I am still circling around the US books before I start analysing the UK ones. Some of my favourite EasyReaders are from the “I Can Read” series. I even tracked down the editor and stalked her for many months I think.
My First I can Read Book – simple concepts and stories, told in familiar, easy to recognise words for the emergent reader.
Level 1 – Short, simple stories for the early reader
Level 2 – high interest stories with longer plots and language play for the developing reader
Level 3 – short chapters and more complicated plots for the newly independent reader
Then the last level of I Can Read Chapter Books – more challenging chapters for the fully independent readers.
These books also have class grading for teachers to use in classrooms.
Let’s look at a First I Can Read Book in more detail.
I am looking at Sid and Sam by Nola Buck and G Brian Karas.
The book has 12 spreads. But in the last 4 spreads, text appears on only one page. This book has almost a thin story thread that runs linear in time. There is no complication to the story. It is not only rhythmic to read out, but the editors have perhaps prescribed a specific set of words.
The book is written in 119 words. But the unique words in the book are much less than that. There are only 28 unique words and somehow the book manages to introduce word-play as well.
I am not really sure when read independently, the kids can get this humour. But if someone reads with intonation, this book would crack the class up. Of course, it lends itself to skits and interactive reading in the class too.
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