Yes, this is getting it’s own post on my blog.
Here’s why…
It was through a bit of trial and error that I discovered the differences between Bob Book Collections and Bob Book Sets. I highly, highly recommend using Bob Books for little readers, so I wanted to write a very clear explanation for all of you, so you don’t make the same mistakes I did when ordering these online.
The Difference Between Sets and Collections:
Bob Book SETS are mini books and include one set of Bob Books which teach a particular reading concept.
Bob Book COLLECTIONS are a collection of TWO of the mini sets in one big box, and are much bigger in size. (see picture below.)
Important to know! The titles in the SETS are the same titles as are in the COLLECTIONS.
In the sets you get just the books in their mini form. In the collections you get TWO sets of books in large format, sheets of stickers to go with the books, and some other little stuff like a bookmark, door hanger, etc…
Whenever the kids finish reading me a book from their set, I let them place a sticker on the front cover of the book so we know it’s done.
Available Sets and Collections
Here’s the part that can be confusing. I’ve listed them below in order of level. Notice in my list that Collection 6 comes before Collection 2. This is correct, do not let the numbers confuse you.
As far as I can tell, Collection 6 comes in between #1 and #2 and there is no Collection 4 or Collection 5. Weird, right? I own all the collections, and the list below is what order your child would read them in.
This is the breakdown, and I’ve linked them all for clarity.
Here is a full listing of the Bob Book Original Sets: Mini Books (in progressive reading order.)
My First Bob Books Pre-Reading Skills
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Here is a full listing of what comes in the Bob Book Collections: Large-Format Books (in progressive reading order.)
My First Pre-Reader Collection: Includes “Alphabet” and “Pre-Reading Skills”
Collection 1: Includes Sets “Beginning Readers” and “Advancing Beginners”
Sight Words Collection: Includes Sets “Sight Words Kindergarten” and “Sight Words First Grade”
Collection 6: Includes Sets “First Stories” and “Rhyming Words”
Collection 2: Includes Sets “Advancing Beginners and “Word Families”
Collection 3: Includes Sets “Compound Words” and “Long Vowels”
{All these Collections also include the stickers, bookmark, door hanger, and parent guide.}
Pre-Reader Collection or Sets
We did purchase the Pre-Reader Collection, and it was the first time I was disappointed in Bob Books. I’ll just share a couple pictures of the inside so you can see for yourself. The reason I am not a fan of these is because it is teaching the alphabet using words that begin with each letter—not unlike other books I already own. They are not books that the child can “read” themselves like the other Bob Book Sets. If your child doesn’t know their alphabet, maybe you would enjoy them, but I prefer the resources outlined in {This Post} for teaching the alphabet.
This is inside of one the books from the “Pre-Reader Skills” Set. As you can see, it’s definitely not a first step to reading, but more of a preschool concepts book.
Why I Use the Collections Instead of the Sets
The bigger the better when you’re teaching kids to read. The larger size is more engaging, and the print is bigger so they are easier for little readers.
I also like the Collections because you are getting more value for your investment. One collection is between $24-29, but you are getting TWO sets for that price. The individual sets are between $11-$17 each. So basically, you are paying about the same amount per title either way, but the collections give you the nice large format, plus a nicer box to store them in plus stickers! 🙂
Okay, hopefully I didn’t lose you in there…
If you have questions, comment and I’ll try to help out!
Arijana says
March 26, 2018 at 6:52 pmThis was very helpful! What would you recommend for a 2 year old who doesn’t read yet ?
Elizabeth Thacker says
March 26, 2018 at 7:14 pmI’m glad it was a help to you! Check out this post for recommendations for your 2-year-old: http://thelittleyears.com/teaching-child-alphabet-kindergarten/
Molly says
October 20, 2018 at 3:09 amCame across your article and browsed it. Just noticed something. On my Bob Books they list the order on the back. Set 2 comes AFTER First Stories and Sight Words Kindergarten. They also say this in the guide that came with my Sight Words Kindergarten.
That’s how the Bob Books people advertise to read through them, anyway.
Just thought I’d let you know about a possible mistake.
