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Return the books in your prepaid envelope, and we'll send you some more!
Feel the Reading Chest love
Read the latest feedback from the parents (and children!) learning to read with us!
See All FeedbackErin B
September 8, 2025
Great service - really good selection of books and great to help keep the children reading over the summer holidays.
Karen T
July 30, 2025
Reading Chest has been great to encourage regular reading. The books are all in very good condition and we have enjoyed the sticker charts!
How to find the right book band for your child!
Reading Chest has a vast selection of reading books, which are used in schools across the UK. These are carefully graded by reading levels known as book bands. Our simple guide will help you pick the right band for your child:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
Level 8
Level 9
Level 10
Level 11
Level 12-13
Pink Book Band
Level 1. Recommended reading age 4 - 5 years.
For children just starting to read. Children are getting used to reading from left to right and matching spoken words to written words. Usually no more than 10 pages with up to 5 words on a page.
Sample Pages & Books
Red Book Band
Level 2. Recommended reading age 4 - 5 years.
The second step up the ladder as children gain a little more confidence and may know some words by sight. Usually no more than 15 pages with 1 sentence per page.
Sample Pages & Books
Yellow Book Band
Level 3. Recommended reading age 4 - 5 years.
Children are beginning to read more varied sentence structures and taking some note of punctuation. Usually no more than 15 pages with 1 or 2 sentences per page.
Sample Pages & Books
Blue Book Band
Level 4. Recommended reading age 5 - 6 years.
Children are becoming more confident at reading longer and more varied sentences. Usually no more than 15 pages with 2 or 3 sentences per page.
Sample Pages & Books
Green Book Band
Level 5. Recommended reading age 5 - 6 years.
Children are starting to read quite fluently and take note of punctuation. Usually about 20 pages with 3 or 4 sentences per page.
Sample Pages & Books
Orange Book Band
Level 6. Recommended reading age 5 - 6 years.
Children are starting to read longer and more complex sentences and can understand a range of punctuation. Usually about 20 pages with 4 or 5 sentences per page.
Sample Pages & Books
Turquoise Book Band
Level 7. Recommended reading age 6 - 7 years.
Sample Pages & Books
Children can read complex sentences fairly fluently, taking note of punctuation. They use expression and do not rely on illustrations to help them. Usually about 20 pages with 4 or 5 sentences per page.
Purple Book Band
Level 8. Recommended reading age 6 - 7 years.
Sample Pages & Books
Children might read silently or quietly at quite a rapid pace, taking note of punctuation. Usually about 25 pages with 5 to 10 sentences per page.
Gold Book Band
Level 9. Recommended reading age 6 - 7 years.
Sample Pages & Books
Children might read silently or quietly at quite a rapid pace, taking note of punctuation. Usually about 25 pages with 5 to 10 sentences per page.
White Book Band
Level 10. Recommended reading age 6 - 7 years.
Sample Pages & Books
Books might have chapters. Children will read silently most of the time. They are interested in longer texts which they can return to easily after a break. Usually no more than 30 pages and about 10 sentences per page.
Lime Book Band
Level 11. Recommended reading age 6 - 7 years.
Sample Pages & Books
Books might have chapters. Children will read silently most of the time. They are interested in longer texts which they can return to easily after a break. Usually more than 30 pages.
Extended Book Band
Level 12-13. Recommended reading age 7 - 9 years.
Sample Pages & Books
Books might have chapters. Children read silently with confidence and perseverance. A wide variety of longer, demanding texts, usually with around 30 - 50 pages..
Featured Books: Spooky Reads
Explore a spooky selection of slightly scary but super fun stories to enjoy in the lead-up to Halloween.
Our latest news, tips, and advice
Read what's happening with Reading Chest, along with advice on how to help your child on their reading journey.
Read Our BlogSpooky Stories and Reading Fun This Halloween
October 24, 2025
Halloween is such a thrilling time of year for children — full of imagination, creativity, and just the right amount of spooky fun! Between the costumes, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating, it’s also the perfect chance to add a sprinkle of...
World Teachers’ Day: Thanking the Teachers Who Spark a Love of Reading
October 3, 2025
World Teachers’ Day (5 October) is the perfect time to celebrate the incredible teachers who help shape young minds — and hearts. Among the many things they teach, one of the greatest gifts they give is a love of reading....
Celebrate Black History Month: Explore Stories of Courage and Culture
October 1, 2025
Black History Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, learn, and reflect. It’s a time to shine a light on the stories, achievements, and history of Black individuals and communities — and to help children understand the importance of diversity,...
Celebrate Libraries Week: Discover, Read and Imagine Together
September 29, 2025
It’s Libraries Week – the perfect excuse (as if we needed one!) to celebrate one of the best inventions ever: the library. Whether it’s the smell of well-loved pages, the excitement of finding a new story, or the quiet magic...
Cosy Up With Reading Chest This Autumn
September 18, 2025
September means new shoes, fresh pencil cases… and the return of the school run (deep breath!). It’s also the perfect moment to set good habits for the year ahead. Reading regularly at home can give children a real boost as...