The
Parents’ Guide
to My First
Reading Library
About My First Reading Library
My First Reading Library brings you the Inspiring stories, fun puzzles
Usborne Very First Reading series and a special Each book contains an imaginative story
selection of titles from Usborne First Reading, with a theme that really appeals to children:
written and developed for children who are learning animals, knights and castles, pirates and so on.
to read. Together, these two series support children After the story there are puzzles for the child to
as they take their very first steps in reading. do with an adult’s help. These test understanding
of the story and provide further reading practice.
Read at home, read at school
The books can be used either on their own or Online support
together with the reading program or curriculum You can also find plenty of support,
used by your child’s school. They can easily be advice and downloadable extras online
combined with many popular reading programs. at [Link]
Getting started - reading with an adult Successful reading strategies
In the first seven stages of Very First Reading, Very First Reading makes extensive use of
adult and child take turns to read, with the child scientifically based research to support the
reading more and more in each book. By book teaching of reading. Very First Reading
eight, the child reads the story and the adult actively develops the five skills that all children
is able to listen and help where needed. Shared need to master in order to become fluent readers:
reading of a story provides great support and phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency,
motivation for beginning readers, allowing them vocabulary and comprehension. What’s
to take part in an exciting story using more, the engaging stories and bright, appealing
very few words. illustrations help develop the motivation that
children need in order to become successful readers.
Questions and answers
From “can read” to “loves reading” • When should I start reading with my child?
Once children have read all the titles in Very Every child is different, so do take your cue from
First Reading, they will have a sound basis to your own child. You can encourage an interest in
start reading more widely. Usborne First Reading books from an early age, reading to your child
is a wonderful introduction to the world of books and visiting your local library. Look for signs of
that will give your child a solid foundation “reading readiness,” when children start taking
for years to come. Compelling stories and an interest in words they see around them –
illustrations encourage your child to take pride in “Mommy, what does that say?” – typically
their own library of classic folktales from around around four years of age, sometimes earlier.
the world, original stories and popular rhymes.
• My child has already started reading
Supporting your child at every stage at school. Won’t he get confused?
First Reading provides a choice of stories, Usborne Very First Reading closely supports
graded into levels depending on the length and the synthetic phonics methods used by many
difficulty of the text. The books do not have the schools, and provides valuable reading practice
close, formal structure of Very First Reading, even if your child is using a different method.
but are easy to read with occasional help from
an adult. Gradually your child will develop • My child can read a little already. Does
reading skills and stamina, while enjoying she really need to start with Book One?
fantastic stories. You may find that it’s reassuring to start at
All of the First Reading stories are written to a level or two below your child’s ability and
specific guidelines so that vocabulary, sentence progress quickly, and children will enjoy all the
length and overall length are manageable for stories even if the text is comparatively easy.
the beginning reader. At the same time, the
language is fresh and natural and the You can find more questions and answers at
stories are a pleasure to read and re-read. [Link]
About phonics
Many schools now use phonics teaching in the Usborne Very First Reading introduces
early stages of reading. Very First Reading uses all the phonemes in a tried and tested order of
a particular style of phonics teaching, progression, from simple letter-sounds to complex
known as synthetic phonics. and variable spelling and pronunciation.
What is synthetic phonics? Irregular words
Synthetic phonics involves learning Words can be divided into two basic groups:
to recognize the distinct sounds, or regular phonic words, such as “cat,” and words
phonemes, that go together to make up that are wholly or partly irregular.
words. There are 44 phonemes in the English Around 85% of words in English are regular,
language. Some phonemes correspond to a single but some very common words, such as “I” and
letter, like the c-a-t sounds (“cuh-ah-tuh”) in the “the,” are irregular. These are sometimes called
word “cat,” and others to combinations of letters, “sight words” or “tricky words.” Each book in
such as the sh-ar sounds in the word “shark.” Very First Reading introduces one or two of
these “tricky words,” at the stage when children
How does it work? can best decode them. In this way, children
Children start by learning just a few phonemes, learn tricky words easily, naturally and without
then learn to combine these in order to read disruption or confusion.
whole words (“synthesizing” the phonemes, or
running them together, hence “synthetic phonics.”) Very First Reading proves that it is possible
This gives them the confidence to tackle new to tell inspired, imaginative stories based on a
and unfamiliar words, an important step toward rigorous phonic framework, giving children both
independent reading. They are soon introduced to the phonic skills and the motivation to become
additional phonemes, then learn different ways of successful readers.
spelling the phonemes they know.
