Step into Reading’s leveling system recognizes different developmental stages of emergent readers and is designed to deliver a successful reading experience at each step. With over 650 titles in print, children are sure to find accessible books about topics that interest them. Beginning summer 2021, beloved Penguin Young Readers authors and brands such as Eric Carle, Madeline, and Corduroy make their Step into Reading debut, bringing children a whole new way to enjoy these classic stories!

Download An Educators' Guide to Using Step into Reading in the Classroom

 

Step into Reading offers five steps to reading success. Each step includes engaging stories and colorful art or photographs to give every child an enjoyable reading experience.

Step 1: For preschool to kindergarten. Step 1 offers big type and easy words, rhyme and rhythm, and picture clues. These are perfect for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading.

Step 2: For preschool to grade 1. Step 2 includes basic vocabulary, short sentences, and simple stories. This level is for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Step 3: For grades 1 to 3. Step 3 books provide engaging characters, easy-to-follow plots, and popular topics. This level is for children who are ready to read on their own.

Step 4: For grades 2 to 3. Step 4 books feature challenging vocabulary, short paragraphs, and exciting stories. This level is for newly independent readers who read simple sentences with confidence.

Step 5: For grades 2 to 4. Step 5 books include chapters, longer paragraphs, and full-color art. This level is for children who want to take the plunge into chapter books but still like colorful pictures.

In addition to original fiction and books with favorite characters, there are Step into Reading Phonics Readers, Math Readers, Comic Readers, Non-Fiction Readers, and Spanish Readers—a complete literary program with something to interest every child.

Phonics Readers: Step into Reading Phonics Readers offer a unique way to turn daily reading into a pleasant and valuable experience. These books are designed to help your child learn about the sounds that letters stand for, how letters are put together to make words, and how words can be put together to make sentences.

Math Readers: Step into Reading Math Readers can help children develop important mathematical thinking. Each book includes an age-appropriate math element, an enjoyable, leveled reading experience, and lively colored art to help encourage and support children’s natural affinity for the discipline.

Comic Readers: Step into Reading Comic Readers are a perfect step in learning to read. They provide visual cues to the meaning of words and helpfully break out short pieces of dialogue into speech balloons. These books are designed to engage learners and to provide an empowering reading experience that is also fun!

Non-Fiction Readers: Step into Reading includes a huge selection of high-interest nonfiction topics to engage young readers—look for Biography Readers, History Readers, Science Readers, and Sports Readers. Topics include animals, important historical figures and moments, weather, prehistoric life, and much more! Reading non-fiction can help children build their vocabularies, learn how to compare different concepts, and grow their store of background information, and it helps raise questions and motivate children to find answers.

Leyendo a Pasos: Step into Reading Spanish Readers provide a wide array of titles in Spanish. They are the perfect books to help Spanish speakers learn to read or to teach children Spanish. With fun characters and interactive stories, Leyendo a Pasos can help foster a love of reading.