Best Reading Apps for Kids: Top Choices for Fun and Learning
Reading apps for kids are a fantastic way to make learning both enjoyable and educational. Whether your child is just starting to read or looking to dive deeper into new stories, there’s an app for every stage. These apps combine fun, interactive features with engaging stories, helping kids build essential literacy skills while having a great time. Explore some of the best reading apps for kids, making it easier for you to find the perfect fit for your young reader.
The Rise of Reading Apps for Kids
Digital learning tools have become an essential part of children's education, providing a convenient and engaging way to improve skills like reading. Reading apps for kids are designed to make learning more interactive and accessible, offering a range of features to suit different age groups and learning styles. These apps can help children develop early literacy skills, such as phonics and vocabulary, through interactive stories, games, and exercises.

Many of these apps are tailored to specific reading levels and track progress, allowing parents and educators to monitor a child’s growth. With a wide variety of options available, there is an app for every child's needs whether it's mastering basic letter sounds or exploring a vast library of books. By integrating reading into a fun, digital experience, these apps help keep children engaged while learning important literacy skills.
Best Reading Apps for Kids
Reading apps for kids offer an interactive and engaging way to support literacy development. Designed to cater to different age groups and skill levels, these apps combine educational content with fun activities to keep children motivated. Whether focusing on phonics, vocabulary building, or fostering a love for books, these apps use features like interactive storytelling, progress tracking, and audio narration to enhance the learning experience. They are perfect for parents and educators looking for digital tools that make reading accessible, enjoyable, and educational for young learners.
1. Kids Phonics A-Z, Alphabet, Letter Sounds Learning

Kids Phonics A-Z is an educational app designed to introduce young children to phonics, focusing on letter sounds and letter tracing. The app uses a colorful and engaging island adventure, led by Abby the Monkey, to make learning fun. Children can trace uppercase and lowercase letters, match them with corresponding sounds, and practice identifying beginning sounds in words. The app provides an interactive environment with animal illustrations and phonetic sounds, making it an appealing tool for early literacy development.

The app also integrates mini-games, such as Balloon Pop, to enhance the learning experience. Each game is crafted to help children learn through play, reinforcing phonetic principles and letter recognition. The app is designed with a user-friendly interface and offers high-quality audio from a professional voice-over, making it suitable for young learners aged 4 and up.

Key Highlights:
  • Teaches letter recognition, phonics sounds, and letter tracing
  • Features 90 animal images with phonetic sounds
  • Includes mini-games and rewards for completed activities
  • Provides a child-friendly interface with professional voice-over audio
  • Offers 21 illustrated scenes based on the Montessori methodology
Who it’s best for:
  • Children aged 4 and above
  • Parents looking for early literacy apps for phonics learning
  • Kids who enjoy interactive learning through games and stories
  • Teachers and educators seeking additional resources for preschool or kindergarten students
2. Epic - Kids' Books & Reading

Epic is a digital library that offers access to over 40,000 books, audiobooks, and educational videos for children. The app allows kids to explore a wide variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and educational content. Epic is designed to be safe and interactive, with features like Read-To-Me books and audiobooks that help bring stories to life. It is available across multiple devices, with the option to download content for offline reading.

The app provides tools to motivate young readers, such as badges and quizzes, and it includes a multilingual collection of books in English, Spanish, French, and Chinese. Parents can track their children's reading progress through the app’s parent dashboard, and educators can access the app for free during school hours, with features tailored to enhance reading skills and literacy development.

Key Highlights:
  • Access to 40,000+ books, audiobooks, and learning videos
  • Read-To-Me and audiobook features with voice actors and sound effects
  • Multilingual support, including English, Spanish, French, and Chinese
  • Progress tracking through a parent dashboard
  • Badges, quizzes, and rewards to motivate kids
  • Free for educators during school hours with additional tools for classroom use
Who it’s best for:
  • Children aged 4 and up
  • Parents looking for an interactive reading app with progress tracking
  • Teachers who need a library of books for educational use
  • Kids who enjoy exploring books in different languages and formats
3. Skybrary - Kids Books & Videos

Skybrary is an educational app that provides access to a library of nearly 1,000 books and videos. It includes interactive books with read-aloud features and educational videos aimed at promoting literacy and learning. The app offers a variety of genres and stories to engage children and help them develop reading skills.