Online help
The Usborne Very First Reading website
offers additional help and support for both
parents and teachers. Just go to Sample
[Link] and you will find:
• general advice on teaching your child to read
• more information about the series structure
pages
• an audio guide to pronouncing phonemes On the following pages you can see
• practice activities and games for each book. some samples from Usborne Very First
Reading, and find out more about
Our reading experts what your child will learn in each book.
For each of the first seven stages there
Alison Kelly worked for many years as a are two books, in order to offer your
teacher, and retired as Principal Lecturer child extra practice.
in English Education at Roehampton
University in London. She is also the
expert adviser on Usborne’s First Reading
and Young Reading series, which have
sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Anne Washtell is also a former teacher
and teaching adviser, and retired as
Senior Lecturer in English Education at
Roehampton, specializing in phonics.
Kathy Daily M.S. is Associate Professor
of Developmental Studies and Reading at
Tulsa Community College, Oklahoma.
Pirate Pat
Book One: Book Two: The Dressing-Up
and Double Trouble Box and Captain Mac
These two books allow the very beginning reader These two books introduce the letters
to take part in lively and exciting stories, using g o c k ck e u r. The sentences are a little
short sentences and simple words made up of only longer, and your child reads more words overall.
the letters s a t p i n m d. You read the first few The repetition of “I can” on each double page
lines on each double page, setting up a rhyming of The Dressing-Up Box helps to build your
pattern, and your child then reads the last line. child’s confidence and increase reading stamina.
You read these words. You read these words.
The night was cold, I’d like to be a mermaid.
the sky was black,
the window rattled...
I can sit
on a rock.
tap tap tap.
4 5 4
Your child reads these words. Your child reads these words.
Irregular words:
(No irregular words)
I is
A Bus for Miss
Book Three: Dog Diary
Book Four:
Moss and The Perfect Pet and Bad Jack Fox
These two books introduce the letters h b l ll These two books introduce the letters j qu v w
f ff ss. Your child will now be reading longer x y z zz. Your child will now be familiar with
sentences, strongly supported by the rhyme and all the letters of the alphabet in their most
rhythm of the story; by this stage, your child regularly pronounced forms, making it possible
will be reading as much of the story as to read over 300 everyday words. This is a great
you are. achievement and boost to reading confidence.
You read these words. You read these words.
Miss Moss, Miss Moss Today was fun.
could never keep still. First I woke up Jock.
Miss Moss had I hid in a box,
a mill on a hill. and I bit a sock.
4 5
Your child reads these words. Your child reads these words.
Irregular words: Irregular words:
go no of as his to
Book Five: Grizzly Bear Rock The Queen Makes a
Book Six:
and The Magic Ring Scene and A Fright in the Night
These two books introduce the useful These two books introduce the letter-
letter-combinations ch sh ng and th. It’s combinations ai ee igh oa oo (pronounced
important for your child to learn to recognize both as in book and as in moon). Again,
these combinations and read them correctly as it’s important to learn to recognize these
distinct sounds, not just read the sounds of the combinations. By this stage, your child will
individual letters. be reading about two-thirds of the story.
You read these words. You read these words.
Sal’s dream is to be The Palace is sleeping, A light
in a rock band. the moon is pale.
in the night,
and a thin, sad wail...
Oo-oo-oo!
“I can hum,
I can sing.
Let me be in!”
Your child reads these words. Your child reads these words.
Irregular words: Irregular words:
be do he me she so the we
Stop That Cow!
Book Seven: Book Eight:
and The Deep Dark Woods Moon Zoom
These two books introduce the letter- Moon Zoom introduces and practices longer
combinations ar or ur ow air ear ure. words that begin or end with more than one
Having learned these, your child will be familiar consonant (sleep, fills, speeds) and simple
with almost all the sounds of English in their two-syllable words (rocket). This stage almost
most regular spellings, making it possible to doubles your child’s reading vocabulary. Your
read over 700 everyday words with confidence. child should now be trying to read the whole story,
You read these words. but may need help with a word here and there.
