Lately I’ve been reading Little House in the Big Woods to my girls at bedtime. It was one of my favorite books when I was younger and it’s so fun sharing these memories with them. Today I wanted to share some of my favorite chapter books for young readers with you all. Depending on the age and reading level of your children these might be better to read to them. However, for kids that are older these are great books to introduce them to the world of chapter books. You’ll find both classic and contemporary books on this list. I personally think they both have something great to teach our children! Links contain affiliates, all opinions are my own.
the best chapter books for young readers
Little House in the Big Woods
I think the Little House series is such a fun read with little ones. It can lead to some really great discussions because it depicts a time so different from the one they’re used to. If your readers are really young then you can start them out with these great “My First Little House Books”. They take specific parts and wording from the original and add in lots of large, colorful illustrations. If you’re slightly obsessed like I am than I also highly recommend The World of Little House. It’s full of background and insights about the Little House books. It also has lots of crafts and recipes that they talk about in the books so it’s really fun to do them with your kids as you read them!
Charlotte’s Web
I must admit, I never read Charlotte’s Web until I was an adult in college. It was assigned reading for my children’s lit class and I was shocked that I hadn’t read it until then. I’d seen the movie, of course, but hadn’t ever read the book. To be honest it just never really appealed to me. When I finally read it I realized what a sweet story it was with some wonderful lessons on love and friendship.
| Nostalgic Books Your Kids Will Love |
A Little Princess
I first read A Little Princess in third grade when I picked it off the library shelf because it looked pretty. Give me a break, I was a kid. But I quickly fell in love with it and have read it several more times since then. Of course, I was a big fan of the movie when I was younger too. If you’re familiar with either the movie or the book you should know that they are a little different. So be prepared. I do feel like this book is for children that are a little older because of some of the themes it deals with and some of the events in the book. If you have really little ones you can add to your BabyLit library with A Little Princess: A BabyLit Friendship Primer.
How to Train Your Dragon
My husband is currently reading through this series with our son and he loves it. I’ve heard bits and pieces as they’re reading and it sounds really funny. My husband did say that the movies don’t really follow the books at all. So sadly this might be your child’s first experience with adaptation let-down (you know it’s a real thing). There are 11 books in the How to Train Your Dragon series but they’re quick reads.
The Landry News
The Landry News is another book that was assigned to me in my children’s lit class and I remember when it was assigned thinking, “Really? This book?” I soon discovered though that it is a really good book with important lessons for any child to learn–the power of words, the difference one person can make, and that our actions have consequences. It’s a fun, quick read and has a few simple illustrations scattered throughout.
15 Responses to favorite chapter books for young readers
Gabbie has read the Little House books and both of my older kids have read Charlotte’s Web. I’m currently reading them the Harry Potter series!
This is SUCH a good list!!
We just wrapped up reading the Toys series: Toys Go Out, Toys Come Home, Toys Have a Dance Party. Each book was super cute!
We also read the Chocolate Touch, which I loved (it’s very much along the lines of King Midas).
Right now we’re reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle. I loved that book as a kid, and I love how much Marcus is enjoying it, too!
I adore all of your suggestions! And they hold special places in my young child heart so I know my girls will love them too.
I had loved enid blyton books as a kid. These are some great recommendations for my eight year old
Oh my. I can’t imagine being at the chapter book stage! (How old are your kids again?) I need to branch out with the books I read to my preschooler, though; this is a good reminder of that for sure. Charlotte’s Web used to be a favorite of mine, and I think I still have my copy from growing up. I need to find it!
Ramona series!! My hands-down fav. My 9yo is very into Geronimo Stilton at the moment as well.
We are slowly moving into chapter books. I love seeing Connor’s mind at work when he discovers something new or recalls a detail from the previous pages.
We are just about to enter the world of shorter chapter books, as my daughter is starting to read. We actually picked up a couple of 1st grade level books today (not chapter books) and she read them! Made my mama heart happy. 🙂 I definitely want to check out your recommendations!
I loved Little House in the Big Woods!
The Landry News is one of my ALL TIME favorite kids books! I didn’t know How To Train Your Dragon was a book…I’ll have to find it because my kids LOVED the movie,
Charlotte’s Web is a great choice! My daughter has a few of the BabyLit books and they are adorable!
I used to read the Little House books when I was younger. I’ve never read A Little Princess but I need to someday! I loved the movie. 🙂 It was always a favorite of my sisters when we were growing up!
When I was younger, I read a lot of the American Girl books. I remember really loving Stewart Little!
-Lauren
p.s. I’m a new consultant for Usborne Books if you’re looking for any new titles! I need FB party hosts too and you can earn free books. Shop: http://c6871.myubam.com/
Great suggestions! I think my guy would love the How To Train Your Dragon series!
Oh I love that you’re reading bigger books to your littles! Great recommendations too. We love a couple of these and haven’t read all on you list yet… better get to reading!
These are great picks! We just picked up the Boxcar Children. It was one of my favorites as an early reader.