Is your young reader transitioning into chapter books? Unlock their love of reading with some of these beginner illustrated chapter book series which are perfect for new readers transitioning from graded readers.
This post contains affiliate links
Recommended chapter book series for readers aged 5-8
We are just getting started with chapter books and have read the Princess in Black series as a bedtime read aloud. These books are great for young readers beginning their journey into longer stories.
Princess in Black by Shannon and Dean Hale
The Princess in Black series follows the brave and bold Princess Magnolia and her secret superhero alter ego the princess in black. When the monster alarm trills, it's time for her to fight off monsters.
The Princess in Black series is still being added to the 11th book Kitty Catasptrophe will be released in the UK in February 2025. The excitement and anticipation of waiting for the next book to be released has been an unexpected pleasure of reading this fantasy chapter book series.
Isadora Moon by Harriet Muncaster
Isadora Moon is half fairy, half vampire, the books explore her unique heritage and how that shapes her identity. This series has fun and fantasy elements and themes of friendship and kindness. There are 19 books in the series and it is still growing. Good for children who like stories with magic and whimsical illustrations. Two other series Mirabelle (her Mum is fairy and her Dad is a witch) and Emerald (a mermaid princess) also take place in the same world as Isadora Moon. There is a vibrant English TV series and some of the Isadora Moon books have been translated into Japanese.
Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillio
Mercy Watson is a pig that thinks she is a human and loves hot buttered toast. These humorous stories with lovable characters, follows Mercy on her adventures. A Christmas special was added to the original six book series in 2022. There is a follow up series called Deckawoo Drive which follows characters from the Mercy Watson series.
Dotty Detective by Clara Vulliamy
Dotty Detective is a diary written by Dot. She solves all kinds of mysteries in this detective series. The book is written in the first person in the style of short daily diary entries adorned with doodles. It has a clear font, plus lots of illustrations that make it an approachable first chapter book for readers transitioning from picture books and graded readers to easy early chapter books.
Jasper and Ollie by Alex Willan
Jasper and Ollie is a two book series about Jasper the fox who is always in a hurry and his friend Ollie the sloth who likes to take things at his own slower pace. The engaging characters make Jasper and Ollie a hit for young readers learning to enjoy longer stories.
Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant
Henry and Mudge is an expansive 28 book series. These short reads follow Henry and his dog Mudge. Developed with young learners in mind, these books are part of Simon & Schuster's Ready To Read series. Beautiful illustrations and sweet, slice of life stories about about a boy and his dog. I have also seen this set available in the Japanese bookstore Kinokuniya and secondhand on Mercari. This heartwarming series is good for children to gain confidence in their reading skills.
Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliott
Owl Diaries is from the Scholastic series Branches which is aimed at early readers. There are 21 books in the series, featuring colourful illustrations. There is an Apple TV show based on the books called Eva The Owlet, making it a favourite for 5-8 year olds starting chapter books. Also available within Japan.
Where To Start With Chapter Books For Young Readers
Chapter books can spark a lifelong love of reading in your child and set them on the path to becoming a confident, independent reader. Pick a series that matches their interests and watch their love of reading grow.
Have you read any of these chapter books or do you have any other series to recommend?
You may also like
Where To Find English Books for Children in Japan
Chapter Books For Young Readers 6-9
Chapter books For Young Readers 7-10
Comments
Post a Comment