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.
Diary of a Pug
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!
Good Dog
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!
Cornbread & Poppy
How sweet are the illustrations in this adorable series by Matthew Cordell?
Sydney & Taylor
In this series by Jacqueline Davis, two unlikely friends (a skunk and a hedgehog) strike out on all kinds of adventures together.
Doggo and Pupper
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.
Tales of Buttercup Grove
Tales of Buttercup Grove is such a sweet chapter book series. Wendy Dunham tells adorable stories of friendship and the illustrations by Michal Sparks are the perfect match!
Sophie Mouse
The Adventures of Sophie Mouse – Join Sophie Mouse on her adventures in Silverlake Forest – cozy stories of friendship and fun.
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Breyer Stablemates Horse Books
Breyer Stablemates is an older chapter book series we have collected through used book options available online from Amazon and Thrift Books.
We have featured this series in our list of horse favs, and if you have a child or grandchild who loves horses, this series might just be a favorite for them.
Ratnip
Ratnip is a rat who lives in the city – follow along on his adventures.
This book series is by Cam Higgins – the same author who wrote the Good Dog series.
Great Mouse Detective
This eight-book series by Eve Titus has been so well-loved that it’s even been turned into a film.
If your young reader enjoys solving mysteries, they will enjoy these books.
Cork and Fuzz
Cork is a muskrat and Fuzz is a possum. The books about these characters include sweet stories of friendship.
Of course I couldn’t help but share the Christmas picture book about these characters. We spotted it at our local library.
Amazon recommends these books for ages 6-8.
Cowgirl Kate
This adorable series includes such bright and colorful illustrations. We are excited to also add this series our list of Horse Books for Kids.
These books are approximately 40 pages in length and are recommended for grades 1st through 4th.
Heartwood Hotel
Heartwood Hotel: Courage, kindness, and adventure abounds in this charming, illustrated chapter book series about a mouse discovering the true meaning of home. – Amazon
These books are recommended for 2nd-5th grade – so they’re a little bit more advanced than some of the other series we’ve included in this post – but these also work great as read-aloud stories for younger kids.
This website includes all kinds of sweet printables that go along with this book series – and they’re free to download and print.
Disclaimer: This is not a blanket recommendation of all of these authors, publishers, etc. – just some cute books from various books series we’ve found.
More Beginning Chapter Books You Might Want to Check Out:
- The Ten Commandments Mysteries (These are sometimes available on Thrift Books.)
- The Cul-de-Sac Kids
- Ivy & Bean
- The Critter Club
We love to come back to this post and add new books we’ve discovered! Feel free to share your favorites with others in the comments.
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