My First Bob Books: Pre-Reading Skills

Bob Books is ideal for preschool to early elementary aged children who are beginning to decode and need small successes to build reading confidence. It works best for learners who benefit from clear structure, phonics-based progression, and repetition in simple, low-anxiety text.

This series may not suit older children beyond the emerging reader stage or those seeking rich, narrative-driven texts. It also may not meet the needs of families seeking a full-year literacy curriculum, as the books are designed as decodable starters rather than comprehensive language arts instruction.

Parents of children with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences often praise Bob Books for its clear, step-by-step phonics approach and predictable text, which supports focus and reading confidence

While helpful for early reading, gifted learners often move through the simple text quickly. Families find it most effective when paired with more challenging books or used as a confidence boost in the earliest stages of literacy

These books are meant to be read by an adult to a child. Kids learn pre-reading skills through fun stories with recurring characters. Skills covered include letter shapes and sounds, recognizing patterns and shapes, and more.

GRADE LEVEL: Usually Pre-K and Younger

Guided Reading Levels: n/a

Policies vary depending on where you purchase; direct orders may allow returns on new, unopened books, while third-party retailers follow their own terms.

Many families suggest starting with just a few books at a time and celebrating each completed read to reinforce success. Keeping the books visible and special—sometimes using a dedicated “reading basket”—helps children feel ownership. Others pair each story with follow-up activities using the workbooks or notebooks to reinforce phonics lessons and track progress.