 Activity Interest Inventory Worksheet
26 CHECKED/ Lesson 1.3 – 💛 Modelling Joyful Reading
27 CHECKED/ Elementor: Activity 1.3: 🗣️ Think-Aloud Scripts
28 CHECKED Elementor / Activity 1.3: 💃 Body Language
29 CHECKED Elementor – Activity 1.3: 🔍 Modelling Joyful Reading
30 CHECKED Elementor. / Activity 1.3: 💭 Engagement Cues
31 CHECKED / Lesson 1.4 – 🏫 Partnering With Schools
33 CHECKED Elementor/ Download 1.4: Communication Starters
34/   Further Reading & Listening34
35/   🧠 Ways to Learn More
36/. Summary: 🗒️ Module 1
39/. ??? module 6? Activity Independence Transition Roadmap
40/ Video
00:00
41/ Infographic
LINK – reframing reading struggles infographic
42/. Lesson Video
00:00
43// testing formatting
44/. testing sections
Garbage???
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3Activity 1.1 language reframe
   32/ Download 1.4: My Child’s Reading Snapshot
   Activity 1.2: 💡 Spot The Spark Weekly Reflection
22/ 1.2: Interest Inventory Worksheet (copy)
   Activity 1.2: 🌿 Book-Matching Decision Tree
   Activity 1.2: 💡Nurturing the Spark – Action Ideas
   Reflection: Language Shift
Building the Foundation: lesson 1.1 – Reframing Reading Struggles into Opportunities
   Activity 1.2: 💡 Spot The Spark – Monthly Spark Summary
   Activity 1.2: 💡 Spot the Spark – Daily Observation Tracker
   📈 5. Success Metrics – “How Do You Know It’s Working?”
Activity 1.1: Growth Mindset Phrase Guide
   🧰 3. Attention Rescue Toolkit
   📔 1. 7-Day Attention Observation Log
   ⏱️ 2. Session Length Progression Plan
   🕰️ 4. Daily Schedule Templates for Different Family Structures
🌿 Module 2: Environment & Book Selection
Theme: Crafting spaces and selecting stories that nurture autonomy, curiosity, and connection. In this module, you’ll learn how to make reading feel like an irresistible invitation—not a requirement. You’ll transform both the physical and emotional environment so reading time feels safe, cozy, and joyfully child-led. From creating the perfect nook to choosing books that meet your child right where they are, every lesson helps you set the stage for deeper engagement and lifelong love of reading. 🌸 Module Takeaway Creating the right environment and book match transforms reading from an activity into a relationship. When children feel comfortable, capable, and represented, they don’t just read more—they love to read.
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Module 2 ~ Before You Begin
2.1 CHECKED Lesson: 🪴 Creating Cozy Reading Spaces
CHECKED Elementor Planner : Cozy Space
CHECKED Elementor Activity: 5 – Minute Reading Nook
CHECKED Lesson 2.2 – 📚 Choosing Developmentally Appropriate Books
CHECKED Lesson 2.3 Elementor – 🌎Building a Diverse & Inclusive Library
Checked Activity 2.3: “Mirror & Window” Books
CHECKED Activity 2.3 : How to Do a “No-Stress” Library Audit
CHECKED Lesson 2.4 Elementor – ⏰ Managing Reading Time & Attention Spans
   Activity 2.4: 🧩 Peek inside the Page – How hard is the text?
CHECKED Activity 2.4: 🧩 Wrong-Book Rescue Strategies
Activity Module1 – 7-Day Activity Log
2.1 Elementor
2.2 elementor
TOOLS
📖 Module 3: Read-Aloud Techniques
Theme: Bringing stories to life through voice, movement, and connection. In this module, you’ll learn how to turn every story into a shared adventure—one that engages your child’s imagination, strengthens comprehension, and deepens your bond. Through expressive reading, playful interaction, and mindful conversation, you’ll discover how to make read-aloud time not just educational, but magical. 🌸 Module Takeaway When you read with heart, stories become more than words—they become shared worlds. This module helps you infuse warmth, curiosity, and creativity into every read-aloud moment so your child feels connected, confident, and eager for more.
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**CHECKED ** Lesson 3.1 Elementor – Voice, Rhythm & Expression
   Activity 3.1: Character Voice Bank
CHECKED. Activity 3.1: Pacing Practice Script
   Activity 3.1: Pacing Practice Script (copy)
CHECKED. Activity 3.1: Expression Practice Cards
CHECKED. Lesson 3.2 – Props, Movement & Sensory Engagement
RECHECK. Activity 3.2: Movement Translation
CHECKED. Activity 3.2: Sensory Planning Template
CHECKED. Activity 3.2: Distraction Troubleshooting Guide
RECHECK ****. Lesson 3.3 Elementor – 💬 Interactive Questioning & Prediction
RECHECK ***** Cards: Question Starter
COMPLETED. Decision Tree: Question Type
CHECKED. Templates: Pre-During-Post
   Toolkit: Conversation Rescue
   Practice: Creating Characters
Lesson 3.4 elementor – Storytelling Games & Retelling
   Games: 10 Ready-to-Play Games
   Activity: Progress Indicators
   Activity: Setting the Mood
Lesson 3.5 – Handling Difficult Topics & Emotions in Books
   Want to make storytime even more fun?
   Activity: The “Just One Word” Challenge
Summary: Module 3
Ways to Learn More
Module 3 ~ Making Stories Come Alive
module 3 : capstone
Activity 3.2: MOVEMENT ACTION CARDS (Lesson 3.2)
Activity 3.2: THE ULTIMATE NO-BUY PROP LIST (Lesson 3.2)
Activity 3.3 QUESTION STARTER CARDS (Lesson 3.3)
Activity 3.3 CONVERSATION VS. QUIZ COMPARISON (Lesson 3.3)
Activity 3.3: PREDICTION JOURNAL TEMPLATE (Lesson 3.3)
Activity 3.2 elementor : STORAGE & ORGANIZATION TIP SHEET (Lesson 3.2)
Activity 3.4: STORY STONES VISUAL GUIDE (Lesson 3.4)
AUDIO SCRIPT: EXPRESSION IN ACTION (Lesson 3.1)
🧠 Module 4: Skill Development
