As a mother, it’s been so fun to dive into reading with our kids and watch as their enthusiasm grows as they discover books they love and series that absolutely captivate them. However, as pretty much anyone with children new to reading can tell you, not all chapter books are created equal and finding the novels that make a child light up and the books that help their love for reading grow can be a challenge. We read with our kids a LOT and have some strong opinions about chapter books we think are actually decent for young readers and, for today’s post, I wanted to share a few of our boys’ favorites with all of you!
10+ First Chapter Books
The chapter books I’m including in today’s post are the beginner reader first chapter books our kids enjoyed listening to us read aloud and also the chapter books series our oldest gravitated toward reading as his reading skills progressed beyond picture books and graphic novels. Most are packed with adventure and humor and none are too spooky, scary or inappropriate. We’re picky parents over here (I don’t like books where kids have attitude, treat each other/adults with disrespect/use inappropriate language, etc.) and these books are the children’s chapter books we’ve found that are picky-parent approved!
What Is A Chapter Book
A children’s chapter book is a book written for young readers, typically those ages 6-10, who are transitioning from picture books and graphic novels to longer, more involved stories. Beginner chapter books for kids are divided into short, manageable chapters to help children develop reading stamina and confidence. They often feature engaging, exciting plots that stimulate young minds and include simple language and age-appropriate themes. Children’s chapter books may have some illustrations to help keep kids engaged, but rely more on the words and plot to tell the story.
When Do Kids Start Reading Chapter Books
This is so individual to each child! Many children begin to learn to read early chapter books after they have the confidence and stamina to proficiently make their way through picture books and graphic novels. This typically happens around ages 7 to 9 but some children are ready for early chapter books at a younger age while others may need additional time to practice their reading skills and progress toward reading chapter books.
What Are The Best First Chapter Books For Kids
Below you will find some of the best first chapter books for kids that our boys have loved! Many of these books we initially read aloud with our kids so they make great read aloud chapter books, too!
Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne, Illustrated by Sal Murdocca
I will never stop recommending this series to anyone looking for engaging and immensely creative chapter books for young readers. This series includes occasional illustrations which early readers may appreciate as they join brother-sister duo Jack and Annie on imaginative adventures through a magical treehouse that takes them back in time to different time periods and places all over the world.
Dragon Masters by Tracey West, Illustrated by Graham Howells and Damien Jones
For kids who love dragons, fantasy and magic, Dragon Masters is a slam-dunk! It’s another series with lots of books — we have and love them all — and new Dragon Masters books are still being published. The series follows Drake, a young boy recently chosen to be a Dragon Master and his follow Dragon Masters, children chosen to help train dragons at King Roland’s castle. Our boys love learning about the new dragons introduced in each book of the series and their special powers. Early readers may also enjoy the fact that this series has some illustrations included as well.
Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew by Carolyn Keene, Illustrated by Macky Pamintuan
For kids who love solving mysteries, Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew is an updated version of the classic Nancy Drew mystery series adapted for younger readers. It’s sweet and fun and our kids have enjoyed trying to solve the engaging mysteries as they read. Nancy and her two best friends work together to get to the bottom of mysteries involving everything from missing cupcakes to disappearing pets. The series also incorporates themes like teamwork, friendship, problem solving in an age-appropriate way.
Cam Jansen by David A. Adler
I flew through this series as a kid and our older boys love this one! Cam Jansen is a smart and curious fifth grade girl with a photographic memory. She uses her skills to solve mysteries involving everything from stolen items to missing animals, along with her best friend, Eric. The series encourages young readers to use critical thinking and observation skills but still manages to keep the plots easy-to-follow and fun.
Ballpark Mysteries by David A. Kelly, Illustrated by Mark Meyers
For kids who love sports (especially baseball) and mysteries, this series is a gem of a find! It follows cousins Mike and Kate as they travel to different Major League Baseball stadiums and solve mysteries involving missing mascots, stolen items or strange happenings during the professional baseball games.
Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Chris Van Deusen
Mercy Watson is a great find for kids who are very new to chapter books, as they’re longer than picture books but still packed with illustrations and humor. Mercy is a lovable pig who adores buttered toast and her owners but often gets into mischief while trying to help her family or satisfy her piggie cravings. Chapters are short and language is cheerful and playful, making it a great series for those looking to transition into reading chapter books.
The Kingdom of Wrenly by Jordan Quinn, Illustrated by Robert McPhillips
This imaginative series follows Prince Lucas and his best friend Clara, a seamstress’ daughter, as they explore the magical land of Wrenly. They go on exciting adventures together involving dragons, wizards and mermaids and work together to solve problems and help mythical creatures.
Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows, Illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Ivy and Bean are two girls who could not be more different. Ivy is quiet and imaginative while Bean is boisterous and full of mischief. When they come together, they make a fantastic team for lots of creative adventures. The series approaches kid-appropriate themes like friendship and the ups and downs of childhood with relatable characters, humor and heart.
Princess Black by Shannon Hales, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
For kids who are into princesses and superheroes, Princess Black is a captivating series for young readers who like humor and action. Princess Magnolia is a real princess but she has a secret superhero identity that comes alive when her kingdom is threatened. The series is fast-paced and packed with adventure but laos addresses themes appropriate for young readers like friendship, stereotypes and courage.
The Critter Club by Callie Barkley, Illustrated by Marsha Riti
This sweet series follows four best friends, Amy, Ellie, Liz and Marion, who start a rescue shelter for animals in their small town. The books in this series feature animal-related adventures and mysteries, including saving baby sea turtles or helping lost kittens.
Zoey and Sassafras by Asia Citro, Illustrated by Marion Lindsay
Zoey is a curious young scientist and together with her clever cat, Sassafras, she cares for magical creatures that mysteriously appear near their home. Each book in the series includes a new fantastical animal, including unicorns, dragons and even merhorses with a unique problem Zoey works to solve. The books in this series combine science, mystery, adventure, imagination and fun in a way young readers love.
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Third Grade Detectives is another fun series that have captured the interest of a couple of my kids! I’d recommend them to anyone