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Bob Books - Set 1: Beginning Readers Box Set | Phonics, Ages 4 and up, Kindergarten (Stage 1: Starting to Read) Hardcover – May 1, 2006

by Bobby Lynn Maslen (Author), Amy Jindra (Illustrator), Karen Wall (Illustrator)

22,627 ratings

Book 1 of 8: BOB BOOKS

#1 Best Seller in Early Learning Beginner Readers

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Created by a teacher, Bob Books have been helping children learn to read for more than forty years. This iconic phonics-based learn-to-read set -- now with all-new illustrations -- has sold millions of copies, allowing children around the world to say with pride, "I read the whole book!"®

All-new illustrations make this classic box of decodable books even more appealing for a new generation of readers!

With playful stories, silly illustrations, and a phonics approach based on Science of Reading research, Bob Books keep young readers' confidence high, leading to continued success and a love of reading. Your child will soon join the millions of happy kids who say, "I read the whole book!"®

These are the first books your child can read! Perfect for kids who are just learning letter sounds, each book contains two- and three-letter words that can be sounded out. The first story uses only four sounds (m, a, t, s) and one sight word! Sounds are added gradually until all letters of the alphabet have been introduced (except q). The very simple stories allow kids to read a whole book, boosting their confidence and motivating them to come back for more. Many beginning readers are so proud they can read these books, they read them to everyone they know!

Inside the box you'll find:

12 small, hilarious, easy-to-read books: 12 pages each, 4-27 unique words per book, sized perfectly for little hands
A parent guide with tips for helping your child learn to read

Each book includes:

Decodable text: Two- and three-letter words with short vowels that can be sounded out (on, sat, can, ran)
Very simple sentences (Sam sat.)
Very limited sight words (a, the)
New letter sounds added gradually until young readers have read books with all letters of the alphabet (except q)
Friendly, simple illustrations that add fun and do not distract from the words

Guided Reading Levels: A, B, C | Lexile® Measure: BR – 100L | Bob Books Level: Stage 1 | Ages: 4-6 | Grade Levels: PreK, Kindergarten

From the Publisher

	My First Bob Books - Noisy Nursery Rhymes Sound Book \| Phonics, Up to Age 5 (...	Bob Books - Phonics for Early Readers Box Set \| Phonics, Ages 4 and up, Kinde...	BOB Books: Beginning Readers Workbook	Bob Books - Beginning Phonics Workbook \| Phonics, Writing Practice, Ages 4 an...	Bob Books - Beginning Phonics Flashcards \| Phonics, Ages 4 and up, Kindergart...

Customer Reviews	—	52	1,457	1	3
Price	$17.99	$12.59	$9.09	$9.99	$4.99
Bob Books: Lines	My First Bob Books	Boxed Sets	Jumbo Workbooks	Workbooks	Flashcards
The Bob Books System	My First Bob Books for toddlers and preschoolers develop a love of reading while building foundational pre-reading skills such as phonological awareness and visual discrimination. Interactive features keep things playful!	These sets are the core of the Bob Books system. Each set contains 8-12 paperback books that build phonics skills; a parent guide with tips; and in some cases, flashcards or activity books. Sets are leveled in one of four stages.	Kids can practice phonics with 200+ pages of matching games, writing activities, and more! Activities are based on books in boxed sets but can be completed on their own, too. Each workbook includes certificates and stickers to keep kids motivated.	These workbooks are perfect for children who are learning to read. More than 90 pages of word mazes, tracing activities, and short stories make practicing phonics fun. The line drawings mean these are more than workbooks—they’re coloring books, too!	These playful flashcards are the perfect companion to the Bob Books box sets but can be enjoyed by any child learning to read. Kids can practice important skills with colorful flashcards featuring their favorite Bob Books characters!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Forget Dick and Jane. Your beginning reader needs Bob Books® to succeed."
--cpamomva.blogspot.com

"Tiny enough to sneak in a very full diaper bag, we are enjoying them here, there, and everywhere." -- needsnewbatteries.blogspot.com

