Books for 7yr old dd, who is beginning to enjoy and finally 'get' reading?

[daisydoodoo]

DD is yr2 at school and 7yrs old. She's on Purple spot in the ginn table and finally getting the whole reading thing. We do read together each night and I read her a chapter of a book each night before bed, but she wants to read stories on her own.

The problem is she says picture books such as the gruffalo style are too babyish but she till struggles with bigger words by herself. She likes the rainbow fairy books being read to her but when she reads hem herself and comes across a word she cant read herself it really knocks her confidence and she calls herself stupid etc. I have reassured her that she is far from stupid and tried to reinstall her confidence. I have said that she can come downstairs and ask me the word if she's stuck, and I won't tell her off as long as its not after lights off time.

We brought some RSPCA pet story books but again although the vast majority of the story was fine and he could read it, as soon as she hit a stumbling block the confidence goes again.

Has anyone seen any story books that they think that dd might be able to read by herself? thanks

[Periwinkle007]

ooooh ooh am I allowed to plug my little information book blog I have set up? only started it last week but it is particularly for this sort of stage of reading. The 'picture books are too young for me but chapter books are too hard'.
thebookbears.wordpress.com/

I have set it up purely to share possible books. Another MNer has messaged me some boy early readers to put on there too (I have 2 girls) so I will get them up shortly and I have lots more to add on too, as I say I have only just started it.

It is in 5 sections, picture books, longer picture story books (Katie Morag, Winnie the Witch, Lighthouse Keeper etc), early reader/first chapter books, chapter books (not done any of these yet) and non fiction (also lacking, only got 1 poetry book on there at the moment).

I have put up some ideas for real books in different book bands too which I found on a list supposedly levelled by teachers. She should be able to read Winnie the Witch picture books or at least be very close to it which will build her confidence, Katie Morag and The Lighthouse Keeper are good ones as well because they have the pictures still. In the early reader section they have done early reader rainbow fairies now, there are also scholastic ones which are easier than the early readers, there are some disney ones on there too. hopefully might give you some ideas.

[cornflakegirl]

How about Usborne beginners? They're not fiction books on loads of topics aimed at children starting to read by themselves. Interesting subjects too, so hopefully she wouldn't feel they were babyish.

[FunnysInLaJardin]

DS1 is 7 has has just 'got' reading and loves the Beast Quest series.

[Takver]

Our library had a shelf of 'early readers' that were easier than Rainbow Magic (still look like 'proper' books, but simpler stories & larger text).

I remember dd particularly liked 'Little Animal Ark' books which are much shorter/easier than the Animal ark series proper.

[Periwinkle007]

Animal Ark? not heard of them - will have to investigate

[Takver]

This is one of the Little AA books but there are loads - I'd look for them in the library as they don't stay on this stage for long!

There are hundreds of the full length ones when she is a bit older if she likes animal stories :)

[daisydoodoo]

Brilliant thank you everyone. Will check out all the suggestions and periwinkle's blog.

[Periwinkle007]

thanks - will check out the animal ark ones, she loves animals. She is getting into Dick King Smith at the moment and we have some Holly Webb ones too but not tried them yet. Animal Ark look good.

[daisydoodoo]

just ordered some winnie the witch books for her. will take a look at the others next week. I'm keen to encourage he reading while she is enthusiastic. we are big readers in our family, but its taken dd some time to get to grips with it all.

[Periwinkle007]

Winnie is great, my daughters love her (so does grandma!)

[daisydoodoo]

We got holly webb books today. Lucy the poorly puppy and a rescue puppy one. (The amazon ones are taking a while to come as I only used super saver delivery)

They look good we haven't read them yet as shes staying at nanny's tonight.

The rainbow magic early reader ones looked good too as they had small colour pictures in as well so held her interest.

[Periwinkle007]

colour pictures make a big difference at that age I think don't they. just makes the books a bit more appealing

[daisydoodoo]

the rainbow ones have arrived from amazon. looks like we will be having a busy reading week this week.

I'm really pleased that she's enjoying reading and doing all I can to encourage it. She has a kindle fire but this just gets used to play games on and watch bbc iplayer, so is taken away at night time.