By now you know I’m a giant book nerd and I love all books! Whether it’s a picture book, a seasonal book, or a chapter book, I am always on the lookout for a good book to add to my library. But as our kids get to be stronger readers, introducing these students to chapter books can be a magical moment in their reading journey! As they transition from picture books to more text-heavy options, it’s essential to choose stories that are engaging, age-appropriate, and aligned with their growing reading skills.
Over on Instagram, I asked people to share their favorite chapter book series for beginning readers that will keep 1st and 2nd graders excited to turn the page! Keep reading to see what fellow first & second grade teachers came up with for the Best Chapter Book Series for early readers.
This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing an item on these sites using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase without additional cost to you. For more information about my Disclosure Policy, please visit this link.
Here’s an overview of some of the best beginner chapter books for early readers:
- Mercy Watson
- Henry and Mudge
- Junie B. Jones
- Judy Moody
- Magic Tree House
- The Princess in Black
- Yasmin
- The Wild Robot
- Frog and Toad
Let’s look at each one below. 👇
Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo
The Mercy Watson series of 6 books is a perfect introduction to chapter books for children. The lovable pig, Mercy, gets into all sorts of hilarious situations that are fun for kids to follow.
The books feature large text, short chapters, and delightful illustrations that help keep emerging readers engaged. This series also encourages comprehension with its predictable patterns and rich vocabulary.
I read this series this past summer with my {then} 5-year-old, and I can’t wait till he can read them to me!
Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant
This classic early reader series {with over 20 books!} is perfect for young students who are ready for chapter books but still need some visual support.
The heartwarming stories follow Henry and his dog, Mudge – with themes of friendship, adventure, and family. The series is also a great way to introduce young students to series books and help build their reading stamina.
Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
I think you fall into two camps with this series of almost 30 books – you either love Junie B. or you don’t! Junie B. Jones is a spunky first grader who often finds herself in humorous, and sometimes mischievous, situations.
Her voice and personality come through loud and clear, making it easy for young readers to connect with her. The humor and relatable school experiences make this series an instant hit in any classroom.
Why some don’t love Junie B. is that her diction is not always correct, and it can be tricky for some readers {especially early readers}.
Judy Moody by Megan McDonald
The Judy Moody series is perfect for young readers and kids who love funny and spunky characters. Judy is a third-grader with big emotions and even bigger ideas. She’s full of personality, and her wild adventures are packed with humor & valuable lessons.
Whether she’s solving mysteries, dealing with school projects, or just having a grumpy day, Judy’s antics are always a hit with early readers.
Each book in the Judy Moody series features Judy on a new adventure, often dealing with relatable school and family scenarios. From starting her own detective agency to earning a spot in the spelling bee, Judy’s stories encourage resilience, creativity, and problem-solving.
And once your students burn through those books, make sure to check out her younger brother Stink’s series!
Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
The Magic Tree House books are a fantastic way to introduce students to history, geography, and science while captivating their imaginations. The stories follow siblings Jack and Annie as they travel to different time periods and places in a magical treehouse.
The text is approachable, and the books are packed with adventure that will hook young and beginner readers.
I love that you can bounce around through this series. We’ve read quite a few of this series in my house and I’ve definitely enjoyed some books much better than others! I do love that each book sparks a curiosity. My niece was obsessed with the Titanic after reading Book 17 🙂
The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
This 10+ book series is about a princess who secretly fights monsters, blending princess tales with superhero action. The Princess in Black series is fantastic for children who enjoy both action and fairy tales.
With a mix of fun, adventure, and easy-to-read text, it is a strong contender for one of the best early chapter book readers.
Shannon & Dean Hale, along with LeUyen Pham visited my school in the fall for an author visit and it was magical to listen to them read their latest book in the series.
Then, LeUyen walked us through how she creates an illustration. It was SO cool!
Yasmin by Saadia Faruqi
Yasmin is a curious and creative second grader who loves to solve everyday problems in imaginative ways. This diverse series celebrates a young Pakistani-American girl and her family, offering a window into different cultural experiences.
The 25+ stories are perfect for emerging readers with relatable themes of school, family, and problem-solving.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
The Wild Robot is an excellent choice for early readers ready to tackle a slightly more complex story with rich themes of nature, survival, and community. The main character, Roz, is a robot who finds herself stranded on a wild, remote island.
As Roz learns to adapt to her surroundings, she forms unlikely friendships with the island’s animal inhabitants and begins to understand the importance of kindness, empathy, and cooperation.
This unique blend of technology and the natural world introduces deeper themes while still keeping the story engaging for younger readers.
Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
The Frog and Toad series is a timeless collection of stories that focuses on the friendship between the lovable Frog & Toad. Their simple adventures capture the essence of friendship, helping young readers understand emotions, problem-solving, and teamwork.
These books are perfect for early readers because they combine short chapters with engaging yet manageable text, and the stories are often heartwarming and humorous. I am pretty sure I learned to fall in love with chapter books back in the day from Frog & Toad!
Best Early Chapter Books for 1st & 2nd Graders Recap
Introducing your students to the right chapter books is key to fostering a love for reading. By offering books that are fun, relatable, and filled with adventure, you can build confidence in their reading skills while sparking their imaginations.
These hand-picked early chapter books are perfect for helping your young readers build confidence and fall in love with reading! From magical adventures to relatable school stories, these book series for early readers offer something special for every student in your classroom.
Whether you’re looking to stock your classroom library or recommend titles to families, these engaging series will keep your students excited to turn the page and discover the joy of chapter books! 🌟
Don’t forget to set aside time for independent reading or even book clubs where students can share their favorite moments from these books!
What are your students’ favorite chapter books? Let me know in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this post!