"They are a wonderful addition to a home library, school library, or a homeschool library. I love the smiles on my daughters' faces when they have succeeded in reading a book--that's priceless!" -- ourgaggleofgirls.com

"Bob Books® made our children into avid readers. Best investment I ever made."
-- The Lewiston Tribune

From the Author

You've prepared your child for reading - refrigerator magnets down low and easy to reach; letter sounds taught. Your child can proudly spell his or her name. Perhaps he can identify the "stop" and "open" signs as you drive in your car. He or she is ready for the next step into reading.

Inside the colorful box, the bright red cover beckons. On the first page, the letters:
M - a - t. Your child says the sounds: mmmmm, aaa, ttt. Then, faster: "Mat." Your youngster has read his first word! "Sam", "sat" and "on" complete the vocabulary, and suddenly your child can say, "I read the whole book!"® That is the magic of Bob Books®.

After 13 years of teaching 3, 4 and 5-year-olds, watching a child make that giant first step into reading still thrills me. The pride in their eyes, their triumphant grasp of a difficult concept, and opening their world to the excitement of books and reading, has brought me many years of satisfaction.

Bob Books® were specifically designed to facilitate that ah-ha moment, when letters first turn into words. By slowly introducing new letter sounds, using consistency and repetition, and stories that fit short attention spans, your child will quickly find his or her own ah-ha moment.
We wish your young learner much success and happiness as he or she enters the great adventure of reading.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Inc.; Box Pck edition (May 1, 2006)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0439845009
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0439845007
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 6 years, from customers
Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 1
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1.75 x 5.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #228 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1 in Early Learning Beginner Readers
- #2 in Children's Beginner Readers
- #4 in Children's Word Books

Customer Reviews:
22,627 ratings

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Lynn Maslen Kertell
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Lynn Maslen Kertell has been involved with Bob Books right from the beginning, starting with the first edition in the 1970s. Lynn pasted-up and hand-lettered the original Bob Books, created by her parents, Bobby and John Maslen, when she was in high school.
As Lynn’s own daughter was beginning to learn to read, returning to the family business was a natural step. Her experience tackling the fun, bonding and sometimes complex task of helping her child learn to read, showed her that Bob Books really work. There are many skills a child needs to become literate. Bob Books' measured approach respects the steps that turn a child into a reader, and entertains them with real stories that kids can relate to.
Lynn brings the Maslen sense of humor, warmth and gentle encouragement to her writing, as she creates the next generation of Bob Books. She continues Bobby's phonics-based approach to teaching reading, and is proud to contribute to the millions of children who can say with pride, "I read the whole book!"®
Lynn lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and daughter.
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Bobby Lynn Maslen
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Founded in Portland, Oregon, Bob Books started when teacher Bobby Lynn Maslen was looking for reading material suitable for children taking their very first steps into reading. When she couldn’t find books interesting enough for her young students, she created the Bob Books. Bobby’s 13 years of teaching experience, and hands-on field testing of Bob Books, means they truly suit the needs of youngsters starting the great adventure of reading. Each new Bob Books reader will soon be able to happily say, “I read the whole book!”®
The first books were handmade, inspired by two small dolls that Bobby bought at a craft fair. She named the dolls Mat and Sam and spun stories about them, illustrated with line drawings that the children could copy and color.
Articles recommending Bob Books appeared in The Washington Post, USA Today, and regional newspapers and magazines around the country. The books had entered the spotlight, and parents wanted Bob Books.
The Maslens turned to a major publisher of children’s books, Scholastic, Inc., for help publishing Bob Books. With Scholastic, Bob Books have grown to sixteen titles: five sets of books written by Bobby, five sets by her daughter Lynn Maslen Kertell, and six leveled early reader books. Bob Books have sold millions of copies.
Bobby is retired, and lives with original Bob Books illustrator and husband John, in Portland, Oregon.
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Customer reviews

22,627 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find these books excellent for children learning to read, helping them develop essential skills and build confidence. The books are easy to learn, with simple drawings that accompany the stories, and get progressively more challenging as children advance through the series. While some customers enjoy the little stories, others find them extremely dull. The books are effective, with one customer noting they work well with sight word curriculum.

