First chapter books for children
First chapter books for children. This guide has a range of adventures, mysteries, school stories, fantasy, magic, and humorous stories suitable for emerging readers, reading at home and school libraries. This list features books by J. Dillard, Zanib Mian, Herman Parish, Kallie George, Kevin Henkes, Sharon M. Draper, Louis Sachar, Harriet Muncaster and Roald Dahl.
First chapter books for children – our recommendations
The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sam Ricks
Meet Iggy Frangi, a fourth-grader with a talent for turning impulsive ideas into big, messy adventures. In three laugh-out-loud stories, Iggy takes on a trampoline disaster, a shaving cream fiasco, and a less-than-brilliant moment with his teacher. Sam Ricks’ illustrations bring his wild antics—and his diverse group of friends—to life. Funny and refreshingly non-preachy, this book is perfect for kids figuring out life’s curveballs, one chaotic misstep at a time.
Hero Dog! by Hilde Lysiak and Matthew Lysiak
Step into the world of Hilde, a pint-sized crime reporter inspired by real-life journalist Hilde Lysiak. In this first chapter book, Hilde’s on the case of some missing pastries on Orange Street, and the clock’s ticking to crack it before her deadline. With her sister Izzy by her side and a sharp eye for clues, she tackles the mystery head-on. Packed with Joanne Lew-Vriethoff’s fun illustrations, it’s a lively read for budding detectives.
J.D. and the Great Barber Battle by J. Dillard, illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts
Eight-year-old J.D. turns a haircut gone wrong into a thriving barber business—and the town’s not ready for his talent. But when customers start ditching the local barbershop for J.D.’s chair, things heat up between him and Henry Jr., the town’s seasoned pro. Set in lively Meridian, Mississippi, this story mixes humor, hustle, and a little friendly rivalry. Akeem S. Roberts’ bold illustrations bring the action to life, making it a fun, relatable read for young go-getters.
Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi, illustrated by Hatem Ally
Meet Yasmin Ahmad, a curious and creative second-grader who’s always ready to tackle life’s little challenges with big ideas. Whether she’s solving problems at school or at home, Yasmin’s resourcefulness shines as she navigates life in her Pakistani American family. Hatem Aly’s colorful illustrations capture her lively adventures, while cultural touches—like Urdu words and family traditions—add extra charm. Plus, fun activities like making lassi or crafting bookmarks let readers join in on the fun!
Amelia Bedelia: Amelia Bedelia Means Business by Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynne Avril
In this laugh-out-loud debut, young Amelia Bedelia sets out to earn money for a new bike, taking odd jobs with her signature mix of charm and hilarious misunderstandings. Her literal take on instructions leads to all kinds of unpredictable chaos, keeping readers grinning from start to finish. With short chapters and Lynne Avril’s fun black-and-white illustrations, it’s a perfect pick for early readers. This playful twist on language brings the classic Amelia Bedelia to a new generation.
Billy Miller Makes a Wish by Kevin Henkes
In this follow-up to The Year of Billy Miller, Kevin Henkes takes Billy through a summer full of surprises and growth. After wishing for excitement on his birthday, Billy finds himself in one funny, heartfelt situation after another—whether it’s a neighbor’s ambulance ride or unexpected family news. With Henkes’ own black-and-white illustrations, the story blends humor with a deep look at childhood. It’s a perfect read for young readers who love stories full of real emotions and relatable moments.
Isadora Moon Goes to School by Harriet Muncaster
Isadora Moon, a half-vampire, half-fairy girl, has a tough choice to make: should she go to vampire school like her dad or fairy school like her mom? She tries both but quickly realizes neither is quite right for her. With charming pink-and-black illustrations, this first chapter book follows Isadora on her journey to embrace who she truly is. Full of magic, humor, and a little self-discovery, it’s a perfect read for young readers exploring what makes them unique.
Super Rabbit Boy Powers Up! by Thomas Flintham
Sunny’s favorite game just got a lot more intense. Super Rabbit Boy must stop the evil King Viking from building a Super Robot that could wreck everything. Racing against time, Super Rabbit Boy faces riddles, goblins, and curses to find the Super Power Up first. This action-packed graphic novel, the second in the series, combines video game thrills with real-world adventure. With vibrant illustrations and gaming-style fonts, it’s perfect for young fans of games and action.
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet takes readers on the hilarious and heartwarming journey of Omar, a British Pakistani Muslim boy who’s always in the middle of a mess. Whether he’s accidentally spitting on his brother or showing up to school in stained clothes, trouble seems to follow him. But beyond the shenanigans, Omar also faces tougher challenges, like a racist neighbor and a bully named Daniel. With his big imagination, a strong sense of humor, and support from his family, Omar handles it all, sharing bits of Islamic tradition along the way. It’s the perfect mix of laughs, life lessons, and family love.
My Weird School Special: No More School, April Fools! by Dan Gutman, illustrated by Jim Paillot
A.J. and his classmates go head-to-head with their teachers in a prank war, all for a shot at a candy party. Set in the wacky Ella Mentry School, it’s packed with laughs, clever tricks, and offbeat characters. Jim Paillot’s illustrations add to the fun, and bonus trivia, games, and puzzles make it even more interactive. It’s a great mix of teamwork, creativity, and friendship—perfect for young pranksters!
Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom by Louis Sachar, illustrated by Tim Heitz
Mrs. Jewls’ 30th-floor class faces the eerie Cloud of Doom while gearing up for the Ultimate Test. The kids are as quirky as ever—there’s Sharie with her umbrella, Kathy battling oppositosis, and Jason trying to survive an epic book. Expect lots of weirdness, like a spelling lesson with invented words and a project to collect a million toenail clippings. It’s another wild, hilarious chapter in the beloved Wayside School series!
Heartwood Hotel: A True Home by Kallie George, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
Mona the Mouse seeks shelter at a grand hotel in Fernwood Forest after a storm forces her to flee. Welcomed by the friendly Mr. Heartwood, she starts her new job as a maid, eager to prove herself. But when danger looms, Mona discovers she’s braver and more resourceful than she thought. With charming animal characters and soft illustrations, this heartwarming tale mixes adventure and humor, showing Mona that a true home isn’t just a place—it’s where you belong.
The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales by S.J King
Marine expert Connor and space whiz Roshni team up to help a pod of humpback whales find their way. Along the way, they tackle challenges like lost baby whales and a bustling ocean. Packed with cool facts about marine life, climate change, and conservation, this thrilling underwater adventure also includes fun illustrations and a quiz at the end. It’s a perfect pick for young readers who love adventure and want to learn more about the ocean.
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark are fed up with being seen as villains. So, they form The Good Guys Club and set off on their first mission: breaking 200 dogs out of the city pound. Full of laughs, action, and wild surprises, this comic-style story shows that being “bad” isn’t always what it seems. It’s a fast-paced, funny ride perfect for young readers who love quirky characters and crazy adventures.
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea! by Ben Clanton
Narwhal is an upbeat narwhal with a big imagination, and Jelly, a no-nonsense jellyfish. The duo dives into ocean adventures, discovering the magic of friendship and creativity. This book features three fun stories packed with humor, adventure, and cool ocean facts. With bright, colorful illustrations and snappy dialogue, it’s perfect for early readers who love playful characters and imaginative tales. It’s a charming start to a series that’s sure to capture young readers’ hearts.
Esio Trot by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
In Esio Trot, Roald Dahl tells the quirky, heartwarming story of Mr. Hoppy, who comes up with a clever plan to win the heart of his neighbor, Mrs. Silver, by helping her tortoise, Alfie, grow. Using a magical spell and some cabbage leaves, he sets off on a delightful adventure. With illustrations by Quentin Blake, this story mixes humor and romance in classic Dahl style, offering a whimsical read that’ll charm both kids and adults.
Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by Marc Simont
In Nate the Great, young readers meet Nate, the world’s greatest detective, as he solves his first case: finding a lost picture. With his dog Sludge by his side, Nate follows clues, asks the right questions, and narrows down suspects. Marc Simont’s illustrations, mixing black-and-white with pops of color, add extra fun to the mystery. Simple yet engaging, this book’s perfect for beginner readers ready to test their detective skills.
Bad Kitty Goes to the Vet by Nick Bruel
Bad Kitty faces a challenge when she stops eating, prompting a visit to the vet. After a shot, she drifts into a dream where she must make peace with Puppy or face serious consequences. Full of humor, adventure, and a bit of fantasy, this book also teaches kids about pet health. With the usual wacky antics, it’s a fun, engaging read for young fans of Bad Kitty.
The Buried Bones Mystery by Sharon M. Draper
Ziggy and his friends discover a box of bones while digging near their clubhouse. As members of the Black Dinosaurs club, they dive into a suspenseful mystery, facing surprises along the way. This book mixes adventure and mystery with strong character development, making it great for independent readers or read-aloud sessions. Sharon M. Draper’s detailed writing keeps the story gripping and fun, making it a solid pick for young readers.
Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this first chapter book list, as well as classroom sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org. Or buy the 20 most popular titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or stocking your school library. If you are ordering from outside the US, have a look at our ‘worldwide orders’ page which makes this process easy.
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First chapter book resources for teachers
- Reading Is Fundamental has produced this excellent guide to reading stories aloud. Useful for parents and teachers, it features lots of strategies to help maintain engagement and fun when developing your child’s reading.
- Edutopia’s six tips for introducing chapter books to preschoolers are essential reading and show educators and parents how with the right approach, these books can appeal to even the youngest readers.
- This guide from the National Library of New Zealand neatly and concisely breaks down what early chapter books are and why they are important to children’s reading development.
- This interesting substack post explores what we mean by ‘first chapter books’ and we see and appreciate this form of fiction as adults. Making the transition from picture books to chapter books is often not only a transition for children but also for their parents.
- Collaborative Classroom offers a thought-provoking piece on the importance of chapter books in children’s literacy and why reading longer books is crucial to developing literacy and reading stamina.
- This insightful academic article from Science Scope outlines why using science-themed chapter books in the classroom can open up students’ curiosity to new ideas, book genres and interests.
BISAC JUV000000 Juvenile fiction | Thema YFB
