Easy Chapter Books for Series Readers
Recently, a patron asked me to recommend a new easy chapter book series that she could share with her kindergartener. This is a common request we hear at the library. Once a child finishes one series, they are eager to start a new one right away. Easy chapter book series are a great option for children ages 4 to 8. At this age, children are ready to sit for longer stories but with fewer pictures and longer passages, easy chapter books can be more challenging for early readers to read alone. Therefore, these books are a great choice for reading aloud to your children.
When children read easy chapter book series they increase comprehension because each book in the series presents familiar settings and vocabulary. Children feel comfortable reading about the same people over and over and can build deeper connections with characters from book to book. Whether you are reading to your child or your child is reading on their own, easy chapter book series will engage your child in reading.
My children and I were always delighted when we found a new series that we all enjoyed. We gravitated to funny stories about new friendships and families but we also enjoyed reading about heroes, robots and adventures. When my children became stronger readers, they began to find new series they could read on their own but, luckily for me, they still loved to read new titles in our favorite series together. With summer fast approaching, I’ve compiled a list of some of my family’s favorite early chapter series as well as some new series that will hopefully keep you and your child reading all summer long!
Alvin Ho Series by Lenore Look
These chapter books about an Asian-American second grader living in Concord, Massachusetts (which is hard to spell) are fun to share with the whole family. In his first book you will learn about Alvin Ho who loves superheroes, comes from a long line of brave Chinese farmer-warriors and wants to make friends - but first he must overcome his fear of everything.
Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke
In her first book, Anna Hibiscus, who lives in Africa with her whole family, loves to splash in the sea and have parties for her aunties, but Anna would love to see snow.
Calpurnia Tate Girl Vet Series by Jacqueline Kelly
From Newbery honor author Jacqueline Kelly comes a new illustrated chapter book series for younger readers featuring the beloved characters from The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. This series will appeal to animal lovers and expose young readers to what life was like in rural Texas at the turn-of-the-century.
Captain Awesome Series by Stan Kirby
Eight-year-old Eugene McGillicudy is an imaginative boy who loves comic books and superheroes. Eugene also has his very own supersecret superhero alter ego named Captain Awesome. With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Captain Awesome chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.
Chicken Squad Series by Doreen Cronin
These hilarious chapter books about the fearless Chicken Squad follows these fluffy detectives as they solve the latest mystery. Perfect for young readers looking for adventure.
Clementine Series by Sara Pennypacker
Clementine is a big hearted eight-year-old full of ideas. She loves her mother, her father, her little brother and her friend Margaret. Join her as she navigates school, family and her neighborhood.
Cobble Street Cousins Series by Cynthia Rylant
Welcome to Cobble Street! Meet Lily, Rosie, and Tess, the three heroines of a new series by Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant and acclaimed artist Wendy Anderson Halperin. Lily wants to be a poet, Tess wants to act on Broadway, and Rosie wants a little cottage with flowers by the door. But for right now, the three cousins are happy staying with their Aunt Lucy on Cobble Street.
Dory Fantasmagory Series by Abby Hanlon
Dory, the youngest in her family, is a girl with a very active imagination, and she spends the summer playing with her imaginary friend, pretending to be a dog, battling monsters, and generally driving her family nuts. These books have plenty of pictures and lots of imagination.
Dyamonde Daniel Series by Nikki Grimes
In the first book in the series, Spunky third-grader Dyamonde Daniel misses her old neighborhood, but when she befriends a boy named Free, another new student at school, she finally starts to feel at home.
Ivy and Bean Series by Annie Barrows
This series introduces readers to newly found neighbors Ivy and Bean. Children will enjoy reading about all of the humorous antics of these mischievous best friends.
Junie B. Jones Series by Barbara Park
Barbara Park's #1 New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favorite and has been keeping kids laughing--and reading--for more than twenty years.
My children loved reading about Junie B. because she would say whatever comes into her mind. We couldn’t wait to read what she would say or do next!
Ling and Ting Series by Grace Lin
Ling and Ting are identical twins that people think are exactly the same, but time and again they prove to be different.
Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
In the first book, eight-year-old Jack and his younger sister Annie find a magic treehouse, which whisks them back to an ancient time where they see live dinosaurs. With currently 54 books in the series, you can join Jack and Annie as they face many adventures full of mystery, magic and fun characters.
Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Series by Mary Pope Osborne
Children who want to find out more about the topics in the Magic Tree House series will also enjoy reading the companion research guides. These non-fiction books include facts, photos and fun tidbits from Jack and Annie.
Mercy Watson Series by Kate DiCamillo
To Mr. & Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just a pig - she's a porcine wonder. And to the portly and good-natured Mercy, the Watson's are an excellent source of buttered toast.
The Mercy Watson series has engaging characters and uses rich vocabulary. Mercy will have your children laughing out-loud.
Also look for the spin-off series featuring favorite characters from the Mercy Watson books including Baby Lincoln, Francine Poulet and Leroy Ninker.
Nikki and Deja Series by Karen English
In the first book, you will meet Nikki and Deja, who live next door to each other and are best friends. They do everything together - watch Saturday morning cartoons, play jacks, jump double Dutch at recess, and help each other with their homework for Mrs. Shelby's third-grade class. When an arrogant new girl arrives and Nikki and Deja form a club that would exclude her, the results are not what they expect. This warm, easy-to-read chapter book from an award-winning author captures all the joys and complexities of elementary school life - particularly friendships and cliques - with finesse and humor.
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot Series by Dav Pilkey
From Dav Pilkey, creator of Captain Underpants, and acclaimed artist Dan Santat, an out-of-this-world friendship adventure with all-new full-color illustrations! Getting picked on by creeps at your school? Wish you had a special friend? Meet Ricky Ricotta and his giant flying Robot! Young readers will cheer as Ricky and his enormous flying Robot friend soar through the air and battle the diabolical Dr. Stinky, an evil scientist who threatens to take over the world!
Stink Series by Megan McDonald
Lovable brother of Judy Moody, Stink has his own fun series. Follow along with Stink as he learns about the shortest Presidents in the United States, campaigns for Pluto, bites into super galactic jawbreakers, and more!
Did I miss your favorite series? I’d love to hear what’s on your list! Also, be sure to visit your local library branch to get more great recommendations!
When children read easy chapter book series they increase comprehension because each book in the series presents familiar settings and vocabulary. Children feel comfortable reading about the same people over and over and can build deeper connections with characters from book to book. Whether you are reading to your child or your child is reading on their own, easy chapter book series will engage your child in reading.
My children and I were always delighted when we found a new series that we all enjoyed. We gravitated to funny stories about new friendships and families but we also enjoyed reading about heroes, robots and adventures. When my children became stronger readers, they began to find new series they could read on their own but, luckily for me, they still loved to read new titles in our favorite series together. With summer fast approaching, I’ve compiled a list of some of my family’s favorite early chapter series as well as some new series that will hopefully keep you and your child reading all summer long!
Alvin Ho Series by Lenore Look
These chapter books about an Asian-American second grader living in Concord, Massachusetts (which is hard to spell) are fun to share with the whole family. In his first book you will learn about Alvin Ho who loves superheroes, comes from a long line of brave Chinese farmer-warriors and wants to make friends - but first he must overcome his fear of everything.
Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke
In her first book, Anna Hibiscus, who lives in Africa with her whole family, loves to splash in the sea and have parties for her aunties, but Anna would love to see snow.
Calpurnia Tate Girl Vet Series by Jacqueline Kelly
From Newbery honor author Jacqueline Kelly comes a new illustrated chapter book series for younger readers featuring the beloved characters from The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. This series will appeal to animal lovers and expose young readers to what life was like in rural Texas at the turn-of-the-century.
Captain Awesome Series by Stan Kirby
Eight-year-old Eugene McGillicudy is an imaginative boy who loves comic books and superheroes. Eugene also has his very own supersecret superhero alter ego named Captain Awesome. With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Captain Awesome chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.