Lily the silly cow wants to go far. “This farm is so dull.”
The moon is Jack
bright tonight. cannot sleep.
The attic fills
with silver light.
“How I long for
a big red car.”
5
Your child reads these words. Encourage your child
to read all the words.
Irregular words: Irregular words:
oh into
Book Nine Book Ten
Run, Rabbit, Run! Late Night at the Zoo
Run, Rabbit, Run! introduces different ways to Late Night at the Zoo introduces the pattern
spell sounds your child has met in previous stories: sometimes known as “the magic e,” where the
final e changes the earlier vowel sound:
ai ee igh oa oo
a e e e i e o e u e
ay ea ie ow ew
ey e y oe ue late these time home tune
It’s late at the zoo, and
the crowds go back home.
I spot six crocs
in the park today.
18
Encourage your child Encourage your child
to read all the words. to read all the words.
Irregular words: Irregular words:
you are have
Book Eleven Book Twelve
Wild School The Circus under the Sea
Wild School introduces more ways to spell sounds The Circus under the Sea introduces the
your child has met in previous stories: “soft” pronunciation of c and g, as well as the
combinations wh, ph and the final y sound.
air or ur ow oi
ce/ci ge/gi wh ph -y
are our er ou oy
race magic whale phone Eddy
ere ir
“Miss Blair, Miss Blair! Danny the dolphin says,
There’s a hare on “Hey, follow me.”
my chair.”
I’m going
to the circus
Can he share under the sea.
my lunch?
4 5
Encourage your child Encourage your child
to read all the words. to read all the words.
Irregular words:
(No irregular words)
there
Book Thirteen Book Fourteen
The Monster Diner Knight Fight
The Monster Diner introduces different ways Knight Fight introduces the “silent consonants”
of pronouncing letters or letter-combinations in combinations of letters such as ch, gn, kn,
your child has already met in their more regular ld, lm, mb, mn, rh. These can often prove
forms, such as a (as in apricot or was), tricky, especially when it comes to spelling, and
i (as in kind), o (as in open or month), it’s worth spending a little time to be sure of
u (as in put), ea (as in bread), ear (as in earth), mastering them. By now your child will have a
ie (as in shriek) and or (as in worm). potential reading vocabulary of over 2,500 words.
A sign is on the
Hello there, castle wall.
are you open?
Jousting
today–
open to
all!
4 We’d like to 5
order dinner.
Encourage your child Encourage your child
to read all the words. to read all the words.
Irregular words: Irregular words:
come was what all people
Book Fifteen:
Mr. Mystery
Mr. Mystery introduces combinations such as
gh (silent, as in though, or pronounced “f,” as
in laugh) and endings such as -sion and -tion.
It also gives children practice in reading longer,
three- or even four-syllable words. Your child will
now have an excellent all-round foundation to
The next
develop reading independence and confidence.
stage
Mr. Mystery came Now that Usborne Very First Reading
from a faraway land.
has given your child a good foundation,
Usborne First Reading is the next step
toward reading independently and with
confidence. Your child should be able to
read these books with very little help.
The first few books are short, simple yet
satisfying stories. The books gradually
become longer and more challenging,
while still providing plenty of support
for the developing reader.
Encourage your child
to read all the words.
High frequency words:
came children could from little looked
made Mr. one out said saw some
Storybook magic
Books in First Reading Level One have a short, The range of stories and bright, lively illustrations
simple story followed by fun puzzles, designed to help children to gain confidence while developing
test a child’s reading and understanding. their enjoyment of books and reading.
The Greedy Dog comes Wouldn’t we all like to
from the great collection have Three Wishes? But
of Aesop’s Fables – it’s important to use your
classic stories which wishes wisely, as Ned
have been enjoyed since and Nat find out in this
ancient times. classic folktale.
In The Rabbit’s Tale, Reading familiar nursery
Rabbit is dissatisfied with rhymes is a great way to boost
his home: it just doesn’t feel young readers’ confidence.
big enough. He goes to see Old MacDonald had a farm
his friend Owl, who has some combines a popular rhyme with
surprising advice. glorious bright illustrations.
Anansi is a popular The Ant and the Grasshopper
character from the West are very different characters.
