OUR READER LEVELS
PICTURE BOOKS
LEARN TO READ, JR
LEARN TO READ, SR
READER, JR
READER, SR
INDEPENDENT READER, JR
INDEPENDENT READER, SR
PICTURE BOOKS "FOR ALL AGES" 
These books are intended to be read by or read aloud to children of all ages. The short text will help to maintain a younger readers attention, however you will often find sophisticated language. Also, many picture books are actually works of art, due to the often incredible illustrations. Please know that picture book's are written at all levels of reading difficulty, so check our review for information regarding that level.
LEARN TO READ, JR "JUST THE BEGINNING" 
We have placed books in the LEARN TO READ, JR, level that are appropriate for the newest reader, just beginning to read on their own. These books should help them learn how to enjoy a story, use a book and decode the text. These stories are often written explicitly to provide the story experience with young children while teaching concepts of print.
Language Characteristics:
Basic, familiar vocabulary
Often rhyming and/or repetitive
Simple sentences; no paragraphs
Story Elements:
None to limited plot
None to limited character development
No chapters
Visual Elements:
Illustrations dominate every page
Illustrations used as visual cues
Use of rebus pictures
LEARN TO READ, SR "THE JOURNEY CONTINUES"
We have placed books in the LEARN TO READ, SR, level that are appropriate for the reader starting to decode fluently. This reader has mastered the concepts of print and is ready to experience the story.
Language Characteristics:
Basic, familiar vocabulary
Longer/varied simple sentences
Dialogue introduced
Simple paragraphs
Story Elements:
Simple plot lines
Episodic chapters
Some character development.
Visual Elements:
Illustrations dominate every page
Illustration not used to decode text
Illustrations essential to experience
No rebus pictures
READER, JR "I CAN DO IT" 
We have placed books in the READER, JR, level that are appropriate for the fully fluent reader who is also able to comprehend the story. The equal balance of text and white space creates an environment that won't intimidate a newly independent reader.
Language Characteristic:
More difficult vocabulary
More complex/varied sentences
True paragraphs
Story Elements:
Continuous plot line
Some character development
Visual Elements:
Illustrations/text equally balanced
Illustrations essential to experience
READER, SR "I AM DOING IT ALL BY MYSELF"
We have placed books in the READER, SR, level that are appropriate for the now confident reader who can handle more sophisticated story elements and more text on the page.
Language Elements:
More difficult vocabulary
More complex, varied sentences
True paragraphs
Story Elements:
Multiple, continuous plot lines
Moderate character development
Subject matter generally safe
Visual Elements:
Text outweighs illustrations
Illustrations are for enjoyment
Illustrations not for comprehension
INDEPENDENT, JR "I AM A READER" 
We have placed books in the INDEPENDENT, JR, level that are appropriate for the independent reader who can fully retain and comprehend these longer books.
Language Elements:
Complex vocabulary
Complex sentence structure
Novel structure
Story Elements:
Multiple plot lines
In depth/multiple characters are developed
Subject matter sophisticated
Visual Elements:
Text dominates the page
Few illustrations
INDEPENDENT, SR "I CAN READ ANYTHING"
We have placed books in the INDEPENDENT, SR, level that are appropriate for the fully established reader who can continue to comprehend and retain information as the books grow even longer and more complex.
Language Elements:
Complex vocabulary
Complex sentence structure
Novel structure
Story Elements:
Multiple plot lines/time periods
Multiple, complex characters
Subject matter sophisticated
Visual Elements:
Text dominates
Generally no illustrations
