Early Chapter Book Recommendations
Whether your child is beginning to read independently, or you are enjoying discovering books together, here are a few chapter books that are appropriate for children as early as age 4 to age 8. It can be hard to find books that are appropriate in context and also enjoyable story lines and characters that your child will enjoy. These are teacher and parent approved, enjoy!
Sophie Mouse Series: Sophie Mouse is an eight-year-old mouse who lives in Silverlake Village with her family and other animal friends. Her father is an architect, her mother owns the bakery in town, and her little brother is six years old. Her best friend Hattie is a frog and together with their new snake friend, Owen, they enjoy and live life together, learning lessons along the way.
Heidi Heckelbeck: Heidi Heckelbeck seems like any other eight-year-old, but she has a secret: She's a witch in disguise. Careful to keep her powers hidden (but excited to use them all the same), Heidi's learning to live like any other kid—who just happens to be witch.
Mercy Watson: Mercy Watson is called a "porcine wonder" by her owners, Mrs. and Mr. Watson. She loves toast and butter and finds herself in troublesome scenarios. The humor is accentuated by the fact that readers know both what the Watsons believe Mercy's intentions to be and what Mercy is actually thinking (hot buttered toast, always).
Ivy and Bean: Ivy is quiet and reserved, while Bean is loud, outgoing, and a risk taker. At first, the two want nothing to do with each other. But once they realize they have a similar imagination, they become best friends and find themselves on plenty of adventures.
Nate the Great: Nate the Great is about a boy detective. He takes his cases as seriously and doesn't let anything get in his way (except for maybe a break to eat pancakes).
Katie Woo: Katie Woo is smart and funny, and good at getting into trouble. Her stories are the first easy-to-read series about a Chinese-American girl, including a multi-cultural group of friends.
Yasmin Series: Yasmin is a spirited second grader on her adventures at school, playing sports, around town, with her family, and always saving the day. The escapades of Yasmin along with her multi-generational Pakistani-American family will delight and inspire early readers.
A few others not pictured:
King and Kayla Adventures of a girl and her dog. Readers will hear the inner dialogue of the dog and how the two work together to solve mysteries.
Allergic A graphic novel can be an intriguing way for your early reader to develop a love for books. A story about a pet-loving girl who discovers she is allergic to dogs. Her friendships and family relationships also explored.
Zelda and Ivy Zelda and Ivy are fox sisters with a flair for the dramatic. Their exploits unfold with plenty of sugar and sass in this spirited trio of stories.
Young Cam Jansen Series Cam Jansen finds mysteries everywhere!
Baby-sitters Little Sister Graphic novels about 1st grader, Karen who comes from a 2 household family, with many siblings and family dynamics.