I’m currently teaching my four year old to read and one of the resources we enjoy using are Bob Books.  Each set comes with about 10 little booklets.  As soon as the child learns the short vowel sounds, he can start reading these little books.  Each booklet has simple drawings and story line. They are very appealing and motivating for the young readers because they feel a sense of accomplishment after finishing reading a little booklet.

Here is the story from Bob Books First Book 2:

Sam and Cat

Mat and Cat

Sam, Mat, and Cat

Cat sat on Sam.

Mat sat on Sam.

Sad Sam.  Sad Mat.

Sam sat.  Mat sat.

O.K., Sam.  O.K., Mat.  O.K., Cat

I just saw these Bob Books at Costco for $9.99 per set and their set comes in 18 little booklets plus other bonus materials.