Best First Chapter Books

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A fantastical twist to a tale of life on the prairie made this an instant family favorite at our house. Louisa Brody’s life on the Colorado prairie takes an unexpected turn when her father is locked away in jail and she is sent to live with the awful Smirch family. Can Louisa and her friends save her father from a guilty verdict?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Paddington Bear moves in with the Browns, life changes forever. This classic series of tales about a well-intentioned bear who finds himself in many unfortunate predicaments delights young readers. Especially wonderful if you can read it with a British accent. ;)

FROM SARAH

By the wonderful E.B. White, a touching tale of friendship, character and love, with charming illustrations by Garth Williams. Your kids will hang on every word—there's a reason this book is a classic! (psst... get out the Kleenex)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

E. B. White's Newbery Honor Book is a tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. It contains illustrations by Garth Williams, the acclaimed illustrator of E. B. White's Stuart Little and Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series, among many other books.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It’s a dream come true for Ralph S. Mouse when he get his own set of wheels: a red motorcycle. But when Ralph drives straight into trouble, it’s his human friend Keith who helps him. A Beverly Cleary classic, and the first in a 3-part series!

FROM SARAH

Start with this book, if you haven't read many (or any!) chapter books or novels with your child before. Short chapters, rich narrative, and an engaging story will reel your listeners in.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

When Elmer Elevator tells a stray cat about his dream of being able to fly, he learns of a captive dragon on Wild Island. The dragon has been forced by the jungle residents to serve as their shuttle across a wide river — and anyone who rescues the dragon from its cruel captors might be entitled to a free ride.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jonathan sets out to get a large pot from his aunt for a family Christening celebration, trekking over Hemlock Mountain. At least he won’t encounter any bears … right?

Animal lovers especially will adore this sweet story about a musical cricket, and his pals -- a mouse and a cat, who share many adventures together including taking in the sights of old New York. A 1961 Newberry Honor book, it features illustrations by Garth Williams and is great for young readers because “intense” animal scenes are pretty minimal. (The first in a series.)

This is a collection of 6 short books featuring animal characters like Danny Meadow Mouse and Reddy Fox. Kids will love the animal stories, but also learn about nature from these wholesome tales.

This collection of 21 stories is often described as timeless. First printed in 1925, the book takes kids on sweet adventures along with Milly-Molly-Mandy and even includes a map of her town for reference.

Oh Pippi! Pippi Longstocking lives with her horse and monkey (but without parents) at her home Villa Villekula. She’s always ready for an adventure and soon, neighbors Tommy and Annika are along for the ride. This book is as fun as Pippi’s signature hairstyle.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This collection of six tales follows Homer Price, resident of Centerburg, U.S.A. Follow Homer around town as he mans his uncle’s lunch counter (and his fancy new doughnut-making machine), builds radios and even catches a gang of robbers.

A young mouse embarks on an adventurous tale and finds bravery where she didn't know it existed. Also wonderful as an audio book. (This is second in a series, but I recommend starting here anyway.) Listen to the author, Avi, in his Author Access replay at RAR Premium.

This silly series begins with Josh McBroom getting duped into buying 80 acres of land that are all stacked on top of each other. But never fear -- it isn’t as bad as it seems. These books are laugh-out-loud funny and illustrated by Quentin Blake, who illustrated many of Roald Dahl’s books.

FROM SARAH:

A favorite from my own childhood! My daughter Clara couldn't get enough of the whole series at age 10. Fabulous on audio (narrated by Karen White).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle lives in an upside-down house and smells like cookies. She was even married to a pirate once. Most of all, she knows everything about children. She can cure them of any ailment. Patsy hates baths. Hubert never puts anything away. Allen eats v-e-r-y slowly. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle has a treatment for all of them.

FROM SARAH:

You may know E.B. White best from Charlotte's Web or Stuart Little, but his delightful storytelling shines in this book, which beautifully describes both the natural world, and the nature of friendship. Get a free Family Book Club Guide to go with it right here.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Like the rest of his family, Louis is a trumpeter swan. But unlike his four brothers and sisters, Louis can't trumpet joyfully. In fact, he can't even make a sound. And since he can't trumpet his love, the beautiful swan Serena pays absolutely no attention to him.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

For centuries the bears of Haven have lived quiet lives, high in the mountains at the edge of the great Precipice. That all changes for a young cub named Growly when he receives a mysterious message. With just his backpack and glider, Growly sets out on a desperate journey to find his grandfather's long lost friend . . . and to find a way back home.