The app also features rewards like stickers for completing reading activities, and it offers customizable profiles for children. Skybrary provides an ad-free environment and is designed to be a safe platform for young readers.

Key Highlights:
  • Access to nearly 1,000 books and educational videos
  • "Read to Me" and "Read by Myself" options
  • Interactive book animations
  • Reward system with stickers for reading achievements
  • Customizable profiles for up to three children
  • Ad-free environment
Who it’s best for:
  • Children aged 4 and up
  • Parents looking for a safe, ad-free reading app
  • Kids who enjoy interactive books and videos
  • Families wanting an app focused on literacy development
4. Reading Raven HD

Reading Raven is an app that helps children learn to read through interactive games focused on phonics, letter recognition, word building, and spelling. It is designed for kids aged 3 to 7 and offers a step-by-step learning path from basic skills to reading full sentences. The app is free of ads and external links, making it safe for young users.

It features colorful illustrations and provides rewards like stickers to keep children motivated. The app allows customization for different age groups and reading levels, ensuring that lessons are appropriate for each child’s abilities.

Key Highlights:
  • Covers reading skills from pre-reading to full sentences
  • Includes 11 interactive games for phonics, spelling, and word recognition
  • Customizable settings for different age groups and reading levels
  • No ads or external links
  • Reward system with stickers
Who it’s best for:
  • Children aged 3 to 7
  • Parents looking for a safe, structured learning app
  • Kids learning to read or improving early literacy skills
  • Families seeking an app focused on phonics and spelling
5. Vooks: Read-alouds for Kids

Vooks is an app that provides animated read-aloud books for children. It offers a library of stories with narration and visuals designed to engage young readers, helping them develop language skills. The app is targeted at children aged 8 and under, with content in both English and Spanish.

Vooks focuses on child-friendly content, ensuring a safe, ad-free experience. It also features a Storyteller tool that lets kids narrate their own stories. The app is available on iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV, with both monthly and annual subscription options.

Key Highlights:
  • Animated read-aloud books
  • Available in English and Spanish
  • Storyteller feature for narrating stories
  • Ad-free, safe content
Who it’s best for:
  • Children aged 0 to 8
  • Parents seeking educational content
  • Early readers who need support with reading
6. Little Stories: Bedtime Books

Little Stories is an app that offers personalized bedtime stories for kids. Parents can add their child's name and gender to make the child the main character of the story. The app includes over 70 stories with illustrations and soothing music, aimed at children aged 3 and older.

It also allows parents to record their voice and create personalized audiobooks. The app is available in multiple languages and offers both free and paid content.

Key Highlights:
  • Personalized stories with the child as the main character
  • Over 70 stories and 3,500+ illustrations
  • Option to record your voice for audiobooks
  • Available in multiple languages
  • Free with in-app purchases
Who it’s best for:
  • Children aged 3 and up
  • Parents who want personalized bedtime stories
  • Families who enjoy creating their own audiobooks
7. Kids A-Z

Kids A-Z is an educational app for children in grades K-5. It provides access to eBooks, quizzes, and activities, focusing on subjects like reading, writing, and science. The app integrates Learning A-Z resources such as Raz-Plus and Raz-Kids, allowing students to learn at their own pace.

The app features a space-themed interface to track progress and unlock new content. It is available for free with in-app purchases.

Key Highlights:
  • Access to eBooks, quizzes, and activities
  • Space-themed interface for tracking progress
  • For students in grades K-5
  • Interactive learning features
  • Free with in-app purchases
Who it’s best for:
  • Children in grades K-5
  • Parents and teachers seeking an interactive learning tool
  • Kids who prefer gamified learning experiences
8. Rudi Rainbow Book for Children

Rudi Rainbow Book for Children is an interactive storybook app that follows Rudi, who loses his colors in a storm. Children help Rudi recover his colors while learning about weather concepts such as wind, rain, hail, and thunderstorms. The app includes 40 scenes with animations and sounds, providing a hands-on experience for young users.

