Excellent Early Chapter Books (Easy Readers) for kids ready to begin reading longer books with short, easy-to-read chapters.
These Early Chapter Books, or Easy Readers, serve two purposes:
- They are a great read-aloud option for younger kids who are developing a longer attention span but aren't quite ready to listen to chapter books.
- They are perfect for beginning readers who are ready to move past Decodable Books but aren't quite ready for longer Chapter Books.
All of the books on this list are illustrated, with easy-to-read text, common sight words, lot's of words that can be sounded out, and 3 to 5 very short chapters.
But while it's important to find books that work for your child's or student's reading level, it's just as important to make sure those books are also great books. All of these Early Chapter Books tell wonderful stories and have excellent illustrations. Every book presents an opportunity to create a lifelong love of reading, so I've only included my favorite Early Chapter Books and the ones that I'd read with my kids over and over again.
If you're looking for books that are are more challenging, try this list of Beginner Chapter Books for Independent Readers.
If you're looking for books that are easier to read, try this list of Decodable Books for Beginner Readers.
Note: the Amazon links in this post are affiliate links.
By David LaRochelle | Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka This is an early chapter book that will have little readers giggling for sure! Max is a dog, not a cat, but the book keeps telling readers to "see the cat." How can Max convince the book that he is a DOG? By David LaRochelle | Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka In this follow-up to See the Cat, dog is sick so the cat is filling in. But the book wants the cat to dig a hole and this very clean cat does not want to dig holes like a dog. Just as silly as the first book and just as entertaining! Written and Illustrated by Matthew Cordell This adorable series follow two sweet mice friends who seem to have nothing in common but always manage to have a wonderful time together. By Cynthia Rylant | Illustrated by Mark Teague I love Poppleton with all my heart. He's a posh pig that moves to a small town and readers can't help but fall in love with him and his quirky neighbors. This series is laugh out loud funny and delightfully heartwarming. By Cynthia Rylant | Illustrated by Sucie Stevenson This realistic series follows a young boy and his lovable 180-pound dog. These are the sweetest stories, but I'll warn you: if you don't already have a dog, this will definitely make your kids beg for one! By Mac Barnett | Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli Jack is very naughty (so if poor behavior in children's books bothers you, skip this series) but all of his mischief makes for a very fun read. These are clever, snappy books! Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes This wonderful series follows a sweet and curious little mouse named Penny - one of the most adorable characters in all of children's literature. By Jamie Michalak | Illustrated by Bob Kolar This is a charming early chapter book about making friends. Frank likes quiet. Bean likes noise. But maybe their differences are what will help them be great friends. A very cute and funny duo! By Cynthia Rylant | Illustrated by Arthur Howard I admit I was skeptical that kids would enjoy a book about an old man and his cat, but it turns out these are the coziest books and we all love them. Written and Illustrated by Wong Herbert Yee I'm realizing that there are a lot of animal friend duos on this early chapter book list, but I guess that's because they just work so well for this age group. Mouse and Mole are no exception - two great friends and all the best adventures. Such a lovable series of books! By Adele Griffin | Illustrated by Sara Palacios Agnes the Pig and Clarabelle the Chicken are best friends and you'll love reading along as they plan the perfect birthday party, go to the beach, and make the most delicious pizza. Sweet, simple stories. By Edward Marshall | Illustrated by James Marshall I read this series back in the 1980's when I was a kid! But you know it's a great book when 30 + years later, the books are still so much fun to read. Written and illustrated by James Marshall This is another series from my childhood that I think has stood the test of time. Two ridiculous hippo friends and lot's of mischief. My kids think these are laugh-out-loud funny! By Elsa Holmelund Minarik | Illustrated by Maurice Sendak My love for Little Bear runs deep. These were my favorite books to read aloud with my kids when they were little and learning to read on their own. So much imagination and tenderness in these sweet and simple stories about a loving bear family in the woods. I could read this early chapter book series over and over and over again. Written and illustrated by Grace Lin Ling and Ting are identical twins but they want everyone to know that they are not exactly the same. All of my kids have loved this series. Written and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier This is a phenomenal new series about a wise Fox and an innocent Chick that is both entirely original and wickedly funny. If you want something that feels different than your standard easy reader, try this series! Written and illustrated by Derek Anderson If your little readers like Elephant and Piggie, or Frog and Toad, they'll probably enjoy Croc and Ally too. Short chapters and only a sentence or two per page - perfect easy reader series. By Jean Van Leeuwen | Illustrated by Ann Schweninger This series about a loving family of pigs is another nostalgic favorite of mine. The illustrations are so charming and you'll fall in love with sweet Amanda Pig. Written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel This classic series needs little introduction from me other than to say that sometimes classics really are the best place to start. Written and illustrated by Tedd Arnold This series is for the kids that love puns, slapstick humor, and silly illustrations. These are a big hit at our house. By Ryan Higgins | Illustrated by Mo Willems Tiger may be big and brave, but he's afraid of worms. This story is hilarious and perfect for Elephant and Piggie fans. Early Chapter Books (Easy Readers)
See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog
See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat
Cornbread & Poppy (Cornbread and Poppy, 1)
Poppleton: An Acorn Book
Henry and Mudge
Hi, Jack! (A Jack Book)
Penny and Her Marble
Frank and Bean (Candlewick Sparks)
Mr. Putter & Tabby
A Brand-New Day with Mouse and Mole
Agnes and Clarabelle
Fox and His Friends
George and Martha
Little Bear
Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!
Fox & Chick: The Party: and Other Stories
The Best in the World (Croc and Ally)
Tales of Amanda Pig: Oliver and Amanda)
Frog and Toad
Hi! Fly Guy
What About Worms!?
If you enjoyed this post about Early Chapter Books, you may also enjoy these posts:
- Easy Graphic Novels for Beginning Readers
- Favorite First Grade Books to Read Aloud
- 101 Fantastic Picture Books
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