Theme: Weaving skills into joyful, meaningful reading moments. This module shows you how to build core reading skills—phonics, comprehension, independence, and learning-style alignment—without sacrificing connection or fun. You’ll learn simple, research-aligned moves that fit naturally into read-alouds and everyday routines. 🌸 Module Takeaway Skills stick when they’re woven into stories with warmth, intention, and child-led choice.
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Lesson 4.1 Elementor – Phonics & Word Recognition in Context
   Game: The “Ears-On” Sound
   Activity 4.1: The Repeating Word
   Activity 4.1: Build It, Then Find It
   Activity 4.1: The Silly Sounds Swap
   Game: 5 Sound Games to Play in 5 Minutes
   Poster: Your Balanced, Joyful Read-Aloud: A Simple Flow
    Missing Piece 1: 🌟 The Foundational Lesson
🗣️ Lesson 4.2 – Boosting Comprehension Through Conversation
   Activity 4.2: Additional
🌟 Lesson 4.3 – Encouraging Independent Attempts without Pressure
🎛️ Lesson 4.4 – Supporting Different Learning Styles
Module 4, Lesson 4.2: “Your Comprehension Toolkit”
   Activity 4.🗺️ Tool 1: The Question Placement Map
Lesson 4.5 – Putting It All Together: The Balanced, Joyful Read-Aloud
Reading Rhythms
The 5-Minute Spark
Bloom Bites – One Petal, One Practice
Tonight’s Nook Nudge
Ways to Learn More
   Activity 4.2: Conversation Prompts: Your Story Talk Toolkit
4.1 Lesson
4.1: Bookmark: Helpful reading Prompts
4.1 Juicy Word tracker
4.2: COMPREHENSION STRATEGIES REFERENCE GUIDE
4.3 bookmark
4.3 praise guide
4.3: independence guide
4.3 independence tracker
learning style
🧩 LEARNING STYLE ASSESSMENT
🎨 MULTI-SENSORY ACTIVITY GENERATOR
LEARNING STYLES LESSON QUIZ
4.5 book job
quiz
🔄 Module 5: Integration & Sustainability
Theme: Make reading effortless by embedding it into daily life. You’ll learn to transform ordinary routines, tech tools, and family traditions into steady engines for literacy—so reading thrives even on busy days. ) 🌸 Module Takeaway Consistency > intensity. When reading lives in your routines and relationships, motivation blooms naturally.
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⏱️ Lesson 5.1 – Turning Routines into Reading Moments
📲 Lesson 5.2 – Digital Tools, Audiobooks & Beyond
🏡 Lesson 5.3 – Family Reading Rituals & Challenges
🤝 Lesson 5.4 – Creating Reading Communities & Social Connections
Family Literacy Growth Map
   Activity 5.1: The Power of Everyday Reading
Module 5 Completion Activity :🪞 Integration Reflection Journal: “Growing Our Reading Life”
Ways to Learn More
The 5-Minute Spark
Reading Rhythms
Bloom Bites – One Petal, One Practice
Tonight’s Nook Nudge
5.1: DAILY READING ANCHOR PLANNER
5.1: PRINT-RICH HOME CHECKLIST
5.1 – reference for me not for lesson
5.2: Tech resource List
5.2: 🎧 CO-ENGAGEMENT QUICK GUIDE
for me – 🎧 LESSON 5.2 – CORE PACKAGE COMPLETE!
5.4: Book Talk Scripts by Situation
5.4: Book Swap Starter Kit
5.4: Book Talk Tracker
5.4: When Community Feels Hard
5.1 knowledge check
Resources
🧭 Ritual Anchor Planner
📚 Print-Rich Home Checklist
🎨 Movement & Sensory Activities Bank
⏱️ Micro-Moment Tracker
🎯 Tech Tools Decision Guide
⚖️ 80/20 Balance Tracker
💬 Co-Engagement Conversation Starters
♿ Accessible Reading Resources Guide
📝 Lesson 5.2 Knowledge Check
📚 Lesson 5.2 Resources & Downloads
🎯 Reading Challenge Templates
🎉 Celebration & Milestone Tracker
📝 Lesson 5.3 Knowledge Check
5.4 Library planning visit
📈 Module 6: Assessment & Growth
Theme: See progress, build confidence, and plan the next gentle step. Track growth the positive way, elevate choice and voice, troubleshoot bumps, and guide the transition to independent reading—while keeping connection at the center. 🌸 Module Takeaway Measure what matters, celebrate often, and keep the next step small and doable. Independence grows from supported success.
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📊 Lesson 6.1 – Tracking Growth the Positive Way
🗳️ Lesson 6.2 – Building Confidence through Choice & Voice
🧭 Lesson 6.3 – Troubleshooting Setbacks & Planning Next Steps
🚀 Lesson 6.4 – Transitioning to Independent Reading
The 5-Minute Spark
Ways to Learn More (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)
Reading Rhythms (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)
Bloom Bites – One Petal, One Practice (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)
Tonight’s Nook Nudge (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)
6.1 :Activity 1: Baseline Observation Week
6.1: Activity 2: Co-Create Your Tracker
6.1: Activity 3: Past Progress Reflection
6.1: Activity 4: Family Strength Spotlight
6.1: Activity 5: Mid-Week Progress Check
6.1: BONUS ACTIVITY: One-Week Reading Challenge
6.1: TRACKING TOOLS CHEAT SHEET
6.2 Reading choice board
6.2 CO-CREATION PLANNER
6.2 RECOGNITION & CELEBRATION GUIDE
6.3 ROOT CAUSE FINDER
6.3 REFRESH & RE-ENGAGE TOOLKIT
6.3 REFRESH & RE-ENGAGE TOOLKIT
6.3 SCAFFOLDING & FADING GUIDE
6.3 MICRO-GOALS PLANNER
6.4 Independence Transition Roadmap
6.4 Reading Mentor Toolkit
6.4 INDEPENDENCE TRANSITION LESSON: COMPLETE FEEDBACK & IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE
testing
dfd
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testing lesson
Test – decision tree H5P
Understanding how to create a structure in Tutor LMS
In this Module you will learn how to create a sturture for your course
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how to create a lesson in tutor LMS
what do you do to create a lesson
Assignment 1
Dan’s page
Dan’s second page
Dan’s third page
From Chaos to Connection