The app features six mini-games that reinforce the learning of weather and space topics. It is designed to be educational and engaging, with multilingual narration available in English, Spanish, and German, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Key Highlights:
  • 40 interactive scenes with animations and sounds.
  • Six mini-games focused on weather and space.
  • Covers topics like wind, rain, hail, thunderstorms, and moon phases.
  • No ads, making it safe for kids.
  • Available in multiple languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese.
  • Direct access to educational scenes for teachers and therapists.
Who it’s best for:
  • Children ages 4 and up.
  • Parents seeking an educational, ad-free app.
  • Teachers and therapists looking for an interactive learning tool.
  • Kids interested in weather and space.
9. ABC Reading Eggs Learn to Read

ABC Reading Eggs is an educational app that focuses on teaching children ages 2 to 13 how to read. It offers phonics-based lessons, vocabulary exercises, and interactive storybooks to help children develop reading skills. The app includes a range of activities designed to improve spelling, comprehension, and phonics. It tracks the child's progress and adapts lessons to their learning pace.

The app also features a reward system to motivate kids and provides access to additional programs like ABC Mathseeds for early math skills. It is available for both iPhones and iPads.

Key Highlights:
  • Over 4,000 storybooks and educational games
  • Covers phonics, vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension
  • Self-paced learning with progress tracking
  • Reward system to motivate kids
  • Includes ABC Mathseeds for early math learning
Who it’s best for:
  • Children ages 2-13
  • Parents seeking a phonics-based reading program
  • Kids who enjoy interactive learning through games
  • Families wanting a reading and math educational app
10. Starfall Learn to Read

Starfall Learn to Read is an app that helps children build early reading skills. It focuses on phonics, letter sounds, and basic word recognition through simple games and activities. The app includes songs and interactive content that teach vowel sounds and spelling. It is designed for young children, especially those just starting to learn to read or those learning English.

The app is free to use and provides a straightforward way for children to practice reading in a fun, engaging way.

Key Highlights:
  • Free phonics-based activities
  • Focuses on vowel sounds and spelling
  • Includes songs and interactive games
  • Simple interface for young learners
Who it’s best for:
  • Beginner readers
  • Parents looking for a free reading app
  • Young children, including English language learners
11. Storytime App

Storytime is an interactive app that allows parents to read stories to their children via video calls. The app offers features that let parents enhance the storytelling experience with voice modulations, filters, and special effects such as sounds and light shows. These elements aim to make the stories more engaging for young listeners. Storytime is designed to be used from a distance, enabling parents to be involved in bedtime routines even when they are not physically present.

The app is free to use and works with a stable internet connection. It offers a simple way for parents to connect with their children and share stories, turning storytelling into a more interactive experience with added fun.

Key Highlights:
  • Free app with video call-based storytelling
  • Voice modulations and special filters for a more engaging experience
  • Includes sound effects and light shows
  • Allows parents to read stories remotely
  • Simple, user-friendly interface
Who it’s best for:
  • Parents who want to read to their children remotely
  • Kids who enjoy interactive and visually enhanced storytelling
  • Families looking for a free bedtime storytelling tool
12. Read with Phonics Games

Read with Phonics is an app designed to help children learn phonics and improve their reading skills. The app breaks down the English language into its 44 phonics sounds, enabling kids to learn over 1,200 words. It offers over 100 games, providing a colorful, interactive way for children to practice letter sounds and word blending. The app features no ads, and there is a one-time payment for full access to the content.

The app is ideal for young learners and works well for children just starting their reading journey, providing clear instructions and positive reinforcement as they progress. The app also includes a guide, Albee the alien, who helps children through the lessons.

Key Highlights:
  • Focuses on 44 phonics sounds
  • Includes over 1,200 words for practice
  • Over 100 educational games
  • One-time payment, no subscriptions
  • Positive scoring and no ads
  • Guided by an interactive character (Albee the alien)
Who it’s best for:
  • Young children learning to read
  • Parents looking for a phonics-based reading app
  • Kids who need a structured approach to learning phonics
13. Starfall

Starfall is an educational app designed for children from PreK to 5th grade. It offers a variety of learning activities focused on reading, math, and other subjects like music and social skills. The app includes phonics lessons, grammar practice, and interactive games to help children develop reading and math skills. Starfall follows a systematic approach created by educators and is widely used in classrooms and homes.

