It’s often difficult to transition younger readers from easy reader books to early chapter books, especially when you as a parent know that your young one is ready to take the next step! Finding the right book(s) to interest your child is the key to getting your child to make the switch. There are so many great books to choose from to encourage your youngster to read, you just might have to try a few to find the right ones. Here are a few early chapter book series recommended by Miss Rosemary from our Children’s Services team.
The Tried and True Favorites
A to Z Mysteries
by Ron Roy
Magic Tree House
by Mary Pope Osborne
Captain Underpants
by Dav Pilkey
Dog Man
by Dav Pilkey
Paddington
by Michael Bond
Narwhal and Jelly
by Ben Clanton
Books with Strong Female Leads
Ivy + Bean
by Annie Barrows & Sophie Blackall
Owl Diaries
by Rebecca Elliott
Zoey and Sassafras
by Asia Citro
Princess Pulverizer
by Nancy Krulik
Mia Mayhem
by Kara West
Unicorn Diaries
by Rebecca Elliott
Amelia Bedelia
by Peggy Parish
Junie B. Jones
by Barbara Park
Books with Strong Male Leads
Nate the Great
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Stink
by Megan McDonald
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Roald Dahl
Mr. Putter and Tabby
by Cynthia Rylant & Arthur Howard
Pedro First Grade Hero
by Fran Manushkin
Ellray Jakes
by Sally Warner
Here’s Hank
by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver
The Carver Chronicles
by Karen English
Zapato Power
by Jacqueline Jules
Books that Defy Gender Norms
Jasmine Toguchi Mochi Queen
by Debbi Michiko Florence
Steven Universe
by Rebecca Sugar
Too Small Tola
by Atinuke
Lola Levine
by Monica Brown
Thunder Rose
by Jerdine Nolen
A Personal Favorite: Judy Moody
The first book in the Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald really caught my attention. Judy is feisty and has a lot of attitude on the first day of school because things are going to be different. Judy does not expect the third grade to go well—there is no armadillo sticker on her desk, her class does not have a porcupine named Roger and she sits across the aisle from Frank “Eats Paste” Pearl. Frank sent Judy five Valentine’s Day cards when they were in first grade. In second grade, he gave her a cupcake on Halloween, Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Now in third grade, she gets an invitation to his birthday party.
Judy also has an annoying little brother named Stink. She once stole his baby belly button to bring to show and tell at school. If this sounds fun, follow the adventures of the feisty and humorous Judy Moody by reading the Judy Moody series and Judy Moody and Stink series. Also, Check out the Judy Moody website for some fun, way-not-boring stuff to do and make!