Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • The Traveling Taco book trailer!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
    • Read Your World’s AAPI Virtual Panel + 5 Book Bundle Giveaways!
    • I’m doing a Storytime at the 3rd Annual Greater Roxbury Book Fair
    • The Traveling Taco Storytime and Craft at Ten Trees Books
    • NCSS Virtual Presentation: Farm to Table to Book
    • How Stories Can Help Students Feel Brave and Take Risks – NCTE Boston Presentation
Menu
Early Chapter Books to Get Kids Reading

15 Early Chapter Books to Get Kids Reading

Posted on June 5, 2017April 24, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

Have you ever tried a “book tasting?” It’s a fun way to get kids reading. You simply get a pile of books and have kids flip through the books, just to sample each one. Chances are that no one will leave empty-handed.

Like baby clothes, Early Chapter Books tend to have a girl or boy appeal. Some like Magic Tree House, A to Z Mysteries, and Bailey School Kids appeal to both just like there are yellow, white, and green infant clothes. I mean, they exist, but there’s just not a ton of them. But I try to judge the audience of the book, as open-minded kids might not care if the character reflects themselves. I put the order of the books in this list by reading level, with the lower level first.

I did a book tasting with a pile of new early chapter books, and these are my favorites. How about you? What early chapter books are you or your kids enjoying?

I’m giving away 9 early chapter books to 9 winners. Please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom to enter.

15 Early Chapter Books to Get Kids Reading

Charlie & Mouse by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Emily Hughes

This reminds me of the Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel but instead of amphibians, it’s about two brothers. It has that same kind of style of conversation and the same kind of gentle adventures but set during modern times. This feels like an instant classic. I’m a huge fan of Frog and Toad and I love this book! Everything about it appeals to me. [early chapter book, ages 4 and up]

Pigsticks and Harold and the Tuptown Thief  by Alex Milway

I read and loved a Pigsticks and Harold book when I judged the Cybils but I asked for the book to be recategorized from Easy Reader to Early Chapter Book. Here’s the thing: it falls in between. That’s not really an issue for the reader. Pigsticks and Harold books are funny mystery adventures that appeal to kids. Try it with kids ready to leave Easy Readers and make the leap to chapter books. This is the perfect transition series. [early chapter book series, ages 5 and up]

King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats by Dori Hellestand Butler, illustrated by Nancy Meyers

Kayla’s dog King loves peanut butter treats. When she makes a batch and some go missing, he’s falsely accused. Together, they sleuth to find the culprit. [early chapter book series, ages 5 and up]

Annie and Simon: Banana Muffins and Other Stories by Catharine O’Neill

Henry and Mudge fans will enjoy this gentle early chapter book with domestic sibling adventures. Annie and her much older brother Simon bake muffins, watch a baby while doing laundry, and play at a lake. Simon is that perfect older brother (though with a wider age difference) as Charlie in the Charlie and Lola series. I’d describe this series as a mash-up of Henry and Mudge meets Charlie and Lola. [early chapter book, ages 5 and up]

Yours Sincerely, Giraffe by Megumi Iwasa, illustrated by Jun Takabatake

What happens when a bored giraffe gets a penguin pen pal halfway around the world? It’s hard to imagine someone you’ve never seen. They have delightful conversations to learn about each other such as what is a neck and why I have one. This book has wide appeal. Try it international bestseller with kids who like animal nonfiction books, kids who ask lots of questions, and kids who like animals. [early chapter book, ages 6 and up]

Bruno: Some of the More Interesting Days in My Life So Far by Catharina Valckx, illustrated by Nicholas Hubsech

Bruno is the cat on the cover who has odd but appealing adventures where the world isn’t acting the way it usually does. Kids will like these quirky stories that have a magical realism feel. My only complaint is that the text is in a very small-sized font but there is very little of it; just two or sentences a page. This reads like a picture book but it’s in chapters. It’s a great transitional early chapter book for those kids (like mine) who want chapter books to prove their reading independence but are still only in first or second grade. [early chapter book, ages 5 and up]

Cody and the Mysteries of the Universe by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

I read one of the Cody books as part of judging Early Chapter Books and Easy Readers for the Cybils children’s book competition and I really enjoyed it. Her books are well-written gentle adventures that I would describe as “imagine Henry and Mudge as an Early Chapter Book instead of an Easy Reader.” It has that same kind of gentle friendship vibe with everyday adventures. This book also introduces a diverse character in Cody’s friend Spencer. [early chapter books series, ages 6 and up]

The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem by Jake and Laura Gosselin, illustrated by Billy Kelly

At Fright School, Bitterly and her two friends learn to chase away the fears of little human girls by entering their dreams. Her little girl is Molly who has bad dreams of a giant who wants her for lunch. When Bitterly gets bullied by a classmate, she finds help from a place she least expects it — the little girl she’s supposed to protect. This is a book for kids who want to read about confronting fear whether in dreams or at school.