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Reading level Readability Builds confidence Ease of use Illustrations Effectiveness Complexity Story quality

1,297 customers mention "Reading level"1,279 positive18 negative

Customers find these books excellent for children learning to read, helping them develop essential skills and build confidence as emerging readers.

"...story containing just four letter sounds (M, A, T, and S), children can dive right in and finish a whole book, giving their confidence a major boost...." Read more

"...The progression is gradual, making it easy for young readers to build their skills without feeling overwhelmed...." Read more

"...With simple line illustrations & single words, they grab the attention of curious toddlers in a way that is playful, engaging and rewarding...." Read more

"...for young children, helping them build confidence and develop essential reading skills...." Read more

703 customers mention "Readability"659 positive44 negative

Customers find the books readable, with words that are basic and easy for kids and parents to share together. One customer notes they are great for introducing two and three-letter words, while another mentions they are short and help with sound recognition.

"...Inside the box, you’ll find 12 easy-to-read, hilariously entertaining small books, each with 12 pages and 7-20 unique words per book...." Read more

"...books are the perfect size for little hands, with simple, non-distracting illustrations and just a few words per page...." Read more

"...They’re short and very easy for them to learn. He picked up on them fast. I am so proud of him. Every-time he reads I get so excited...." Read more

"...of pictorial storytelling, I’m so impressed that he CAN & WILL read non-graphic books & I credit Bob’s work Books with giving him the head start he..." Read more

246 customers mention "Builds confidence"241 positive5 negative

Customers report that these books help children gain confidence in their reading abilities.

"...in the Science of Reading, Bob Books has been a reliable tool for building young readers' confidence, success, and love of reading for more than..." Read more

"...He really enjoys this set, and it’s been a great confidence booster...." Read more

"...stories are just the right length for young children, helping them build confidence and develop essential reading skills...." Read more

"...introduction, engaging illustrations, manageable size, confidence-building features, and language development benefits, this box set empowers..." Read more

240 customers mention "Ease of use"225 positive15 negative

Customers find these books easy to use and understand, noting that they are simple enough to build confidence and learn through repetition.

"...The books are the perfect size for little hands, with simple, non-distracting illustrations and just a few words per page...." Read more

"...They’re short and very easy for them to learn. He picked up on them fast. I am so proud of him. Every-time he reads I get so excited...." Read more

"...The first one is a story about Mat and Sam, and only uses simple, two-to-three-letter words that are easily sounded out...." Read more

"The Bob Books - Set 1 is an amazing resource for beginner readers! The simple, phonics-based stories are just the right length for young children,..." Read more

175 customers mention "Illustrations"123 positive52 negative

Customers appreciate the illustrations in these books, which feature simple drawings and graphics that accompany the stories.

"...The friendly, two-color illustrations are a perfect match for the text—fun without being distracting...." Read more

"...The illustrations provide visual cues that support comprehension and help children connect the text with meaning, enhancing their overall reading..." Read more

"...The drawings of people do look a bit silly, but they are working in shapes and numbers into the books...." Read more

"...My son is easily frustrated when learning new things, but these are nice and simple and are really helping him grow his confidence as he’s learning..." Read more

133 customers mention "Effectiveness"133 positive0 negative

Customers find these books effective, particularly in the EFL industry, and report that they work well with sight word curriculum.

"...phonics-based set is a true gem, designed with simplicity and effectiveness in mind, ensuring that even the littlest bookworms can proudly declare, “..." Read more

"Very helpfull to my 4 1/2 year old cousin. She is doing preschool at my house." Read more

"...that he's able to read these makes him feel proud of himself.they work wonders.great buy." Read more

"These books were weird but they worked. My son started from the very beginning...." Read more

125 customers mention "Complexity"125 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the complexity of the books, noting that they get more challenging as they progress, with great repetition throughout.

