Early Chapter Books (Easy Readers)

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.