I think you received great suggestions so far. How old is your son? First thing you should do is relax - if you feel frusrated then it means you should take a break. Every child learns at their own pace and eventually it will just 'click'. I think it's silly the way you see these info-mercials claiming you can teach your child to read at 2 yrs. of age. For my girls I started out making sure they knew what sounds the alphebet letters made and then I got them the first level books - the kind that comes in a set, with coinciding pictures. Also once my girls started grade one, each week the teacher would send home a list of words, so by year end they were expected to know them. all I agree it should be a book that he loves and for a beginner. If you get one that's too advanced then it will be frustrating. Also the other post mentioned when you're going out ask him what the signs say. You know what's funny is both my girls read there first book alone with thr Dr. Suess book called Green Eggs and Ham. It will happen, don't worry.