"..."—short, sweet, and manageable for young readers. The progression is gentle, with new letter sounds added gradually, so kids never feel overwhelmed...." Read more

"...The progression is gradual, making it easy for young readers to build their skills without feeling overwhelmed...." Read more

"...With its phonics-based approach, progressive introduction, engaging illustrations, manageable size, confidence-building features, and language..." Read more

"...It makes so much more sense...." Read more

138 customers mention "Story quality"78 positive60 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the story quality of these books, with some enjoying the little stories and good transitions between them, while others find them extremely dull and boring.

"...He’s so excited to show them his reading and share the silly stories! For background:..." Read more

"...Well, she hated them. They didn't make any sense and the story wasn't engaging "Mat sat. Cat sat." or whatever. So I packed them away FOR 2 YEARS...." Read more

"...The simple, phonics-based stories are just the right length for young children, helping them build confidence and develop essential reading skills...." Read more

"...that even I had difficulty following and after a week he lost all interest in reading and regressed. Smh...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

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Stephani Ann
The Phonics Phenomenon That Started It All!
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2024
Verified Purchase

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.9 out of 5 stars

The Phonics Phenomenon That Started It All!

"Bob Books Boxed Set 1: Beginning Readers" is the timeless classic that has launched millions of young readers on their journey to literacy. This iconic phonics-based set is a true gem, designed with simplicity and effectiveness in mind, ensuring that even the littlest bookworms can proudly declare, “I read the whole book!”®

One of the standout features of this set is its incredible ability to cater to the needs of brand-new readers. Many early reader books throw in words that can stump a child who's just grasping the sounds of the alphabet. Not these books! With the first story containing just four letter sounds (M, A, T, and S), children can dive right in and finish a whole book, giving their confidence a major boost. The joy on a child’s face when they read their first book all by themselves is absolutely priceless.

Inside the box, you’ll find 12 easy-to-read, hilariously entertaining small books, each with 12 pages and 7-20 unique words per book. The stories use two- and three-letter words with short vowels that can be easily decoded or "sounded out." Think simple sentences like "Sam sat."—short, sweet, and manageable for young readers. The progression is gentle, with new letter sounds added gradually, so kids never feel overwhelmed. By the end, they've encountered almost all the letters of the alphabet (except for the elusive Q).

The friendly, two-color illustrations are a perfect match for the text—fun without being distracting. They add just the right amount of humor and charm to keep kids engaged. Plus, the parent card with tips for helping your child learn to read is a thoughtful addition, making it easier for caregivers to support their little learners.

Guided Reading Levels A, B, C and Lexile® Measure BR – 290L place this set right where it needs to be for ages 4-6 and PreK to Kindergarten grade levels. Created by a teacher and grounded in the Science of Reading, Bob Books has been a reliable tool for building young readers' confidence, success, and love of reading for more than forty years.

Why the 4.9 and not a perfect 5 stars? Well, in the spirit of honesty, I think the simplicity might leave parents wishing for just a touch more story variety. But that's a small nitpick for an otherwise stellar set.

In conclusion, "Bob Books Boxed Set 1: Beginning Readers" is an absolute must-have for any parent or teacher looking to give their child a head start in reading. It’s a tried-and-true series that will have your little one beaming with pride as they read their first books. So, get ready to join the millions of happy kids who joyfully proclaim, "I read the whole book!"

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RZ
Perfect for Early Readers!
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2025
Verified Purchase
I bought Bob Books - Set 1: Beginning Readers for my 4-year-old, and I’m amazed at how quickly he started reading! He really enjoys this set, and it’s been a great confidence booster. The books are the perfect size for little hands, with simple, non-distracting illustrations and just a few words per page. The progression is gradual, making it easy for young readers to build their skills without feeling overwhelmed. Highly recommend for any parent looking to introduce their child to reading in a fun and engaging way!

