Usborne Reading Programme

Part of the Usborne Reading Programme; the Usborne Young Reading books have been designed for newly independent readers to become confident and fluent in the language. With a wide range of interactive chapter books including adaptations of classics, history titles, and original fiction, there is something every child will enjoy.

The first few books are from the Usborne Very First Reading boxed set which systematically teaches the kids every sound in the English language, following the phonics methods used in schools. Whilst the Usborne My First Phonics Reading Library 12 Books Box Set is full of delightful short stories for children to read on their own to practise what they have previously learned. 16 other books with slightly longer stories will build your child’s reading stamina and reading confidence. 

A collection of over 350 total reading books, the Usborne Reading Programme consists of both fiction and non-fiction titles, all books under the programme have been graded into eight different levels for different age groups to help you choose what works for your child. The books have been chosen from several series including The Usborne Very First Reading level, First Reading, and Young Reading Series. Each encompasses a variety of styles—traditional tales, literary retellings, biographies, national curriculum-linked titles, and leisure reads. 

The Usborne Reading Programme was developed after having consulted with reading and teaching experts like Alison Kelly, who has helped draw up an eight-level reading framework. Alison has helped establish the key principles of the Usborne Reading Programme—making it exciting, engaging, and appealing for readers with detailed attention to illustrations and design.

Very First Reading

Usborne’s Very First Reading is an exciting series of books within the reading programme for children who are just starting to learn how to read. Powered by irresistible illustrations and imaginative rhyming stories, these books are part of a well-researched framework.

First Reading Books (Levels 1 to 4)

These are designed to be the first books a beginner will own and read for pleasure, with very light support from a parent or teacher. They encourage the reader to develop reading stamina and include up to six pages of fun, 

reading-related puzzles. 

Young Reading books (Series 1-4)

These are designed for newly independent readers to become confident and fluent. With a wide range of lively chapter books including adaptations of classics, history titles, and original fiction, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Clearly, the titles in the Usborne Reading Programme have been well-researched and well-thought. You can simply invest in the Usborne reading libraries’ various sets and series based on your child’s age and reading aptitude and introduce them to each accordingly. This will not only ensure that your child gradually grows into a fluent reader but will also have a strong vocabulary and reading habit thanks to the various themes these sets cover.