It’s often difficult to transition younger readers from easy reader books to early chapter books, especially when you as a parent know that your young one is ready to take the next step! Finding the right book(s) to interest your child is the key to getting your child to make the switch. There are so many great books to choose from to encourage your youngster to read, you just might have to try a few to find the right ones. Here are a few early chapter book series recommended by Miss Rosemary from our Children’s Services team.

The Tried and True Favorites

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

A to Z Mysteries
by Ron Roy

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Magic Tree House
by Mary Pope Osborne

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Captain Underpants
by Dav Pilkey

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Dog Man
by Dav Pilkey

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Paddington
by Michael Bond

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Narwhal and Jelly
by Ben Clanton

Books with Strong Female Leads

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Ivy + Bean
by Annie Barrows & Sophie Blackall

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Owl Diaries
by Rebecca Elliott

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Zoey and Sassafras
by Asia Citro

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Princess Pulverizer
by Nancy Krulik

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Mia Mayhem
by Kara West

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Unicorn Diaries
by Rebecca Elliott

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Amelia Bedelia
by Peggy Parish

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Junie B. Jones
by Barbara Park

Books with Strong Male Leads

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Nate the Great
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Stink
by Megan McDonald

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Fantastic Mr. Fox
Roald Dahl

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Mr. Putter and Tabby
by Cynthia Rylant & Arthur Howard

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Pedro First Grade Hero
by Fran Manushkin

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Ellray Jakes
by Sally Warner

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Here’s Hank
by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

The Carver Chronicles
by Karen English

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Zapato Power
by Jacqueline Jules

Books that Defy Gender Norms

   The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library Jasmine Toguchi Mochi Queen
by Debbi Michiko Florence

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Steven Universe
by Rebecca Sugar

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Too Small Tola
by Atinuke

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Lola Levine
by Monica Brown

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

Thunder Rose
by Jerdine Nolen

A Personal Favorite: Judy Moody

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

The Perfect Fit for Younger Readers, Fountaindale Public Library

The first book in the Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald really caught my attention. Judy is feisty and has a lot of attitude on the first day of school because things are going to be different. Judy does not expect the third grade to go well—there is no armadillo sticker on her desk, her class does not have a porcupine named Roger and she sits across the aisle from Frank “Eats Paste” Pearl. Frank sent Judy five Valentine’s Day cards when they were in first grade. In second grade, he gave her a cupcake on Halloween, Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Now in third grade, she gets an invitation to his birthday party.

Judy also has an annoying little brother named Stink. She once stole his baby belly button to bring to show and tell at school. If this sounds fun, follow the adventures of the feisty and humorous Judy Moody by reading the Judy Moody series and Judy Moody and Stink series. Also, Check out the Judy Moody website for some fun, way-not-boring stuff to do and make!