Chicken Squad Series by Doreen Cronin
These hilarious chapter books about the fearless Chicken Squad follows these fluffy detectives as they solve the latest mystery. Perfect for young readers looking for adventure.
Clementine Series by Sara Pennypacker
Clementine is a big hearted eight-year-old full of ideas. She loves her mother, her father, her little brother and her friend Margaret. Join her as she navigates school, family and her neighborhood.
Cobble Street Cousins Series by Cynthia Rylant
Welcome to Cobble Street! Meet Lily, Rosie, and Tess, the three heroines of a new series by Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant and acclaimed artist Wendy Anderson Halperin. Lily wants to be a poet, Tess wants to act on Broadway, and Rosie wants a little cottage with flowers by the door. But for right now, the three cousins are happy staying with their Aunt Lucy on Cobble Street.
Dory Fantasmagory Series by Abby Hanlon
Dory, the youngest in her family, is a girl with a very active imagination, and she spends the summer playing with her imaginary friend, pretending to be a dog, battling monsters, and generally driving her family nuts. These books have plenty of pictures and lots of imagination.
Dyamonde Daniel Series by Nikki Grimes
In the first book in the series, Spunky third-grader Dyamonde Daniel misses her old neighborhood, but when she befriends a boy named Free, another new student at school, she finally starts to feel at home.
Ivy and Bean Series by Annie Barrows
This series introduces readers to newly found neighbors Ivy and Bean. Children will enjoy reading about all of the humorous antics of these mischievous best friends.
Junie B. Jones Series by Barbara Park
Barbara Park's #1 New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favorite and has been keeping kids laughing--and reading--for more than twenty years.
My children loved reading about Junie B. because she would say whatever comes into her mind. We couldn’t wait to read what she would say or do next!
Ling and Ting Series by Grace Lin
Ling and Ting are identical twins that people think are exactly the same, but time and again they prove to be different.
Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
In the first book, eight-year-old Jack and his younger sister Annie find a magic treehouse, which whisks them back to an ancient time where they see live dinosaurs. With currently 54 books in the series, you can join Jack and Annie as they face many adventures full of mystery, magic and fun characters.
Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Series by Mary Pope Osborne
Children who want to find out more about the topics in the Magic Tree House series will also enjoy reading the companion research guides. These non-fiction books include facts, photos and fun tidbits from Jack and Annie.
Mercy Watson Series by Kate DiCamillo
To Mr. & Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just a pig - she's a porcine wonder. And to the portly and good-natured Mercy, the Watson's are an excellent source of buttered toast.
The Mercy Watson series has engaging characters and uses rich vocabulary. Mercy will have your children laughing out-loud.
Also look for the spin-off series featuring favorite characters from the Mercy Watson books including Baby Lincoln, Francine Poulet and Leroy Ninker.
Nikki and Deja Series by Karen English
In the first book, you will meet Nikki and Deja, who live next door to each other and are best friends. They do everything together - watch Saturday morning cartoons, play jacks, jump double Dutch at recess, and help each other with their homework for Mrs. Shelby's third-grade class. When an arrogant new girl arrives and Nikki and Deja form a club that would exclude her, the results are not what they expect. This warm, easy-to-read chapter book from an award-winning author captures all the joys and complexities of elementary school life - particularly friendships and cliques - with finesse and humor.
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot Series by Dav Pilkey
From Dav Pilkey, creator of Captain Underpants, and acclaimed artist Dan Santat, an out-of-this-world friendship adventure with all-new full-color illustrations! Getting picked on by creeps at your school? Wish you had a special friend? Meet Ricky Ricotta and his giant flying Robot! Young readers will cheer as Ricky and his enormous flying Robot friend soar through the air and battle the diabolical Dr. Stinky, an evil scientist who threatens to take over the world!
Stink Series by Megan McDonald
Lovable brother of Judy Moody, Stink has his own fun series. Follow along with Stink as he learns about the shortest Presidents in the United States, campaigns for Pluto, bites into super galactic jawbreakers, and more!
Did I miss your favorite series? I’d love to hear what’s on your list! Also, be sure to visit your local library branch to get more great recommendations!
- Briana C, Hopewell Branch
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