Phonics Books & Decodable Readers

Phonics books are decodable readers and workbooks that let children practise the letter sounds they have been taught, so they can sound out and blend every word on the page. Our range supports Reception, Year 1 and Key Stage 1 readers working towards the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, plus older children catching up.

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Our 2026 range brings together decodable reading books, phonics workbooks and classroom kits from Jolly Phonics, Phonic Books, Smart Kids and Beanstalk Books, alongside our wider phonics resources such as flashcards, phoneme fans and games.

What are phonics books and decodable readers?

Decodable readers are phonics books written using only the letter sounds and tricky words a child has already learned, so every word can be read by sounding out and blending. This builds confidence because children are not left guessing from pictures. GOV.UK advises parents to ask their child's teacher for books at the right phonics level, often called decodable readers.

Which phonics books suit Reception and Year 1?

Start with books that match the sounds your child is learning at school. The Mog and Gom phonics books follow a Letters and Sounds progression from Phase 2 to Phase 5, with tricky words introduced gradually. The Jolly Phonics Workbooks 1 to 7 cover all 42 letter sounds, and Dandelion Readers build from simple CVC words to vowel spellings.

How do phonics books help with the Phonics Screening Check?

The Phonics Screening Check is taken by children in Year 1 in England each June. It has 40 words, including pseudo-words shown with a picture of an imaginary creature, so children have to decode rather than recognise words. Reading decodable books regularly gives children plenty of practice at sounding out and blending. Children who do not meet the standard retake the check in Year 2.

How do I choose the right phonics books?

  • Match the phase: choose books that use the sounds already taught, whether Phase 2 CVC words or Phase 5 alternative spellings.
  • Match the programme: Jolly Phonics is on the Department for Education's list of validated systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) programmes, so its pupil books and workbooks sit well alongside school teaching.
  • Mix reading and writing: pair readers with activity books or workbooks so children practise reading and spelling the same sounds.

Are there phonics books for older children with dyslexia?

Yes. Some older children, including many with dyslexia, still have gaps in their phonics. Phonic Books publishes catch-up series such as Moon Dogs, Talisman, Alba and Magic Belt for readers aged 8 to 14, pairing decodable text with age-appropriate stories. For more support, browse our dyslexia-friendly books for reluctant readers.

Who are our phonics books for?

Schools: teachers and teaching assistants use our decodable readers for guided reading, home reading and catch-up groups across Key Stage 1. Classroom kits and multi-copy sets help when several pupils are working on the same phase.

Parents: a few minutes of reading together each day makes a real difference. Our team often suggests picking one reading book and one activity book at your child's current phase. You will find more ideas in phonics learning from home.

 

Need advice? Call us to have a chat - 01394 671 818 or email us hello@thedyslexiashop.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

What are phonics books?

Phonics books are reading books and workbooks built around letter sounds, so children can practise sounding out and blending words. The most useful type for early readers is the decodable reader, which only uses sounds and tricky words a child has already been taught. Series such as Jolly Phonics, Mog and Gom and Dandelion Readers follow a set order of sounds from simple CVC words onwards.

What phonics books are best for Reception?

The best phonics books for Reception match the early sounds taught in class, usually Phase 2 and Phase 3. Good starting points are the Phase 3 Mog and Gom Books, the first Jolly Phonics Workbooks, which begin with the sounds s, a, t, i, p and n, and DK 10 Minutes a Day Phonics for ages 3 to 5. Ask your child's teacher which sounds they are learning.

How can I help my child prepare for the Year 1 phonics screening check?

Read decodable books together little and often, and encourage your child to sound out unfamiliar words rather than guess from the pictures. GOV.UK suggests asking your child's teacher for books at the right phonics level. The check takes place in June, has 40 words including pseudo-words, and children who do not meet the standard retake it in Year 2.

When should children stop using decodable books?

There is no fixed age. Decodable books are designed to match the sounds a child has been taught, so they are most useful while a child is still learning the phonics code, typically through Reception, Year 1 and into Year 2. Once a child can decode new words accurately and fluently, they can move on to a wider range of books. Your child's teacher can advise.

What phonics books do schools use alongside their phonics programme?

Schools use decodable readers that follow the same order of sounds as their phonics programme, so pupils only read what they have been taught. Jolly Phonics is on the Department for Education's list of validated systematic synthetic phonics programmes, and we stock its pupil books, workbooks and class set. Classroom kits from Phonic Books suit guided reading and catch-up groups in Key Stage 1.

Are decodable books good for children with dyslexia?

Decodable books give children with dyslexia structured practice using only sounds they have been taught, so they can succeed without guessing. Around 1 in 10 people are dyslexic, according to the British Dyslexia Association, and many older pupils still have gaps in phonics. Phonic Books catch-up series such as Moon Dogs and Talisman combine decodable text with stories aimed at readers aged 8 to 14.