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Feel the Reading Chest love
Read the latest feedback from the parents (and children!) learning to read with us!
See All FeedbackLaura A
June 3, 2025
We’ve been huge fans of, and receiving books from, Reading Chest for years – the way they allowed our kids to progress in their reading by offering books straight to our door saved me so much time searching for books elsewhere, and the kids have loved seeing their progress with certificates and star charts. The range of books and the...
Julie M
April 24, 2025
Both my daughters have benefitted greatly from Reading Chest. It was a fantastic way to support them at home and develop their love of reading at a level appropriate to their stage. This enabled them to experience success and read a set of 6 books fully, before moving on to the next book band. They became much more confident and...
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: Summer Stories
Soak up the sunshine with cheerful, adventure-filled stories that are perfect for sunny days and garden play.
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.
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Make Father’s Day About Stories, Not Just Socks
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New! Printed Certificates Now Included in Your Book Packs
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Making the Most of the May Half-Term Holidays: Exploring Reading Activities for Children
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The May half-term holidays offer a perfect opportunity to engage children in fun and educational activities. With spring in full bloom, it’s an excellent time to incorporate reading into outdoor adventures and creative experiences. Keeping reading a part of the...
Supporting Young Minds: Reading Activities for Mental Health Awareness Week
May 12, 2025
Mental Health Awareness Week is a valuable time to reflect on the importance of emotional well-being, especially for children. Reading is a powerful tool that can support young minds, helping them process emotions, develop empathy, and build resilience. Through mindful...