I Can Read! is a line of beginning reading books published by HarperCollins. The series is rated by level and is widely used to teach children to read English. The first book in the series was Else Holmelund Minarik's Little Bear, published in 1957, and subsequent notable titles have included Amelia Bedelia and Frog and Toad.
Structure
The I Can Read! series divides its output into 6 levels
My Very First - For teaching children vowels
My First - For reading aloud to children. Level 1 - For children who have begun to read sounds and sentences aloud. Level 2 - For children who can read confidently, but still benefit from help. Level 3 - Enjoyable titles for children to read unassisted. Level 4 - Advanced titles to further develop the readers' literacy.
History
The I Can Read! series began with 1957's Little Bear, by Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak.
In late 2020, HarperCollins announced the addition of a new series called "I Can Read! Comics". It is set to be released in June 2021 with four books, from levels 1 to 3.
There are now over 500 titles in the series.
Other languages and formats
Some I Can Read! books are also available in Spanish, French, audiobook, and e-book format.
Recognition
I Can Read! books have won Newbery Medal and Caldecott Medal honors.
Selected titles
Amelia Bedelia series, Peggy and Herman Parish
At Home in a New Land, Joan Sandin
Biscuit series, Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Danny and the Dinosaur, story and pictures by Syd Hoff (1958) Frog and Toad series, Arnold Lobel Little Bear series, by Else Holmelund Minarik, pictures by Maurice Sendak Two Silly Trolls, Nancy Jewell The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches, Alice Low Indian Summer, by F.N. Monjo, pictures by Anita Lobel Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik, pictures by Maurice Sendak (1957) Father Bear Comes Home by Else Holmelund Minarik, pictures by Maurice Sendak (1958) Little Bear's Friend by Else Holmelund Minarik, pictures by Maurice Sendak (1960) Little Bear's Visit by Else Holmelund Minarik, pictures by Maurice Sendak (1961) No Fighting, No Biting! by Else Holmelund Minarik, pictures by Maurice Sendak (1958) Julius, story and pictures by Syd Hoff (1959) Oliver, story and pictures by Syd Hoff (1959) Chester, story and pictures by Syd Hoff (1959) Stanley, story and pictures by Syd Hoff (1959) Little Chief, story and pictures by Syd Hoff (1959) Last One Home Is a Green Pig by Edith Thacher Hurd, pictures by Clement Hurd (1959) Hurry Hurry by Edith Thacher Hurd, pictures by Clement Hurd (1959) Stop Stop by Edith Thacher Hurd, pictures by Clement Hurd (1959) No Funny Business by Edith Thacher Hurd, pictures by Clement Hurd (1959) Emmett's Pig by Mary Stolz, pictures by Garth Williams Harry and the Lady Next Door by Gene Zion, pictures by Margaret Bloy Graham The Fire Cat, story and pictures by Esther Averill The Rooftop Mystery by Joan M. Lexau, pictures by Syd Hoff David and the Giant, by Mike McClintock, pictures of Fritz Siebel Morris Is a Cowboy, a Policeman and a Baby Sitter, story and pictures by B. Wiseman A Picture for Harold's Room, story and pictures by Crockett Johnson Tell Me Some More by Crosby Bonsall, pictures by Fritz Siebel Who's a Pest? by Crosby Bonsall The Happy Birthday Present by Joan Heilbroner, pictures by Mary Chalmers This Is the House Where Jack Lives by Joan Heilbroner, pictures by Aliki Little Runner of the Longhouse by Betty Baker, pictures by Arnold Lobel What Do They Do? Policemen and Firemen by Carla Greene, pictures by Leonard Kessler What Spot?, story and pictures by Crosby Bonsall The Secret Three by Mildred Myrick, pictures of Arnold Lobel Doctors and Nurses: What Do They Do? by Carla Greene, pictures by Leonard Kessler Grizzwold, by Syd Hoff Emily's First 100 Days Of School by Rosemary Wells Soldiers and Sailors: What Do They Do? by Carla Greene, pictures by Leonard Kessler Lucille, story and pictures by Arnold Lobel Red Fox and His Canoe by Nathaniel Benchley Railroad Engineers and Airplane Pilots: What Do They Do? Tom and the Two Handles by Russell Hoban, pictures by Lillian Hoban Three to Get Ready by Betty Boegehold, pictures by Mary Chalmers Johnny Lion's Book, by Edith Thacher Hurd, pictures by Clement Hurd Oscar Otter, by Nathaniel Benchley, pictures by Arnold Lobel Juan Bobo series, by Virginia Schomp, pictures by Jess Yeomans