Top 14 Chapter Books For Early Readers Updated 04 /2024

It has been a challenge for us to keep them interested in books that are both age-appropriate and a little more advanced. A good choice for them is an early chapter book with full-color illustrations. This format is a good bridge between picture books and chapter books. In these books, there is a picture on almost every page, which makes them feel like picture books that little kids are used to. However, their vocabulary is a little more advanced and their storylines are a little longer. Here are some great early chapter book series that have kept us entertained at home. The books have fun illustrations and are easy to read.

A Narwhal and Jelly Book Series

by Ben Clanton

This series is about the friendship between a narwhal and a jellyfish, which can be very funny at times. While they may be very different, they both love peanut butter and parties, even though they are very different. In this age, the books are a good way to learn about graphic novels, and the books' focus on friendship and working together is just right for this age. These are a great next step for people who like Mo Willems's Elephant & Piggie books.

Arnold and Louise Series

by Erica S. Perl, illustrated by Chris Chatterton

In this new series, there is another unlikely pair. Frog and Toad fans will love it! It's Arnold the bear who is thoughtful and patient. Louise the chipmunk is a lot of fun to be around. Though they are very different, they are best friends. There are green and gray illustrations that make the duo come to life with a foresty feel.

Nate the Great Series

by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by Marc Simont

This long-running and popular series about a child detective is sure to be a hit with both fans and novice readers. Illustrations by Simont, who did this book's cover art, come in black and white or color. They show some of the sly humor in Sharmat's writing. The illustrations by Simont can help kids figure out what is going on in the story as they read it. Be careful: You might end up with a young detective of your own!

The Secret Explorers Series

by DK and SJ King

In this series, there are a group of gifted kids who go around the world and back in time. Magic Tree House fans will love this show! Even if they're blasting off into space, diving under the sea, or flying across the Arctic, these books will take your child on a lot of crazy adventures!

J.D. the Kid Barber Series

by J. Dillard, illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts

If you have a young person who wants to start a business, you'll love this fun chapter book series. He starts a barbershop in his bedroom and learns how to balance his business, friendships, customers, and success in a way that works for all of them. If you're a young fan of Shark Tank or if you want to start your own business, this show is for you.

Princess Pulverizer Series

by Nancy Krulik, illustrated by Ben Balistreri

Is this series about a princess? No, but she is not a girly person. This is what Princess Pulverizer doesn't want. She doesn't want to live a life full of tea parties and ballroom dancing. Instead, she wants to go to Knight School to learn how to fight with a sword and kill dragons. In order to show that she is a brave person, she must first complete a Quest for Kindness. Featuring a group of people who are very different from each other, this movie is sure to make both boys and girls laugh.

Mercy Watson Series

by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

You and your child will laugh out loud when you read DiCamillo's series about a mischief-making pig. When the family sees Mercy, they treat her like one of them, even though she's a big, pig-like animal Her size and animal nature get her into a lot of trouble at home and in her neighborhood. The illustrations are bright and funny, which perfectly capture the humor of the stories.

She Persisted Series

by various authors and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger and Gillian Flint

This series of short illustrated biographies is about women who have made a difference in history. Readers will learn about famous female scientists, doctors, artists, athletes, and politicians, as well as other people. There are a lot of interesting biographies for kids to read that will give them good examples and inspiration.

Unicorn Academy Series

by July Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman

You can't get any better than this for unicorn lovers. Every girl at the Unicorn Academy is paired up with a unicorn, and they become best friends right away. This book is for kids ages 6 to 9. It is full of magical, rainbow-filled stories. If your child has read all 12 books in the series, you can start them on the spin-off series Unicorn Academy Nature Magic.

The Princess in Black Series

by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

She might love princesses as well as heroes, so this is the series for you if she's like mine. Princess Magnolia has a secret life where she fights monsters. The stories show that princesses can be strong and brave with bright and cheery illustrations that show the action in a way that isn't scary. My son, too, likes the Princess's adventures.

Minecraft Woodsword Chronicles: The Complete Series: Books 1-6

by Nick Eliopulos

By giving them books about video games, you can get a gamer to read more. In this series of illustrated chapter books, kids learn about the world of Minecraft and get excited about reading. This is the best way to get kids interested in reading. These books will keep your child reading for hours.

Candlewick Sparks Series

by various authors and illustrators

When Annie unzips her new backpack, she finds a monster inside. One of our favorite books in the Candlewick Sparks series is called The Monster in the Backpack. In the beginning, the monster is a bother. But over time, the two start to like each other and then love each other, too. This is a silly story that kids will enjoy, and Jones's digital art makes it even more fun.

Cam Jansen Series

by David A. Adler

Twenty-five years after it came out, the series called "Cam Jansen" has sold well. It is a favorite of young mystery solvers. Cam is a smart fifth-grader who has a photographic memory. He's also kind and always on the lookout for the right thing to do. Eric is Cam's best friend. Every detective needs a partner, and Eric is a great one for Cam. As long as your reader has a lot of cases to choose from, they won't run out of fun!

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