Book Matching Guide

Book-Matching Guide by Interest helps parents stop guessing and start connecting their child’s existing passions to the right books. It’s organized into 20 interest categories — from animals and dinosaurs to mystery, humor, and graphic novels — with picture book, early reader, and chapter book recommendations for each, plus non-fiction options where relevant.

Beyond the book lists, the guide covers four practical strategies: how to match reading difficulty to interest level (high interest = stretch up, low interest = ease down), when to lean into series for momentum and confidence, how to search for more books at the library, on Goodreads, and through Google, and a troubleshooting section for common sticking points like “my child has no interests” or “the books I found didn’t work.”

The recommendations here are just a starting point — there are thousands of wonderful books out there, and new ones being published all the time! Use this guide as a springboard, not a complete list. The search strategies included will help you discover far more options tailored to exactly what your child loves right now.

The core me

The core message is simple: a book your child wants to read will always outperform a “better” book they don’t. When you find the right match, fluency, comprehension, and skills follow naturally.

Book-Matching Guide by Interest | Words That Bloom
Words That Bloom

Book-Matching Guide by Interest

Find the Perfect Books to Match Your Child’s Passions
🎯 How to Use This Guide

This guide gives you:

  • Book recommendations organized by interest
  • Search strategies for finding more books
  • Series recommendations for momentum
  • Tips for matching difficulty to interest level

How to use it:

  • Find your child’s interest below
  • Start with one recommended book
  • Observe their response
  • If they love it, explore the section or search for more
📚 Book Recommendations by Interest — click to filter

This is a starting point — not an exhaustive list. Use the search strategies below to find hundreds more!

🐾 Animals (General)
Picture Books
  • Over and Under the Pond — Kate Messner
  • National Geographic Readers (various)
  • Who Would Win? series
  • About Mammals — Cathryn Sill
Early Readers
  • Biscuit series — Alyssa Capucilli
  • Fly Guy series — Tedd Arnold
  • Frog and Toad series — Arnold Lobel
Chapter Books
  • Puppy Place series — Ellen Miles
  • Warriors series — Erin Hunter (ages 8+)
  • Hoot — Carl Hiaasen
  • Because of Winn-Dixie — Kate DiCamillo
Search tip: “[specific animal] + picture books” or “animal chapter books for kids”
🐶 Dogs
Picture Books
  • Harry the Dirty Dog — Gene Zion
  • Officer Buckle and Gloria — Peggy Rathmann
  • Biscuit series — Alyssa Capucilli
Early Readers
  • Henry and Mudge series — Cynthia Rylant
  • Biscuit series
Chapter Books
  • Puppy Place series — Ellen Miles (50+ books!)
  • Because of Winn-Dixie — Kate DiCamillo
  • Shiloh — Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
  • Where the Red Fern Grows (ages 10+)
🐱 Cats
Picture Books
  • Millions of Cats — Wanda Gág
  • Pete the Cat series — James Dean
  • Splat the Cat — Rob Scotton
Early Readers
  • Splat the Cat series
  • Bad Kitty series — Nick Bruel
Chapter Books
  • Varjak Paw — S.F. Said
  • Coraline — Neil Gaiman
  • Warriors series (cat clans)
🐴 Horses
Picture Books
  • Clara and Asha — Eric Rohmann
Early Readers
  • Pony Scouts series — Catherine Hapka
Chapter Books
  • Horse Diaries series
  • Misty of Chincoteague — Marguerite Henry
  • Black Beauty — Anna Sewell (classic)
  • Heartland series — Lauren Brooke
🦕 Dinosaurs
Picture Books
  • How Do Dinosaurs…? series — Jane Yolen
  • Dinosaurs Love Underpants — Claire Freedman
  • Danny and the Dinosaur — Syd Hoff
  • Nat’l Geo Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs
Chapter Books
  • Magic Tree House #1: Dinosaurs Before Dark
  • Captain Raptor — Kevin O’Malley
Non-fiction
  • DK Eyewitness: Dinosaur
  • National Geographic Readers: Dinosaurs
🚀 Space & Planets
Picture Books
  • The Darkest Dark — Chris Hadfield
  • Mousetronaut — Mark Kelly
  • Roaring Rockets — Tony Mitton
Chapter Books
  • George’s Secret Key to the Universe — Hawking
  • Space Case — Stuart Gibbs
  • Magic School Bus: Lost in Space
Non-fiction
  • National Geographic Readers: Planets
  • DK Eyewitness: Space Exploration
  • First Big Book of Space
Search tip: “space picture books” or “books like Magic Tree House”
🚗 Vehicles (Cars, Trucks, Trains)
Picture Books
  • Little Blue Truck — Alice Schertle
  • Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
  • The Little Engine That Could
  • Freight Train — Donald Crews
Early Readers
  • Cars and Trucks and Things That Go — Scarry
  • Otis series — Loren Long
Non-fiction
  • DK Big Book of Trucks
  • Mighty, Mighty Construction Site
🏗️ Building & Construction
Picture Books
  • Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
  • The Most Magnificent Thing — Ashley Spires
  • Iggy Peck, Architect — Andrea Beaty
  • Rosie Revere, Engineer — Andrea Beaty
Chapter Books
  • The Wild Robot series — Peter Brown
  • Hatchet — Gary Paulsen (survival building)
Non-fiction
  • Whose Tools? — Toni Buzzeo
  • Minecraft construction guides (yes, counts!)
⚽ Sports
Picture Books
  • Salt in His Shoes — Deloris Jordan (basketball)
  • The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes — Mark Pett
Chapter Books
  • The Crossover — Kwame Alexander (basketball/poetry)
  • Mike Lupica sports series
  • Magic Tree House sports books
Non-fiction
  • Who Was? biographies of athletes
✨ Magic & Fantasy
Picture Books