African and Caribbean Grasshopper sings all summer
tradition, the spider king long, while Ant works. Will
who is not always as smart Grasshopper come to regret
as he imagines. his choice?
Classic fables
Many of the stories at this level are drawn Told and shared over thousands of years, they
from Aesop’s fables, and are retold in a lively, are part of a common culture of stories that are
readable and natural style. known and loved all around the world.
The Fox and the Stork What do we mean when we
warns against the habit of talk about “the Midas touch”?
playing tricks on your friends. The Ancient Greek myth,
Sneaky Fox fools Stork once King Midas and the Gold,
too often, and gets a taste of reminds us once again to be
his own medicine. careful what we wish for.
The Fox and the Crow is The Lion and the Mouse is
an age-old tale of trickery one of the gentlest of Aesop’s
and flattery. The woodland fables, about an unlikely
illustrations are full of friendship that turns out to
character and life. be life-saving, with charming
illustrations.
The Sun and the Wind has The Wish Fish is a simple
a strong message about the yet powerful story of good
virtues of persuasion over fortune, greed and magic.
brute force, with wonderfully A delight to read, time
atmospheric illustrations. and again.
Moving on up
The stories in First Reading Level Two stretch The stories at this level are slightly longer and
the reader a little more than Level One, with more more complex. They, too, are followed by puzzles
advanced sentence structures and vocabulary. to test reading and comprehension.
Doctor Foster Went to Little Miss Muffet again
Gloucester takes a well-loved starts with a familiar rhyme,
rhyme as its starting point. then takes it in a surprising
Being familiar with the first direction. Bright illustrations,
part gives readers confidence to full of rich detail, complement
continue the developing story. the lively story.
The Magic Melon is a Old Mother Hubbard went to
cautionary tale from China. Lee her cupboard, and didn’t find
doesn’t care for working or helping a bone for her poor doggie –
others, so a magic melon that but a shopping trip provides
can provide all his meals sounds them with a few surprises and
perfect. There’s just one catch... a stroke of good luck.
How Bear Lost his Tail is a One, Two, Buckle my Shoe
native North American legend. turns the familiar counting
Other animals admire Bear’s rhyme into an inventive picture
luxurious tail, and jealous Fox story, as a sneaky fox chases
decides to play a trick – but a pet hen through yard and
has he gone too far? kitchen and back again.
Stories old and new
Whether it’s a classic fable read for the first time, Fresh, contemporary illustrations by
or a familiar rhyme with an unexpected twist, international artists provide plenty of
these books appeal to children’s imaginations. opportunities for spotting and discussing details.
The Daydreamer is the story King Donkey Ears is so afraid
that tells us not to count our of people discovering his secret
chickens before they are hatched, that anyone who cuts his hair
nor to cry over spilled milk, as is sent to prison. He takes pity
dizzy Daisy gets carried away on Meg – but can Meg keep the
by her daydreams. secret herself?
There Was a Crooked Man Clever Rabbit and the
again takes the well-loved Wolves is a lively and funny
rhyme as its starting point, story from North America,
developing it into a featuring a quick-thinking
delightful story with rabbit – and an irresistible
fun, quirky illustrations. wolves’ dance routine.
In The Tortoise and the Eagle, The Old Woman who lived in
Tortoise longs to fly like the a Shoe and her many children
mighty eagle he sees in the are badly in need of a new
sky – but is he really cut out home. But where do you buy
for the high life? Eagle will help shoes big enough to house an
him to find out. entire family?
“Once upon a time, What next?
elephants could fly...” Once children have read all the titles in
How Elephants Lost their My First Reading Library, they will have a
Wings is a magical folktale solid foundation to start reading more widely.
from India, with beautiful, There are many Usborne story collections for
vibrant illustrations. more confident readers, offering a wide range
of timeless stories and helping children gain
“Putting the genie back in the fluency and develop the habit of reading for
bottle” is another common saying. pleasure. Find out more at
The Genie in the Bottle tells the [Link]
original story from the Arabian
Nights of the furious genie and
the quick-witted fisherman.
The Dragon and the
Phoenix tells an evocative
story from China, little
known in the West, of two
mythical creatures and a
priceless treasure.
Clever Rabbit and the Lion
is another classic story from
India, telling how Rabbit
saves the small creatures of
the jungle by outwitting a
mighty lion.