Elizabeth Thacker says
October 26, 2018 at 5:01 amHey thanks for the heads up. I’ll take a look at that soon and edit the post! 🙂
Cathal says
May 31, 2022 at 9:28 amThanks for writing this up, It is confusing when ordering them, I ordered the wrong books too and on the back of one set it gives the following order:
Reading Readiness
• My first Bobs Books Pre Reading Skills
• My first Bobs Books Alphabet
Stage 1: Starting to read
•Set 1 Beginning Readers
•First Stories
•Rhyming Words
Stage 2: Emerging Reader
•Advancing Beginners
• Sight Words Kindergarten
• Animal Stories
• Sight Words First Grade
Stage 3: Developing Reader
•Word Families
•Complex Words
•Long Vowels
Collection 1 has the following books in it in a larger size:
•Beginning Readers
•Advancing Beginners
Collection 2 has the following books in it in a larger size:
•Advancing Beginners
•Word Families
Collection 3 has the following books in it in a larger size:
•Compound Words
•Long Vowels
Collection 1 and 2 has ‘Advancing Beginners’ but the books are different in each.
I guess you could list out every book contained in each ‘Set’ and ‘Collection’ and that would allow people to see exactly what they are buying and if they have already bought some of the books in the other collections.
Molly says
October 20, 2018 at 3:15 amMe again,
Are Compund Words in Collection 3, and Complex Words (set 4) the same? If not, are neither of these available as set AND in collection?
I already have all the sets except #4 and #5 and would like to buy the two together as a collection if possible.
Elizabeth Thacker says
October 26, 2018 at 5:07 amFrom looking online I think you are correct–I believe Complex Words is the same as Compound Words.
So Collection 3 should get you the two sets you’re missing! I do not own the small sets (except one), but I’m pretty sure that you have it right.
If you go to “Set 4 Complex Words” on Amazon, the box actually reads “Compound Words” so they should be the same. Hope this helps!
Molly says
October 30, 2018 at 7:27 pmYou’re right. I see now where it is listed as Complex Words, and the box reads Compound Words. I went ahead and purchased the Collection. I had no idea the collections existed before your post. What a great way to save money, getting 2 sets at a time. I found a used, like new, with Prime shipping Collection for only $8! It’s probably missing the stickers and other extras, but I have every single other set, and never had them anyways, so they won’t be missed.
Kristin says
October 30, 2018 at 2:54 amThis post is incredibly helpful. Costco has the Bob collections for a great price right now. I spent a good ten minutes digging for a collections 4-5, and apparently they don’t exist.
These books are written to teach kids to read, yet they can’t make the collections or order of books easy for adults to decipher! I hope they come out with a Bob Collection Guide soon 🙂
Elizabeth Thacker says
October 30, 2018 at 4:42 pmYes! When Costco has them in stock, that’s the very best price on these!! You aren’t the first person I’ve heard of spending a lot of time looking for Collections 4&5. lol!!
Molly says
October 30, 2018 at 7:24 pmMe again, I apparently subscribed to this feed.
Just wanted to let people know, if you want to give Bob Books a try, they are FREE on Hoopla. If you’ve never heard of Hoopla, it is an e-book app. You must sign in with your local library card, but it is very popular, and I’ve found many, many libraries participate. It’s worth checking out, and asking your library to participate, if they don’t.
They have every single set on there. I know it’s not ideal to learn to read on a tablet, but its handy for road trips, or to try them out. I’ve still chosen to purchase every set (mostly used on Amazon or Ebay or Goodwill). Just wanted to share my Hoopla findings!
Elizabeth Thacker says
October 30, 2018 at 9:40 pmGreat to know! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
Are you joining the 5 minute challenge (most recent post)?
Audrey Ruth says
June 22, 2020 at 2:57 amUnfortunately, your library has to be participating. Mine is not, although there is a message to contact them to have it added so maybe they will have it soon.
Mary says
May 6, 2019 at 5:06 amThank you for this! I was pulling my hair out trying to make sense of it all!! 😀
Jackie says
July 21, 2019 at 5:10 pmHow valuable do you think the workbooks are? Did you ever use them?
