My youngest will be turning 4 in a few weeks. She has started to show some interest in listening to chapter books, so I’ve been thinking back to the first chapter books we read aloud with my older daughter, and ones that we are looking forward to enjoying all together. If your little one is ready to try out a chapter book, here’s some great ones to start with:
Mercy Watson Series by Kate Dicamillo
Hands-down, these are the coveted favorites around here right now! Mercy is a pig that loves hot, buttered toast and gets involved in all kinds of adventures. There are currently four titles in this series, with another one due out in a week or so. These are a nice transition into chapter books because they have full color illustrations and short chapters. Plus, my girls think they are so funny! We have re-read these many times and can’t wait for the new one!
Ruby Lu, Brave and True & Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything by Lenore Look
Two cute books about an eight-year-old girl, her baby brother, and all her adventures. Lots of new vocabulary in these books, including quite a bit of Chinese. She is a bit naughty…. 
Magic Treehouse Series by Mary Pope Osborne
Many people are familiar with this series of beginner chapter books. There are around 30 titles that follow the adventures of two kids, Jack & Annie, through various parts of history and geography. The chapters are short, and the books contain a lot of fun facts and information weaved into the stories. Natalie is *very* sensitive and doesn’t like anything in the adventure/mystery genre. So, while I find these to be quite mild and age-appropriate for 4 and 5-year-olds to listen to, they are not right for everyone! I will be pulling them out again and seeing if Delaney likes them.
Cobble Street Cousins Series by Cynthia Rylant
Super sweet little books about three girl cousins living with their aunt for a year, while their parents tour with the ballet company. In Aunt Lucy’s Kitchen is the first in the series. Each book is only 3 or so chapters, and these were definitely a favorite with Natalie.
Young Cam Jansen series by David Adler
Short mysteries just right for young kids. These books have 4-5 chapters and color illustrations. We have just started reading through my collection of these – they were a favorite with my 2nd graders. If you have a reader ready for chapter books, these are a good start too.
Henry & Mudge books by Cynthia Rylant
I love these books about Henry
and his dog Mudge and my girls do too. They are short 3 or 4 chapter books with full color illustrations. Lots and lots of titles in this series – pretty common at libraries too. You could read them in one sitting, or spread it out into chapters. Also great for beginning readers.
and his dog Mudge and my girls do too. They are short 3 or 4 chapter books with full color illustrations. Lots and lots of titles in this series – pretty common at libraries too. You could read them in one sitting, or spread it out into chapters. Also great for beginning readers.
Also on our summer reading list:
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
books by Betty MacDonald
books by Betty MacDonaldMr. Popper’s Penguins
by Richard Atwater
by Richard AtwaterLots and lots of picture books!
Happy Reading!
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
We also like the Nate the Great series…short and funny! Also do not forget classics like Paddington Bear! By the way, right now, we are working through the Magic Tree House series and LOVING them!
Wonderful! Thank you for all the recommended reading. My nearly-5-year-old is really in need of some more advanced material – picture books just aren’t that interesting anymore! And while I’ve tried some read-aloud collections, they lack any pictures and bore her quickly. I’ll be picking some of these up, so thank you!
Hi, I stumbled upon your blog today and love it!! I am always racking my brain in the search for engaging, creative, educational “toys” for my kids. I would like to put a link for your store and blog on my blog if you don’t mind. I can’t wait to buy something. I love all of it!
Great suggestions as always! I was so happy to read this, as our librarian’s suggestions were really rather lame following the she is so young for that theme (my oldest is 4 and a beg reader). My only thought was Charlotte’s Web which after re-reading I decided against. The possibility of eating Wilbur would be tragic to her- she is quite senstive too. So thanks!
Glad you guys are finding these suggestions helpful – it’s always nice to go in to the bookstore or library with a list of books to look for!
I don’t think I’ve even read Paddington Bear – at least I don’t remember it! I will have to check it out.
Shannon – How could I forget Nate the Great? They are great for this age group!
Kelly – No Charlotte’s Web for us yet either — that would send Natalie over the edge!
I also forgot Josh’s new favorite discovery. It is a series called Geronimo Stilton. Not sure of the author. He is a mouse who has all sorts of adventures. It is pretty cute plus it has a lot of illustrations in the text so it is fun for kids to follow a bit. Not rebus just cute pics among the words.
I appreciated learning about some series that I hadn’t heard of before. We also LOVE LOVE LOVE Cynthia Rylant’s Mr. Putter and Tabby books. You have to check those out if you haven’t already.
Oh, Perfect timing! I’ve been looking for something to help bridge into chapter books. We tried reading Stuart Little with mixed success, sometime H was into it and sometimes it was a no go. We’ve been in a book rut around here, hopefully one of these will help us out of it.
Thanks for this post. My daughter will be 4 in August and I’ve been wondering about chapter books. I’ll be heading to the library to check these out soon. Thanks so much.