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StephiJ
Really helpful for starting to read
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2025
Verified Purchase
My son is 5 and we started these books and he is doing so well with them. They’re short and very easy for them to learn. He picked up on them fast. I am so proud of him. Every-time he reads I get so excited.
We have only gotten to number 3 so far just because I like to keep doing the same one for awhile to make sure he actually gets it and learns it. But after the first one he wanted to try number 2 and he got that one right away and wanted 3. I’m very impressed. A very great tool. I am starting homeschool with him this fall and it’s just given me a lot of confidence myself to do things like this with him.

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K-Ton
From Curious Toddler to Lifelong Reader!!
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2025
Verified Purchase
These tiny books for tiny ppl are the ABSOLUTE BEST to encourage young readers!
With simple line illustrations & single words, they grab the attention of curious toddlers in a way that is playful, engaging and rewarding.
The child I babysit learned to read at AGE 3 1/2 by using these books and had mastered them by 4 yrs old!! He adored the silly content and bright colours splashed into the black & white drawings and we’d practice spelling the colours as we went along in the story as well (even though it wasn’t part of a given book).
I’m amazed at his progress! Now he’s 6 yrs old and LOVES to read— he’ll even read books w/o pictures! Although he still prefers books that have some sort of pictorial storytelling, I’m so impressed that he CAN & WILL read non-graphic books & I credit Bob’s work Books with giving him the head start he required to become a (hopefully) lifelong lover of reading!
You will not be disappointed should you choose to share these books with a child in your life. I now buy them for EVERY TODDLER I come in contact with through my friends & family, and they each report back happily. 🩷🌈☀️

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Syed Ali Askari Abedi
Great Starter Set for Young Readers
Reviewed in Italy on October 24, 2024
Verified Purchase

I got this book set for my 5-year-old who is just starting to learn how to read, and it’s already proving to be a valuable addition. Although we just received them yesterday, she managed to finish one book and absolutely loved it! We were thrilled to see her read it all by herself, which really boosted her confidence. The simple, engaging stories make it perfect for taking those first baby steps in reading. Looking forward to seeing her progress through the rest of the set!

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Amazon Customer
alfabetizacao em ingles
Reviewed in Brazil on August 14, 2018
Verified Purchase
O livro eh muito bom para iniciar uma alfabetizacao em ingles. Os sons e palavras se repetem. Muito bom!

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Verónica
Muy recomendable
Reviewed in Spain on December 10, 2021
Verified Purchase
Nos los recomendó la profesora del cole que es escocesa para empezar a leer en casa en inglés. Son geniales!

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Rebecca K.
Great for beginning readers
Reviewed in Canada on March 24, 2025
Verified Purchase
My three year old knows his letter sounds and has started to read these books! He sounds out the words and the stages of each book follow the common and effective order of teaching letter sounds

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Roberto Flores
Muy satisfecho.
Reviewed in Mexico on December 2, 2020
Verified Purchase
A mi hijo y a mi esposa le encantaron. estoy muy satisfecho con mi compra

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Bob Books - Set 1: Beginning Readers Box Set | Phonics, Ages 4 and up, Kindergarten (Stage 1: Starting to Read) Hardcover – May 1, 2006

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Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars The Phonics Phenomenon That Started It All!

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Early Readers!

5.0 out of 5 stars Really helpful for starting to read

5.0 out of 5 stars From Curious Toddler to Lifelong Reader!!

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Starter Set for Young Readers

5.0 out of 5 stars alfabetizacao em ingles

5.0 out of 5 stars Muy recomendable

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginning readers

5.0 out of 5 stars Muy satisfecho.

The Phonics Phenomenon That Started It All!

Perfect for Early Readers!

Really helpful for starting to read

From Curious Toddler to Lifelong Reader!!

Great Starter Set for Young Readers

alfabetizacao em ingles

Muy recomendable

Great for beginning readers

Muy satisfecho.