The app provides both free and paid content, with free access to basic reading and math activities. Paid subscribers gain access to additional features, including more games and activities. The app also supports children with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments.

Key Highlights:
  • Covers reading, math, music, and social skills
  • Phonics-based lessons for reading development
  • Offers both free and paid content
  • Interactive and engaging games for children
  • No ads for all users, free and paid
  • Supports accessibility for children with disabilities
Who it’s best for:
  • Children from PreK to 5th grade
  • Parents and teachers looking for a phonics-based learning tool
  • Kids who enjoy interactive games and songs
  • Families and classrooms needing an app that supports accessibility
14. Bob Books Reading Magic #1

Bob Books Reading Magic #1 is an educational app that introduces children to phonics and early reading skills. It uses the familiar Bob Books characters to help kids learn to connect letters with sounds, blend those sounds to form words, and practice spelling. The app is designed with young learners in mind, featuring a simple, drag-and-drop interface and colorful animations that make learning engaging.

The app includes 12 scenes with 32 words and offers four game levels that gradually increase in difficulty. It follows the same phonics-based approach used in the Bob Books series, providing a steady and supportive progression for new readers.

Key Highlights:
  • Focuses on phonics and word blending
  • Includes 12 scenes with 32 words
  • Four levels of increasing difficulty
  • Uses Bob Books characters and animations
  • No ads or in-app purchases
  • One-time purchase for full access
Who it’s best for:
  • Young children learning to read
  • Parents looking for a phonics-based reading tool
  • Kids who need a simple, engaging reading app
15. ABC Magic Reading

ABC Magic Reading helps children learn basic reading skills by focusing on CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) words. It teaches phonemic awareness through simple games and activities that focus on letter sounds and blending words. The app also includes a sequenced curriculum and tracking features in the deluxe version, providing a structured approach to learning.

It is designed for young children, including those learning English as a second language, and is based on phonics principles.

Key Highlights:
  • Focuses on CVC words and phonemic awareness
  • Blending and segmenting skills practice
  • Free version with an optional deluxe upgrade
  • Simple games and activities for early readers
  • Supports kids learning English as a second language
Who it’s best for:
  • Early readers and preschoolers
  • Children learning English as a second language
  • Parents looking for a phonics-based reading app
16. Learn to Read Bedtime Stories

Learn to Read Bedtime Stories offers a library of over 240 stories, including fairy tales, fables, and moral stories. The app provides two reading modes: "Read By Myself" for improving reading skills and "Read For Me" for enhancing listening abilities. Words are highlighted as they are read aloud to help young children follow along.

The app includes interactive animations and characters to keep kids engaged. An achievements board encourages children to keep reading. While four stories are available for free, the full library can be accessed with a subscription.

Key Highlights:
  • 240+ stories, including popular fairy tales and fables
  • Two reading modes: "Read By Myself" and "Read For Me"
  • Interactive animations and characters
  • Word highlighting for easy reading
  • Achievements board to motivate reading
  • Simple, child-friendly interface
  • Four free stories, with additional content unlocked via subscription
Who it’s best for:
  • Children under 5
  • Parents looking for bedtime stories
  • Kids interested in fairy tales and moral stories
  • Families wanting an interactive reading experience
17. KidloLand: Kids & Toddler Games

KidloLand is an educational app that provides over 3,000 games, songs, and activities aimed at helping young children develop essential skills. The app covers a variety of topics including ABCs, numbers, phonics, math, and life skills, making it a comprehensive tool for early learning. It is designed for children ages 2 to 8 and is used by parents and teachers to support cognitive and motor skill development in a fun, interactive way.

The app includes features like interactive stories, coding games, and nursery rhymes, all of which can be accessed offline. KidloLand is ad-free, providing a secure and uninterrupted experience for kids, and frequently updates its content to keep the learning experience fresh.

