Step Into Reading Set 2 Phonics First Steps Box Set: Includes 8 Easy-To-Decode Books and Parent Guide

I picked up this set at a local store without noticing that it was set 2. My four year old wanted to try it anyway, and loved it. She was able to read the first book completely on her own except for two words (drew and draw). She had started reading Bob Books, but just like her older sister had, she quickly lost interest. She actually likes reading these books. I would recommend these and the Starfall phonics set Starfall Learn to Read Phonics Book Set: Zac the Rat and Other Tales! much more than Bob Books.

If you are familiar with the "BOB" books, you'll have an idea about the format for these little readers. The cardboard box with a carrying handle contains a collection of little books that are designed for kids with just the begining ideas of phonics to read. Almost all the words are short three letter words that can be sounded out. I like these better that the Bob books. The illustrations are of a better quality and the stories actually manage to be funny sometimes, despite the limitations of making them extremly easy to read.

My daughter started on this series just before she turned 5, and was thrilled to be able to read all by herself. The books gradually add new words and sounds. It seems like just enough to challenge, but not frustrate. My younger daughter uses Bob books at her school, and they are similar in style. We now use both at home, they complement each other well. The print in the Bob books looks like very neat handprinted letters though, and is a little less confusing than the "a" and "g" in the Phonics First Steps series.

This wonderful little set of books builds in a logical way on the first set. These (first 2 sets) were perfect for my daughter, very easy words with gradually increasing difficulty --she has been very absorbed in them. Unlike most of the books at our library in the "easy reader" section, these are truly for beginners, and allow them some success, which sparks enthusiasm to tackle the next one. Definitely learning tools for readers, rather than entertainment for those being read to! But it's a beautiful thing to purchase so many books so affordably, and have your 4/5-year old proud of having read so many books, all by herself. See the reviews attached to the 1st set for more raves.