Books for Just Starting to Read

Hi All
My son is 4 (almost 5) and is just beginning to read short, predictable text. I am really excited because, I used to teach first grade / reading. Yay! Anyway, this may seem strange because I am a teacher, but I am appalled at the lack of readable books for this age/reading level in the library. (At school we had a book closet full of little books just right for this stage of reading) My son's preschool teacher seemed a bit taken aback when I wondered if I could choose a few titles from the school's book closet to read with him. I wonder if anyone knows of any resources for this type of book. There are a few titles we have found that are simple enough at the library, but they are mixed in with all the rest.
After my brief conversation with my son's teacher, I went home and began making books using pictures of my kids. (ex:"I like building. I like sliding. I like cooking", you get the idea) This can be a bit labor intensive, but fun. But it really seems there should be more available to the general public for this stage of reading.

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So What Happened?™

Thank you all! So many responses to my request for reading materials for a very beginning reader. I really appreciate the time you took to respond. I have checked out several of the websites so far and like some of the printable materials I have found. My little guy enjoys the novelty of coloring in his own books, then reading them. I particularly like the starfall.com website and found a few appropriate titles at dltk-teach.com/minibooks. On dial up here it would have taken me ages to find all the sites you mentioned.
I haven't checked out the Bob books yet, though I am familiar with many of the Scholastic series. I just haven't been happy with them for truly beginning readers, because you tend to go in thinking they will all be readable and appropriate, but they often have little oddities in the text that make it hard for beginners. Since my son is so young I don't want him to be discouraged by any of that. Nonetheless I thank each and every one of you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom on this subject.

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A.Z. answers from Boston on February 13, 2008

A friend gave me this book for our baby shower and I really like it. It talks about why it's important to read to children (with a section for educators). But most important, it has a list of recommended books based on reading level.

http://www.amazon.com/Read-Aloud-Handbook-Sixth/dp/014303...

You can also check out the website related to the book:

http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/

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S.H. answers from Hartford on February 12, 2008

A., My son (now Harry Potter age - those books were a long time ago!) loved his subscription to Babybug magazine - the youngest version of Cricket - we got as a gift. Also, some public libraries have a great section of these in the kids section - I'd call around and see if a nearby town does separate them out into levels instead of just lumping them in together. - S. H.

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R.B. answers from Providence on February 13, 2008

enchantedlearning.com has lots of early literacy books that are printable. I use them with my ESL kids. also, if you don't mind spending the money, readinga-z.com is another resource i use.

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L.C. answers from Providence on February 13, 2008

There are two things I can think of ...

you can check out http://www.learningpage.com/free_pages/home.html

I love this website for free printables for education.. there might be some reading ones there.

Or if you have some books around the house - you wouldn't mind "swapping" - check out paperbackswap.com - it is a great resource to take some of your old books and get new ones for "free" - you pay postage on the books you mail out. They carry books that others post - I have recieved some of the American Girls books and some "read to me" books from there.

Good Luck
L.

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S.T. answers from Boston on February 13, 2008

A., I found myself in a similar situation with my kindergartener recently. I found a TON of the scholastic sight reader sets on Ebay pretty reasonable. Since you have a younger son as well, the investment would certainly be worth it. When you are done with them, you could just resell them. I sure since you were a first grade teacher, you know the series I am referring to. They are absolutely wonderful. Hope this helps!

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S.B. answers from Boston on February 13, 2008

A.,

I am an Usborne book educational supervisor, and helping people is what I like doing best! Usborne has many books for all ages, including beginning readers. Visit my website at www.UsborneSarah.com. Look for the phonics readers, and also the young readers series, as there are some great books in there for beginning readers. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.