18 Illustrated Chapter Book Series To Engage Early Readers
As my twins’ literacy and comprehension skills have grown, we’ve searched for ways to keep them engaged with books that are age-appropriate yet slightly more advanced. One of the best options we’ve found for them is early chapter books with full-color illustrations, a format that provides a nice bridge between picture books and chapter books. With a picture on nearly every page, these books feel similar to what little kids are used to seeing in picture books, but their vocabulary is slightly more advanced and their storylines are longer. Here are some great early chapter book series, featuring fun illustrations, that have kept us entertained at home.
This list originally appeared on ReadBrightly.com.
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1
Add to BookshelfA Narwhal and Jelly Book Series
by Ben Clanton
This series is about the oftentimes hilarious friendship between a narwhal and a jellyfish. While they may be different, they both love peanut butter and parties. The books are an introduction to graphic novels, and the focus on friendship and working together is perfect for this age. These are a great next step for fans of Mo Willems’s Elephant & Piggie series.
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$12.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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2
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Arnold and Louise Series
by Erica S. Perl
Fans of Frog and Toad will adore this new series about another unlikely pair. Arnold the bear is thoughtful and patient while Louise the chipmunk is loud and energetic. Though completely different, the two are best friends. The duo’s antics will amuse kids, and the green and gray illustrations bring them to life with a forest-y vibe.
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$6.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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3
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Nate the Great Series
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
This long-running and fan-favorite series starring a kid detective will appeal to avid and reluctant readers alike. Simont’s illustrations are done in black-and-white and color and they portray some of the sly humor of Sharmat’s writing. Encourage kids to look for the clues in Simont’s illustrations as they read along. Beware: You may end up with a budding detective of your own!
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$14.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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4
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The Secret Explorers Series
by SJ King
Magic Tree House fans will love this series about a group of gifted children who travel across the globe — and through time. Whether they’re blasting into outer space, diving under the sea, or zipping across the Arctic, these books will take your child on some wild adventures!
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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5
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J.D. the Kid Barber Series
by J. Dillard
If you have an aspiring entrepreneur on your hands, you’ll love this entertaining chapter book series. It’s about a boy named J.D. who starts a barbershop in his bedroom and learns to juggle his business, friendships, customers, and success. This series is excellent for young Shark Tank fans or any kid that dreams of opening a business.
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$16.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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Princess Pulverizer Series
by Nancy Krulik
This series is about a princess, but by no means is she a girly character. Princess Pulverizer doesn’t want a life filled with tea parties and ballroom dancing. Instead, she wants to go to Knight School to learn to wield a sword and slay dragons. But first, she must prove her valor by completing a Quest for Kindness. Featuring a quirky cast of characters and their hilarious escapades, expect lots of belly laughs from boys and girls alike.
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$7.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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7
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Mercy Watson Series
by Kate DiCamillo
Award-winning author DiCamillo’s series about a mayhem-causing pig will have your child (and you) laughing out loud. Mercy is treated as a member of the family, despite being a giant pig. Her size and animal nature get her into a lot of trouble around her house and neighborhood. The illustrations are colorful and comical, perfectly capturing the hilarity of the stories.
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$6.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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8
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She Persisted Series
by Renée Watson and Chelsea Clinton
This series of short illustrated biographies spotlights trailblazing women throughout history. Readers will learn about notable female scientists, doctors, artists, athletes, and politicians, among others. Kids will find positive role models and inspiration in these fascinating biographies.
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$14.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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9
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Unicorn Academy Series
by Julie Sykes
For unicorn lovers, illustrated chapter books don’t get any better than this. Every girl gets paired with a unicorn at the Unicorn Academy, and they become instant best friends. Children ages 6 – 9 will love reading these magical, rainbow-filled adventures. If your child finishes all 12 books, you can start them on the spin-off series Unicorn Academy Nature Magic.
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$5.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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10
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The Princess in Black Series
by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
If your daughter is like mine and loves princesses AND superheroes, this is the series for you! Princess Magnolia has a secret life fighting monsters. With bright and bubbly illustrations that show the action in a non-threatening way, the stories demonstrate that princesses can be strong and brave. My son also enjoys the Princess’s adventures.
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$6.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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11
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Minecraft Woodsword Chronicles: The Complete Series: Books 1-6 (Minecraft Woodsword Chronicles)
by Nick Eliopulos
One of the best ways to get a video game-obsessed kid to read more is by giving them books about video games. This series of illustrated chapter books takes place in the world of Minecraft and is unrivaled in getting kids hooked on reading. Hand your child these books, and they’ll be glued to the page for hours!
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$59.94Buy from Other Retailers:
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12
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Candlewick Sparks Series
by Lisa Moser
One of our favorite books in the Candlewick Sparks series is The Monster in the Backpack, which presents Annie as a girl with a seemingly major problem: When she unzips her new backpack, she finds a monster inside. Initially, the monster is a nuisance, but the two slowly learn to like each other and then love each other. Kids will love this goofy story, and Jones’s digital art supports the comic nature of the story.
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13
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Cam Jansen Series
by David A. Adler
A bestseller for over thirty years, the Cam Jansen Series is a favorite for young mystery-solvers. A spunky fifth-grader with a photographic memory, Cam is clever, goodhearted, and always on the case. Every detective needs a sidekick, and Cam has a great one in her best friend, Eric. With so many cases to choose from, your reader won’t run out of fun any time soon!
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$5.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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14
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Mermaids Rock Series
by Linda Chapman
From the author of the popular Star Friends series comes another illustrated chapter book series with mermaids, magic, monsters, friendship, and mystery. Each book offers an irresistible adventure that young readers will love, along with fun facts about the ocean and its animals.
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$6.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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15
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Jada Jones Series
by Kelly Starling Lyons
Don’t miss out on Jada Jones, a budding science whiz who always tries her best, even when the new challenge at hand — like dancing or public speaking — doesn’t feel the most natural. Complete with a charming cast of characters and two-color art that helps readers transition to black-and-white chapter books, this series is a perfect bridge between two reading worlds.
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$6.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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16
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Magic on the Map Series
by Courtney Sheinmel and Bianca Turetsky
Twins Finn and Molly Parker aren’t impressed with their dad’s new camper — until they discover it can talk, and magically transport them, too! Each chapter book in this fun-filled series brings the twins to a different state and includes a map and entertaining facts about that unique piece of the country. It’s a wild ride captured in brilliant color.
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17
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The Magnificent Makers Series
by Theanne Griffith
Help your kid get their STEM on with these informative chapter books about a group of friends that go on science-related escapades. With riddles, magic portals, challenges, and science experiments for readers to complete, this series is an excellent choice for budding scientists.
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18
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Magic Tree House Series
by Mary Pope Osborne
The Magic Tree House series is the most popular illustrated chapter book series for kids. Send your young reader on dozens of time-traveling adventures with these highly engaging stories. If your child wants to learn the facts behind the fiction, check out the Magic Tree House Fact Tracker series. Kids will also fall in love with the full-color graphic novel adaptations.
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