Decodable Books for Kindergarten

Help a beginner practice early reading skills with nine free kindergarten decodable books from Once.

The Duck and the Bee decodable book cover

Early Kindergarten

Shorter texts for readers building confidence with the first sounds and simple word patterns.

See it fit.

Sounds in this book

/ă/
/m/
/t/
/ē/
/s/
/ĭ/
/f/
/d/
/r/
/th/
/ŏ/

Read free

The Raft

Sounds in this book

/ă/
/m/
/t/
/ē/
/s/
/ĭ/
/f/
/d/
/r/
/th/
/ŏ/
/g/

Read free

That Odd Rat

Sounds in this book

/ă/
/m/
/t/
/ē/
/s/
/ĭ/
/f/
/d/
/r/
/th/
/ŏ/
/g/
/ŋ/

Read free

Mid-Year Kindergarten

More varied stories for readers combining a broader set of consonants, vowels, and digraphs.

The Sea Band

Sounds in this book

/ă/
/m/
/t/
/ē/
/s/
/ĭ/
/f/
/d/
/r/
/th/
/ŏ/
/g/
/l/
/h/
/ŭ/
/k/
/b/
/n/
/sh/
/ā/
/v/

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The Duck and the Bee

Sounds in this book

/ă/
/m/
/t/
/ē/
/s/
/ĭ/
/f/
/d/
/r/
/th/
/ŏ/
/g/
/l/
/h/
/ŭ/
/k/
/b/
/n/
/sh/
/ā/
/v/
/ō/
/w/

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The Bear Cub

Sounds in this book

/ă/
/m/
/t/
/ē/
/s/
/ĭ/
/f/
/d/
/r/
/th/
/ŏ/
/g/
/l/
/h/
/ŭ/
/k/
/b/
/n/
/sh/
/ā/
/v/
/ō/
/w/
/ŏr/
/ər/
/ĕ/

Read free

End-of-Year Kindergarten

Longer, more complex reading practice for children ready to apply an expanded sound system.

At the Farm

Sounds in this book

/ă/
/m/
/t/
/ē/
/s/
/ĭ/
/f/
/d/
/r/
/th/
/ŏ/
/g/
/l/
/h/
/ŭ/
/k/
/b/
/n/
/sh/
/ā/
/v/
/ō/
/w/
/ch/
/ŏr/
/ər/
/ĕ/
/j/

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Build That Castle

Sounds in this book

/ă/
/m/
/t/
/ē/
/s/
/ĭ/
/f/
/d/
/r/
/th/
/ŏ/
/g/
/l/
/h/
/ŭ/
/k/
/b/
/n/
/sh/
/ā/
/v/
/ō/
/w/
/ch/
/ŏr/
/ər/
/ĕ/
/j/

Read free

Catch that Thief!

Sounds in this book

/ă/
/m/
/t/
/ē/
/s/
/ĭ/
/f/
/d/
/r/
/th/
/ŏ/
/g/
/l/
/h/
/ŭ/
/k/
/b/
/n/
/sh/
/ā/
/v/
/ō/
/w/
/ch/
/ŏr/
/ər/
/ĕ/
/j/
/ŋ/

Read free

How to use these kindergarten decodable books

Step 1

Match the sounds

Choose a book whose sound list matches what the child has already been taught.

Step 2

Let the child decode

Give them time to blend from left to right instead of guessing from the picture.

Step 3

Reread for fluency

Read the book again once the words are accurate and the child is ready to read more smoothly.

These decodable books support independent practice after a child has learned the sounds. If you want to model the sounds and read as a team, try our shared reading books for kindergarten.

Once specialized orthography

These books use Once's specialized orthography

Once adds temporary visual cues around regular letters so children can connect print to speech and blend without guessing. The cues fade as readers become more independent.

Start at the circle

The open circle shows where the finger begins.

Follow the arrow

The line reinforces smooth left-to-right tracking.

Hold at the dot

A dot shows where to hold a continuous sound.

Read letters together

Connected letters show when two characters represent one sound.

Hear the sounds in Once

Start at the circle · Hold at the dot · Read to the arrow

Keep reading with Once

Want more than these nine books?

Create a Once account for the complete lesson sequence, additional decodable books, scripted instruction, and coaching.

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Kindergarten decodable book FAQs

What are decodable books?

Decodable books are written so beginning readers can practice sound-spelling patterns they have already learned. They encourage children to blend and sound out words rather than rely on pictures or guessing.

Are these kindergarten decodable books free?

Yes. The nine books featured on this page are free to read directly from their book links. Families and schools that want access to more Once books can create a Once account.

Which book should a kindergarten reader start with?

Compare the sounds listed on each card with the sounds the child has already learned. If you use the Once curriculum, choose a book at or below the most recently completed cycle.

What is Once's specialized orthography?

Once adds temporary visual cues to regular letters. Circles show where to begin, arrows reinforce left-to-right movement, dots show where to hold a continuous sound, and connected letters show when two characters represent one sound.