Early Chapter Books for Young Readers

When someone tells me they’re looking for early chapter books for young readers, my go-to recommendation is usually Kate DiCamillo’s Mercy Watson series.

Short, easy-to-read chapters, colorful pages, an engaging story line that will make adults laugh too – it is no surprise that this series is well-loved.

And if you fall in love with these characters, I typically recommend her Tales from Deckwoo Drive series…

…though it is a bit more advanced that her original Mercy Watson books.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of these two series:

If a young reader isn’t quite reader to read these independently, they are fun read-alouds to enjoy together.

I have a blog post where I recommend some of our favorite chapter books that make great read alouds, but many of those are for older elementary students.

In this post, I’m sharing books that are geared more toward kids who are just beginning to venture into the world of chapter books – books that are similar in reading level to the Mercy Watson series.

Let’s get started – and I would love to hear if you have any recommendations to add to this list.

Wallace and Grace

This is the cutest little mystery series by Heather Alexander. It is a great stepping stone to other kids mystery series like Cam Jansen, A to Z Mysteries, etc.

Our library has most of the books in this collection – but not the Christmas one.

However, I’m thinking Wallace and Grace and the Gift Thief might be the perfect Thanksgiving gift for one of my girls this year.

Owl Diaries

Amazon recommends this series for first and second-grade level readers, and I would say that’s about right.

Though, I could see girls a bit younger – and older – still enjoying these cute stories of friendship.

This fun series is about a pug and his human – with stories told from the pug’s point of view.

These little tales will definitely make your reader laugh!

If your child is a dog lover, they will enjoy this cute series by Cam Higgins.

Books 1 through 10 are available in a boxed set – another great gift idea!

How sweet are the illustrations in this adorable series by Matthew Cordell?

In this series by Jacqueline Davis, two unlikely friends (a skunk and a hedgehog) strike out on all kinds of adventures together.

This cute series is a great confidence builder for kids who are just getting started with chapter books.

They will not feel overwhelmed by the short, easy-to-read chapters Katherine Applegate has designed.

An old dog has welcomed a new puppy into the household – such fun reads.

More Beginning Chapter Books You Might Want to Check Out:

• Heartwood Hotel
• The Ten Commandments Mysteries (These are sometimes available on Thrift Books.)
• The Cul-de-Sac Kids
• Ivy & Bean
• The Critter Club