Elizabeth Thacker says
August 6, 2019 at 2:00 pmWe did get a couple of the Bob Book Workbooks. They were just okay. I have other resources that I like better, so we discontinued using them. Hope that helps!
Angie Gregory (Wife) says
November 20, 2019 at 3:38 amWhat workbooks would you recommend go with the collections of not the branded ones intended?
Charleen says
September 13, 2019 at 7:24 pmSo Set 2 (Advancing Beginners) is included in both Collections 1 & 2? Seems a shame there’s not a way to get the bigger versions of all books without the overlap. We got the pre-reader collection for his 2nd birthday and he likes them (the stories with the characters more than the letter introductions), but he’s 4 now and I’d really like to start him on the main series.
Molly says
September 14, 2019 at 11:24 amIf I remember right, the set is split, the first half of the books in one collection, the second half-life in the next collection.
Charleen says
September 14, 2019 at 3:15 pmThank you! I did a little extra digging after reading your comment and this is indeed the case.
Laura says
October 9, 2019 at 4:38 pmWould you recommend introducing alphabet sounds and letter recognition practice/learning at 20 months?
Elizabeth Thacker says
October 22, 2019 at 1:03 amYou can absolutely introduce the alphabet sounds and letter recognition at 20 months if you would like to. Be careful to keep it fun, and your learning times short though. If they’re having a fun time with it then great!! — If they’re not interested, maybe wait a few months and try again.
Laura says
October 22, 2019 at 6:00 amThank you! My 20
month old LOVES books. I have never seen anything like it! We have been going over sounds and she is good at that because of songs. It’s recognizing the written letter we have to work on. Any suggestions? We have the book you recommended, but she just wants to point and say picture names, but really focus on letter.
I also heard that Scholastic is discontinuing the COLLECTIONS (not sets) of Bob Books. Thinking about buying from Costco now, just to have them when she’s ready.
Elizabeth Thacker says
October 22, 2019 at 9:05 pmI have a 27-month old. He enjoys alphabet flash cards that I laminated. I say the sound and hand him the card. He usually says the sound back for me when we play this way.
I use the mini alphabet cards by abeka. You can find them on amazon!
I’m not sure if links work in comments, but here’s the link: 😉
https://amzn.to/32FygFY
We say “Aaa, aaa, apple!”, “b-b-bell”, etc. when doing these together. These cards do have pictures though. If you’re wanting just the straight up alphabet, your little one might enjoy this puzzle by Melissa & Doug or something similar to it:
https://amzn.to/2MBjkTR
Take all the pieces out and give your child one at a time. Say, “The A says “aaaa, aaa”, “The B says b-b-b-” as you hand them each piece to put in the puzzle.
Laura says
October 9, 2019 at 10:51 pmWhere did you purchase your bob’s book collections?
Elizabeth Thacker says
October 22, 2019 at 1:00 amI grabbed mine at Costco! They are the BEST price there–but Costco does not always have them, so you just have to keep your eye out for them. Hope that helps! 🙂
Jen says
July 12, 2020 at 6:04 pmThank you so much for putting this together. Holy smokes, the ordering is confusing.
I got a set from Amazon and then saw them at Costco. My daughter is surprising doing pretty well with them so I am trying to figure out which other set to get her.
How old were your kids when they started with set 1?
Elizabeth Thacker says
August 13, 2020 at 6:27 pmIt IS confusing! Hope you got it all figured out! Mine were different ages when they started set 1. My oldest was close to 5, my third born was still 3. I don’t go by age when they are under five year olds, but look at when they show interest and when they are ready for it! Hope this helps!
Jodi Paige Christou says
July 25, 2020 at 9:54 amIn reference to the bob books, how long did you spend on them each reading session? Did you do multiple times per day? Every other day? Trying to figure out how much time we should be doing it. My daughter is 4 and is interested to read.
Thanks for your help!
Elizabeth Thacker says
August 13, 2020 at 6:24 pmThis depends on how interested your daughter is. 🙂 For my oldest who wasn’t as enthused about reading, we just read 1 each day until he took off with reading. But my #3 child looooved reading them, so we would often end up reading more than one when he was learning. As a side note–I would keep it special and fun by stopping before she loses interest though. So if she begs for a second or third book, go for it! But then stop after that so she really looks forward to doing it again the next day. Does this make sense?