  • Dragons Love Tacos — Adam Rubin
  • Room on the Broom — Julia Donaldson
  • The Paper Bag Princess — Robert Munsch
Early Readers
  • Dragon Masters series — Tracey West
  • Unicorn Diaries — Rebecca Elliott
Chapter Books
  • Harry Potter — J.K. Rowling (ages 8+)
  • Percy Jackson — Rick Riordan (ages 9+)
  • The Land of Stories — Chris Colfer
  • Wings of Fire — Tui T. Sutherland
🏰 Princesses & Royalty
Picture Books
  • The Paper Bag Princess — Robert Munsch
  • Princess Knight — Cornelia Funke
  • Not All Princesses Dress in Pink — Jane Yolen
Early Readers
  • Princess Posey series — Stephanie Greene
  • Princess in Black series — Shannon Hale
Chapter Books
  • Ella Enchanted — Gail Carson Levine
  • The Wide-Awake Princess — E.D. Baker
🦸 Superheroes
Picture Books
  • Superhero ABC — Bob McLeod
  • Eliot Jones, Midnight Superhero
Chapter Books
  • Captain Underpants — Dav Pilkey
  • Dog Man series — Dav Pilkey
  • Lunch Lady series — Jarrett Krosoczka
Graphic Novels
  • The Bad Guys series — Aaron Blabey
  • Hilo series — Judd Winick
😂 Humor & Silly Books
Picture Books
  • The Day the Crayons Quit — Drew Daywalt
  • Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! — Mo Willems
  • Interrupting Chicken — David Ezra Stein
Early Readers
  • Elephant and Piggie series — Mo Willems
  • Fly Guy series — Tedd Arnold
Chapter Books
  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid — Jeff Kinney
  • Big Nate — Lincoln Peirce
  • Dog Man — Dav Pilkey
  • Captain Underpants — Dav Pilkey
🔬 Science & Experiments
Picture Books
  • Ada Twist, Scientist — Andrea Beaty
  • What If You Had Animal Teeth? — Sandra Markle
  • The Magic School Bus series
Chapter Books
  • George’s Secret Key to the Universe — Hawking
  • The Wild Robot series — Peter Brown
Non-fiction
  • National Geographic Kids: Weird But True
  • DK Eyewitness series (various topics)
  • The Way Things Work — David Macaulay
🌳 Nature & Outdoors
Picture Books
  • Over and Under the Snow — Kate Messner
  • Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt — Messner
  • We’re Going on a Bear Hunt — Michael Rosen
Chapter Books
  • Hatchet — Gary Paulsen
  • The Sign of the Beaver — Speare
  • Julie of the Wolves — Jean Craighead George
Non-fiction
  • National Geographic Readers (nature topics)
🍳 Cooking & Food
Picture Books
  • Dragons Love Tacos — Adam Rubin
  • Pancakes for Breakfast — Tomie dePaola
  • Stone Soup — Marcia Brown
  • The Little Red Hen
Chapter Books
  • Bunnicula series (food mystery)
  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Roald Dahl
Activity Books
  • Kids’ cookbook series (count as reading!)
🎨 Art & Creativity
Picture Books
  • The Dot — Peter H. Reynolds
  • Beautiful Oops! — Barney Saltzberg
  • Mix It Up! / Press Here — Hervé Tullet
Chapter Books
  • Judy Moody series
  • Dork Diaries series
Activity Books
  • Ed Emberley’s Drawing Books
  • Klutz craft books (reading + making!)
🏫 School & Friendship
Picture Books
  • First Day Jitters — Julie Danneberg
  • Chrysanthemum — Kevin Henkes
  • The Kissing Hand — Audrey Penn
Early Readers
  • Frog and Toad series (friendship)
  • Elephant and Piggie series
Chapter Books
  • Ramona series — Beverly Cleary
  • Junie B. Jones — Barbara Park
  • Ivy + Bean — Annie Barrows
  • Clementine — Sara Pennypacker
🕵️ Mystery
Picture Books / Early Readers
  • Nate the Great series — M.W. Sharmat
  • A to Z Mysteries — Ron Roy
  • Calendar Mysteries — Ron Roy
Chapter Books
  • Encyclopedia Brown — Donald Sobol
  • The Mysterious Benedict Society
  • Nancy Drew / Hardy Boys series
 
