Bob Books are a series of simple, phonics-based books designed to help young kids learn to read. Created by Bobby Lynn Maslen in 1976, they focus on controlled vocabulary to teach decoding skills.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What are Bob Books?
Bob Books are a series of simple reading books made for kids. Teacher Bobby Lynn Maslen created them in 1976. These small books use phonics rules to help kids sound out words. The first book teaches just four sounds: M, A, T, and S. New sounds get added slowly so kids can read many words. Over 10 million copies sold show how popular they are in early reading. Scholastic now publishes Bob Books, which follow the Science of Reading research.
How the series is organized
Bob Books are organized into four main stages. The first stage, Reading Readiness, helps pre-readers learn the alphabet. Stage 1, called Starting to Read, introduces short vowels and three-letter words for ages 4-6. Stage 2, or Emerging Reader, builds on those skills with more complex patterns. Stage 3, Developing Reader, covers long vowels and longer stories for kindergarten and first grade. Each set has 8-12 books, plus special Sight Words sets with flashcards for early readers.
Why homeschoolers choose Bob Books
Many homeschool families use Bob Books along with other phonics programs, like 'Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.' Their simplicity is key — each book takes just a few minutes to finish, giving kids a sense of achievement. One mom taught eight kids to read using these books! They're affordable, easy to carry, and have a solid history, making them great for families with multiple kids.
What to watch for
Bob Books are best used with care. Since the stories are short and repetitive, some kids might memorize them instead of really reading. Check this by pointing to words out of order to see if they can still read them. The simple pictures may not catch the eye of kids who love colorful illustrations. And while it's tempting to read many books at once, it's better to stick to one book a day to ensure kids really understand.
The bottom line
Bob Books are well-known for helping kids learn to read. Their phonics method aligns with the Science of Reading, giving kids the skills to decode words instead of guessing. While they work best as a supplement, their affordability and success make them a great choice for any family teaching reading. Plus, a new Emerging Readers Jumbo Workbook is coming in August 2026 for those wanting extra practice.