VW says
August 5, 2020 at 6:42 pmHi! So I bought Collections 1 & 2 randomly at Costco. Daughter is almost done with Collection 2. Is the only collection left Collection 3. Since Collection 6 is pre 2?
Thanks!!
Elizabeth Thacker says
August 13, 2020 at 6:21 pmYes, you are correct. If she has done Set 2, then Set 6 will be very easy by comparison.
Anita says
August 14, 2020 at 8:26 pmThank for this! I was so confused between the Series & Collections. I also couldn’t make sense of why the books in Collection 6 seemed easier to read than those in Collection 3. But, it all makes sense now.
Lisa says
August 17, 2020 at 6:45 amThank you so much for writing this blog post! I was so confused and this brought great clarity!
Allison says
August 30, 2020 at 4:00 pmI have sets 1& 2 and I am wondering where to go from here. Do I need them all? I have a 6 year old and she is at a D-ish reading level. She really enjoys these books.
Tina says
September 7, 2020 at 4:00 amVery helpful. I was confused about the differences. I almost purchased sets (when we already own all the collections) by mistake, until I read your article.
Dillon says
October 16, 2020 at 8:57 pmThank you so much for laying this out clearly. I was losing my mind trying to figure it out. I wish I had googled it and found this post earlier.
Sandy says
November 29, 2020 at 3:05 pmI have a 7 yr old in 2nd grade. She can barely read and not having been in school at the end of last year due to Covid has not helped. I am hoping Bob Books will change things for her. She hates readjng, but is very bright. She knows her alphabet, but has difficulty sounding out words. Which collection do you recommend starting with?
Jeffrey says
December 12, 2020 at 3:06 pmThis was an absolutely amazing blog post and explanation. They should hire you for marketing their materials… and maybe you could help them create a cohesive experience 🙂
Is there an analogous set of books for math and numbers? I don’t believe that Bob Books makes one for math. In your experience, is there a set that works well for young children when helping them learn counting, addition, subtraction, etc.?
Carolina says
December 27, 2020 at 6:03 pmOmgosh! I bought the entire collection on offer up for 30 bucks which was a blessing. Then I get home and didn’t know where to start, I searched on Google but only saw the sets so I was going to but what I thought was missing from the collection separately.
Then I found your page and you explained it so clearly and understood that I already had what I needed and where to start.
In other words thank you for your clear explanation of the difference in sets and collection.
Have a blessed New Years 2021!
Lisa says
April 15, 2021 at 12:54 pmI can only find sets. Probably because I’m in Canada. I have found “first stories” on sale and wonder are these good and all decodable words like the Set 1 Beginners would be?
Edna says
January 22, 2022 at 6:58 pmHi! I didn’t realize there were different sets and collections until I read your article, which is very helpful. I purchased three books on a whim last year and now I only Collections 1, 3, and 6. I’ll eheck out Costco, Sam’s and Ollies first before going to Amazon. My daughter is 2.5 years old and will be starting Montessori school soon and am in the process of creating a Montessori room in our home. Are there any other Bob Books you would recommend?
Edna says
January 22, 2022 at 7:00 pmHi! I didn’t realize there were different sets and collections until I read your article, which is very helpful. I purchased three books on a whim last year and now I only need Collections 1, 3, and 6. I’ll eheck out Costco, Sam’s and Ollies first before going to Amazon. My daughter is 2.5 years old and will be starting Montessori school soon and am in the process of creating a Montessori room in our home. Are there any other Bob Books you would recommend?
Jon says
May 31, 2024 at 4:38 amI thrifted an older “set 2” in a solid red box. The 8 books inside it did not match what “set 2” is currently on their website, it actually appears to be what they now call “set 4” (starts with Ten Men).
Extremely confusing.
Megan says
June 24, 2024 at 1:21 amDo you know if both the sets and collections both come with sight words? So far when I look it looks like the sets do, but not the collections? A door hanger and bookmark are great and all, but I want flash cards. ?