In the sequel, Belladonna and the Nightmare Academy, Belladonna also goes up against the school bully who is abusing dream entering by becoming a nightmare. She has to figure out a way for her human girl to stand up to the bully who enters her dreams. [early chapter book series, ages 6 and up]

Double or Nothing with the Two and Only Kelly Twins by Johanna Hurwitz, illustrated by Tuesday Mourning

For anyone who wished they were an identical twin or wondered about how twins are the same and yet different, this is the book for you! It’s not easy to tell Ilene and Irene apart, but if they look identical, why aren’t they exactly the same? There are illustrations on most page spreads, with some pages entirely text. Readers of Bailey Street Kids, Magic Tree House, and A to Z Mysteries will find this book to read at the same level. [early chapter book, ages 6 and up]

April Fools’, Mr. Todd (Judy Moody and Friends) by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Erwin Madrid

I have to admit that though I tried, my kids and I never got into the popular Judy Moody series. She was just a little too high-maintenance for us to deal with. This series, Judy Moody and Friends seems to be one level down from the Judy Moody series in that there is less text per page and more illustrations. The illustrations are also in color. [early chapter book, ages 5 and up]

The Jolley-Rogers and the Monster’s Gold by Jonny Duddle

Jim and Matilda are fellow pirates in search of gold with the help of a treasure map. They set off on the Jolly-Rogers’ ship, The Blackhole, on an adventure that includes fierce monkeys, parrots, and a monster. Readers who love to play pirates will relish this series. [early chapter book series, ages 6 and up]

Wilf the Mighty Worrier Battles a Pirate by Georgia Pritchett

Readers who like Diary of a Wimpy Kid should try Wilf. It has the same humor around a relatable boy character. In this case, Wilf has a lot of anxieties that he has to face in order to stop the evil genius boy next door from destroying the planet. This book also has a pirate theme so pair it with The Jolley-Rogers and the Monster’s Gold if you have a pirate adventure-loving kid. [early chapter book, ages 6 and up]

Princess Cora and the Crocodile by Laura Amy Schlitz, illustrated by Brian Floca

Newbery Medalist author and Caldecott Medalist pair up for an Empowered Princess early chapter book! Princess Cora is tired of princess etiquette and just wants a dog. Her new pet isn’t quite what she expected, but it’s here to rescue her. This is a charming and funny early chapter book. [early chapter book, ages 6 and up]

Detective Gordon: A Case in Any Case by Ulf Nilsson, illustrated by Gittespee

This is a charming early chapter book series. I’d describe it as Frog and Toad as a chapter book series rather than an easy reader series. For an early chapter book series, it’s on the higher side with full pages of text but there are lovely color illustrations on every page spread. Readers who like detective mysteries like Nate the Great or Cam Jansen should try this animal character series. Kids who like the Wilcox and Griswold series by Robin Newman will like this series too though this series is more tongue-in-cheek. [early chapter book, ages 6 and up]

Shaun the Sheep: Tales from Mossy Bottom Farm, Blast to the Past by Martin Howard, illustrated by Andy Janes

My library doesn’t stock TV show-based early chapter books though kids love them. This early chapter book series is based on Shaun the Sheep, a British stop-motion animated television series, which is a spin-off of the Wallace and Gromit franchise. Give this book to a kid who watches the TV show! With lots of illustrations, this can get reluctant readers reading! [early chapter book series, ages 6 and up]

Harry Miller’s Run by David Almond, illustrated by Salvatore Rubbino

This is the kind of early chapter book that I’d hand to an advanced reader or a kid who loves to read. Those kids who might like British history — and at ages 6 through 8 there might be but a handful — will like this book. For others, it might be daunting to “translate” British colloquial English. The other audience for this book might be an older elementary school student — 4th or 5th grade — who likes period books. I’m not quite sure who will actually read this book. The illustrations are appealing but it feels high for an early chapter book in the United States. It might do better in the U.K. [early chapter book, ages 6 and up]

New Early Chapter Books to Get Kids Reading GIVEAWAY

9 Early Chapter Book Giveawat

Please fill out the Rafflecopter below. I will randomly select a book to each of the nine winners. I can only ship to U.S. addresses due to high cost of shipping.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