    📖 Graphic Novels (Great for Reluctant Readers!)
    Ages 5–8
    • Narwhal and Jelly — Ben Clanton
    • Dog Man — Dav Pilkey
    • Elephant and Piggie Like Reading!
    Ages 7–10
    • Amulet series — Kazu Kibuishi
    • Smile / Sisters — Raina Telgemeier
    • Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels
    Ages 9–12
    • Roller Girl — Victoria Jamieson
    • New Kid — Jerry Craft
    • Guts — Raina Telgemeier
    Remember: Graphic novels count! All reading builds skills.
    📊 Matching Difficulty to Interest
    🔼 HIGH Interest
    Offer books slightly above their comfortable reading level. Motivation will pull them through challenging words!
    Example: Child reads at Level J but is OBSESSED with space → try Level L–M space books. They’ll push through because they care.
    ➡ MEDIUM Interest
    Stay at their comfortable reading level. Don’t add difficulty on top of lukewarm interest.
    Example: Child reads at Level J and likes (but doesn’t love) fairy tales → stick with Level J fairy tales.
    🔽 LOW Interest
    Go easier than their level. If it’s required reading, reduce the skill barrier.
    Example: Child reads at Level J but dislikes historical fiction. If required, find Level H–I historical fiction instead.
    📚 When to Try Series

    Why series work:

    • Remove decision fatigue — child knows what’s next
    • Build confidence with familiar characters
    • Create momentum — child wants to know what happens!
    • Feel like friends, not new books

    Beginning Readers (Levels C–I)

    • Biscuit
    • Pete the Cat
    • Elephant and Piggie
    • Fly Guy

    Early Chapter Books (Levels J–M)

    • Magic Tree House
    • Junie B. Jones
    • Ivy + Bean
    • Dragon Masters

    Middle Grade (Levels M–S)

    • Diary of a Wimpy Kid
    • Percy Jackson
    • Wings of Fire
    • Warriors
    🔍 Search Strategies

    At the Library — say:

    • “My child loves [topic]. What do you recommend for age [X]?”
    • “We loved [book]. What else is like that?”
    • “My child likes [topic] but hates fiction. Non-fiction options?”
    • Librarians LOVE these questions — don’t be shy!

    Google search formulas:

    • “[Topic] picture books”
    • “[Topic] chapter books for age [X]”
    • “Books like [favourite title]”
    • “Best [topic] books for kids”
    • Example: “space picture books”

    Goodreads & Amazon:

    • Find a book your child loved
    • Scroll to “Readers also enjoyed” / “Customers also bought”
    • Discover similar books instantly
    • Search “[topic] books for children”
    🔧 Troubleshooting

    My child’s interest isn’t on this list!

    • Identify the broader category (e.g. “Monster trucks” → Vehicles)
    • Search: “[specific interest] + children’s books”
    • Ask your librarian — they’ll find it!
    • Look for adjacent interests (loves Minecraft → try building/creating books)

    My child has NO interests!

    • Offer variety: animals, vehicles, fantasy, humor
    • Watch for engagement cues — even small flickers
    • Try non-fiction (often surprises parents!)
    • Consider graphic novels for visual appeal

    My child only wants the SAME book!

    • Re-reading builds fluency — this is valuable!
    • Honor the re-read; then offer: “Want to try another about [same topic]?”
    • Find a series: “There are 20 more books about this character!”

    The books I found didn’t work!

    • Adjust level up or down
    • Get more specific (“animal rescue stories” not just “animals”)
    • Try a different format (fiction → non-fiction or vice versa)
    • Ask your child: “What didn’t you like? What would make it better?”
    🌟 Final Tips
    • Quality matters less than motivation. A “silly” book they love beats a “classic” they hate.
    • Graphic novels count. So do comics. So does non-fiction. All reading builds skills!
    • It’s okay to abandon books. Not every book is for every child. Keep trying!
    • Interests change. What works today might not work in 3 months. Stay curious!
    • Let them love what they love — even if it’s not what you’d choose.

    Your goal: Find books that make your child WANT to read.

    When you do — everything else (skills, fluency, comprehension) follows naturally.

    Keep matching. Keep observing. Keep experimenting. You’re doing great! 💚

    Download

    Please click here to download the Book Matching Guide

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