Key Highlights:
  • 3,000+ educational games, songs, and activities
  • Covers topics like ABCs, phonics, math, and more
  • Coding games with 30 games and 600+ levels
  • Can be used offline, ideal for travel
  • Regular content updates
  • Ad-free and safe for children
Who it’s best for:
  • Children aged 2-8 years
  • Parents looking for a safe, educational app
  • Kids interested in learning through games and songs
  • Families who need an offline learning tool
  • Parents wanting an app that is ad-free and secure
18. Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids is a free educational app for children aged 2-8, offering a range of learning activities in subjects like reading, math, and more. The app provides a collection of over 5,000 lessons, games, and books, with content available in both English and Spanish. The app is ad-free, does not require subscriptions, and is accessible both online and offline.

The app covers a variety of topics such as phonics, numbers, shapes, and reading. It also includes books from National Geographic and Bellwether Media, which are available for reading and read-aloud options. Khan Academy Kids aligns with early education standards and is suitable for use at home or in the classroom.

Key Highlights:
  • 5,000+ lessons and activities.
  • Covers reading, math, and early learning subjects.
  • Available in English and Spanish.
  • No ads or subscriptions.
  • Offline access to content.
  • Aligned with early education standards like Head Start and Common Core.
Who it’s best for:
  • Children aged 2-8.
  • Families and teachers looking for a free educational tool.
  • Parents want to support early literacy and math development.
  • Homeschooling families.
Try Art Therapy for Self-Love and Confidence: Lina Therapy
In addition to traditional reading apps, digital tools that support emotional well-being can be a great complement to children's and teens' learning journeys. Lina Therapy is an innovative app designed to enhance self-love, self-worth, and self-confidence through guided art therapy exercises.

At Lina Therapy, we believe that emotional well-being is just as important as academic growth. Our app provides structured self-care exercises tailored to different age groups, allowing users to boost their creativity while fostering emotional resilience. Through engaging prompts and guided activities, Lina Therapy encourages self-reflection and mindfulness in a fun and accessible way.

Available on iOS and iPad, our platform is designed for those who seek creative and therapeutic ways to support their mental health. To stay connected and explore more content on self-care, follow us on Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram. Whether you're looking for a relaxing activity, a tool for emotional resilience, or a digital space to enhance self-awareness, Lina Therapy provides a unique approach to personal growth through art.
How Reading Apps Support Different Learning Styles
Reading apps are designed to support various learning styles, ensuring that children can engage with content in a way that works best for them.

  • Visual Learners: For children who learn through seeing, apps often use images, animations, and colorful visuals to support learning. These features help connect words with pictures, making it easier for children to understand and remember new information.
  • Auditory Learners: Apps for auditory learners focus on listening, with features like read-aloud functions and narrated stories. This helps children improve their listening skills and comprehension while following along with the text.
  • Kinesthetic Learners: Some children learn best through hands-on activities. Apps like Reading Raven offer interactive features, such as letter tracing and word matching, allowing children to physically engage with the material, reinforcing their learning through action.

By catering to these different learning styles, reading apps provide a more effective and engaging way for children to learn.
Conclusion
Reading apps for kids offer an effective and engaging way to support children's literacy development. By combining interactive features, educational content, and a variety of learning tools, these apps help children build important reading skills at their own pace. Whether you're looking for phonics-based learning, interactive stories, or a large digital library, there's an app suited for every child's needs. These apps not only enhance reading skills but also foster a love for books, making learning both fun and accessible.
1. What age group are reading apps for kids suitable for?
Reading apps cater to a wide range of age groups, with some designed for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2-5) and others for older children (ages 6-12). Many apps offer content suitable for different reading levels within the same age range.
2. Are reading apps safe for kids?
Yes, many reading apps are designed to be safe for kids. They are free from ads and provide a controlled environment. However, it’s always important to review the app’s content and settings to ensure it's age-appropriate.
3. Do reading apps require a subscription?
Some reading apps are free, while others offer a subscription model for access to premium content. Many apps provide a free version with basic features, and a paid version unlocks additional content, features, or activities.
4. How can I track my child’s progress with reading apps?
Many reading apps come with built-in progress trackers for parents to monitor their child's reading skills. These trackers typically show milestones, completed books, and areas where a child may need additional practice.
5. Can reading apps replace traditional books?
While reading apps are a valuable tool for learning, they should be used in combination with traditional reading methods. It's important to balance screen time with physical books to provide a well-rounded reading experience for children.