New Early Chapter Books to Get Kids Reading GIVEAWAY

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

p.s. Related posts:

Early Chapter Book Lists

Great New Chapter Books for Kids

Chapter Book Series Starring Diverse Girl Characters

Great New Early Chapter Books Giveaway

Great New Early Chapter Books

New Early Chapter Books

Best Beginning Chapter Books for 1st and 2nd Grade

Best Easy Readers and Early Chapter Books

8 BIG Adventure Book Series

Adopt a Shelter Pet Day Early Chapter Books

Hamsters and Guinea Pigs in Early Chapter Books

11 New Diversity Early Chapter Books

Top 10: Best Beginning Chapter Book Series

Best Chapter Books for Newly Independent Readers

Scholastic Branches: Early Chapter Book Series

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

      • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
      • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
      • Starred review from School Library Journal
      • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
      • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
      • Green Earth Book Award longlist
      • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

22 thoughts on “15 Early Chapter Books to Get Kids Reading”

  1. M. Gianferrari says:
    June 5, 2017 at 8:44 am

    Lots of new titles to look forward to, Mia–thank you. I tend to skip from PB to MG, but there are so many great new chapter books out there!!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 2:42 pm

      Hi Maria,
      I struggled to find good early chapter books when my kids were in first and second grade, especially with diversity themes and characters. I judged this category twice for The Cybils and was really impressed with the quality of the new books that I read. Maybe you should consider writing early chapter books or easy readers!

      Reply
  2. michelle says:
    June 5, 2017 at 1:48 pm

    This is a great grouping. My youngest also somewhat skipped over this group, but has read a few from time to time and enjoyed them. I know that a number of local schools around here could really use more of these titles.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 2:43 pm

      Thanks so much Michelle! I’m always excited to find a really great early chapter book because this is when kids start to read independently.

      Reply
  3. maryanne says:
    June 5, 2017 at 9:59 pm

    These sound fantastic! Your giveaway doesn’t seem to have started, but I bet Lily would enjoy any of these.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 2:44 pm

      Hi MaryAnne,
      Sorry about that. I fixed the Rafflecopter!

      Reply
  4. Alyssa Annico says:
    June 6, 2017 at 8:05 am

    The Fly Guy series is great!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 2:44 pm

      Hi Alyssa,
      I’m a big fan of The Fly Guy series too!

      Reply
  5. AnnMarie says:
    June 6, 2017 at 10:27 am

    Loved your reviews. Gonna look for these books for my daughter!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks so much AnnMarie!

      Reply
  6. John Smith says:
    June 6, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    “What are your kids favorite early chapter books?” The Oz books are always nice.

    That book “Bruno” by Catharina Valckx has such a great cover–I’ll have to look it up!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 2:45 pm

      Hi John,
      I loved the Oz series when I was a kid too!

      Reply
  7. michelle says:
    June 6, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    Our favorite early chapter books are – Billie B. Brown, Hey Jack, Owl Diaries, Rainbow Magic, Magic Treehouse, and Princess in Black.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 2:45 pm

      Hi Michelle,
      Great recs! Thanks so much!

      Reply
  8. Naila Moon says:
    June 25, 2017 at 12:38 am

    ANother great giveaway and terrific books.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:20 pm

      Thanks so much Naila!

      Reply
  9. Naila Moon says:
    June 25, 2017 at 4:23 pm

    Honestly, I do not remember what their favorite was. Maybe it was the “Goosebump” books. My granddaughter loves “Pete the Cat” books.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:21 pm

      Thanks for entering Naila!

      Reply
  10. Kimberly Bower says:
    June 27, 2017 at 3:05 am

    Our 2nd graders loved Bunjitsu Bunny ❤

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:25 pm

      Hi Kimberly,
      I love the premise of a martial arts bunny! Sounds fun!

      Reply
  11. Chelsea amanda says:
    June 27, 2017 at 2:26 pm

    I loved goosebumps growing up.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      July 15, 2017 at 3:25 pm

      Hi Chelsea,
      Such a fun series! You must not scare easily! 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • 21 Children’s Books to Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month May 12, 2025
  • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction! May 9, 2025
  • Today is My Book Birthday for The Traveling Taco & 10 Book GIVEAWAY! May 6, 2025
  • 7 Train Books to get Young Readers on the Right Track + GIVEAWAY! May 5, 2025
  • The Traveling Taco Storytime and Craft at Ten Trees Books May 2, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT