Chapter Book Series for First and Second Graders That Deliver Big Adventures
What do you give the budding reader who has graduated from picture books and leveled readers but isn’t ready for a thick middle grade novel? Illustrated chapter books bridge this gap, often come in a series (the more installments, the better), have not-too-much-text, and are just the right size for small hands. But finding that perfect chapter book series for first and second graders is like discovering a unicorn that also babysits — rare, magical, and totally worth it.
The titles on this list will keep kids flipping pages and feeling like real readers without the meltdown of “too many words!” From silly adventures to mini-mysteries, we’ve got a lineup that’ll make your little reader beg for “just one more chapter.”
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1
Add to BookshelfThe Princess in Black
by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Who says princesses don’t wear black? This one does! She also has ninja training and saves her kingdom from monsters time and time again. The adventures of Princess Magnolia and her monster-fighting alter ego make for a funny, action-packed series that my first grader could not stop reading. With twelve books in the series, it is sure to be a winner.
See the full series here.
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$6.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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2
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Mercy Watson Boxed Set: Adventures of a Porcine Wonder
by Kate DiCamillo
Want to transition your first grader to chapter books with a tried-and-true classic? Then try the New York Times bestselling Mercy Watson series by the incomparable Kate DiCamillo. This charming and funny illustrated series follows the antics of a pig obsessed with hot-buttered toast and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Watson, who think Mercy can do no wrong. If the original six-book series isn’t enough, pick up the spinoff series, Tales from Mercy Watson’s Deckawoo Drive.
Add to BookshelfBoxed Set
$39.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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3
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Pencil & Eraser: We Have a Dull-Emma!
by Jenny Alvarado
Contradicting friendship duos are a staple in early kid-lit. Pencil and Eraser join the ranks of Frog and Toad, Narwhal and Jelly, and Pizza and Taco in this delightful, three-book series. Gleeful Pencil meets grumpy Eraser, and the two besties tackle hilarious situations and have adventures in their classroom. This early graphic novel series introduces growing readers to themes such as perseverance, teamwork, and keeping a positive attitude.
See the full series here.
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$12.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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4
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Esme’s Birthday Conga Line
by Lourdes Heuer
Esme is funny, plucky, and always has a plan. She lives with her grandparents in the topmost building in the neighborhood and has never met a problem she couldn’t solve with the help of her feline sidekick. In the first book in the series, Esme wants to earn a badge by selling Troop Badger cookies, but she doesn’t have a troop. So, she starts one with the kids in her building. This illustrated chapter book series is perfect for fans of Dory Fantasmagory.
See the full series here.
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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5
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Ballet Bunnies #1: The New Class
by Swapna Reddy
Many of the books on this list have become my kids’ favorites, but Ballet Bunnies is at the top. At Miss Luisa’s dance school, Millie struggles to find her dancing feet and wishes she had some help. When the other dancers leave, Millie discovers that her dance school is filled with magical, talking bunnies who can help her with her dance moves. But she must keep their existence a secret. The squeal-worthy illustrations of pink tutus and bunnies deliver a cuteness overload for young readers.
See the full series here.
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$6.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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6
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Bluey: Trains
by Penguin Young Readers Licenses
Can’t get your kid to stop watching Bluey episodes? Make sure to pick up this new series based on the popular animated show! Sometimes, the best way to get a reluctant reader interested in reading is to find a book about their favorite tv show or video game. With longer chapters and fun black-and-white illustrations, this first chapter book in the series follows the Heeler family as they play trains.
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$6.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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7
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Frankie and Friends: Breaking News
by Christine Platt
Frankie wants to be a journalist like her mama, so she hones her skills by reporting on household news with the help of her dad, older sister, and her toys as her news crew. This highly illustrated chapter-book series celebrates communication, compassion, and women in journalism. Early readers ages 5- to 8 will love the rich colors, the hand-sized hardback format, and the glossary of journalism terms.
See the full series here.
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$5.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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8
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Fenway and the Bone Thieves
by Victoria J. Coe
Calling all dog lovers! Fenway, the little dog with a big personality from Fenway and Hattie, stars in this chapter book series! This four-book series about an adorable Jack Russell and his human, Hattie, follows Fenway’s adventures as he chases squirrels, learns new tricks, and finds his favorite treat: bones! Kids love the lively illustrations and easy reading level.
See the full series here.
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$6.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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9
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Anna Hibiscus
by Atinuke
“Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa. Amazing Africa.” If your first grader is familiar with this character from her many picture books, they will enjoy leveling up with this early chapter book series. In her wonderful old house in Nigeria, Anna Hibiscus faces each day’s challenges with her large, biracial, and multi-generational family. I have yet to meet an Anna Hibiscus book that I didn’t love.
See the full series here.
Add to BookshelfHardcover
$16.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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10
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Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories
by Jarvis
Award-winning author Jarvis mixes cozy illustrations, minimal text, and an unconventional best-friend duo to create a series reminiscent of Frog and Toad. Bear and Bird’s clever stories are full of mix-ups and mishaps that they handle with kindness and warmth. This charming early chapter book series is an excellent way to gauge your child’s readiness to move on from leveled readers.
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$5.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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11
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Dear Beast
by Dori Hillestad Butler
Andy has two pets and two homes. Simon, Andy’s possessive and prudish cat, lives with his mom. Baxter, a fun-loving dog, lives with Andy’s dad. In the first book in the series, Simon writes a strongly worded letter to Andy’s newly adopted dog in hopes that he will leave. What follows is unexpected communication and maybe even a little collaboration in Andy’s care. With eight to nine chapters per book, a letter-style format, and full-color illustrations, this series is a great choice for 6- to 9-year-olds.
See the full series here.
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$7.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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12
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Stink
by Megan McDonald
If your beginning reader is not quite ready to tackle Diary of a Wimpy Kid, try the Stink series. Stink Moody’s stories allow readers to see the world from his perspective, in contrast to the Judy Moody books, which portray Stink as an annoying brother. This super smart math maniac and science star will stop at nothing to get answers to his burning questions, often with silly adventures and hilarious results. Black-and-white, comic book-style illustrations make this an appealing choice for 6- to 9-year-olds.
See the full series here.
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$6.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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13
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King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats
by Dori Hillestad Butler
Young readers love following King and Kayla as they set out to solve mysteries. From missing dog treats to secret codes and suspected ghosts, King and his girl, Kayla, show off their excellent teamwork and problem-solving skills by gathering facts, making lists, and evaluating evidence to solve each case.
See the full series here.
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$6.99Buy from Other Retailers:
