We love a good picture in this house, of course, and our shelves our mainly stocked with picture books and board books galore. But recently, Toddler and I have been dabbling with chapter book read alouds (Baby will listen in as well. She insists on participating in whatever Toddler gets to do) and it’s been a fun way to get to know a cast of characters together, and chat about a storyline and what might happen next.
It helps that the chapter books are illustrated, as most are, but what stands out about these featured ones are that they have full-color illustrations (not just two-toned or black and white), making them the perfect segue from picture books to chapter books. Toddler loves following along with the illustrations, and it breaks up the text, making for quicker page-turns to keep him engaged with the book.
I will note that sometimes I read aloud while he is playing with his cars and trains so he’s not always looking at the illustrations. But the writing, plots, and storylines are entertaining and captivating all on their own so he is engaged either way. *Reminder that a child does not have to be sitting still and looking at you/the books to be listening. For many kids, it helps to have something to do or to be playing with something else to keep them listening.
We are always on the lookout for a new chapter book series or book to try! Let me know your family’s favorites! In the meantime, here are a few of ours.
Find the Full List on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on the individual titles linked below:
Witchy Cakes by Kara LaReau | Follows Blue, a young, nonbinary, witch-in-training, who helps their Mama deliver magical baked goods throughout their town. Join Blue as they visit neighbors and practice using their magic to help them. With gender-inclusive language and a diverse cast of characters, this cozy chapter book celebrates inclusivity, kindness, community, and helping others.
Stella and Marigold by Annie Barrows | Seven-year-old Stella and four-year-old Marigold navigate the world together with affection, patience, and mutual admiration. Together, they turn ordinary childhood routines into grand adventures, and use their creativity to solve problems, make new friends, and explore their community.
Princess Minna by Kirsty Applebaum | Princess Minna sorts out mix-ups and mishaps in her magical kingdom! Each story includes familiar fairytale characters in humorous twists on the classic stories. We especially love the full color pages on each spread.
The Fabled Stables by Jonthan Auxier | Auggie is the only human boy at the magical Fabled Stables, where he cares for a collection of extraordinary creatures. When the Stables shakes and shudders to make room for a new arrival, Auggie must venture out to rescue the creature from danger.
Wallace and Grace by Heather Alexander | A fun mystery series! Two best friend owls are partners in the Night Owl Detective Agency and work together to solve mysteries!
Starla Jean by Elana K. Arnold | Meet Starla Jean, a spunk-filled, clever young girl who catches a scrawny park chicken, names her Opal Egg, and embarks on eccentric everyday adventures with her family and pet bird.
Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo | Mercy is a cheerful pet pig, whom her owners Mr. and Mrs. Watson lovingly call a "porcine wonder." She is constantly driven by her intense love for hot buttered toast, which regularly lands her in funny, accidental mischief with her neighbors.
Drag and Rex by Susan Lubner | Meet Drag, a dreamy and impulsive dragon, and Rex, a practical and methodical T. rex. Together, the friends tackle everyday challenges side by side, from figuring out breakfast and getting dressed, to enjoying a snowy day or facing something scary. Their differences can sometimes make things tricky, but patience, cooperation, humor, and friendship help them work through each obstacle together.
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Here’s to raising our young readers and future leaders~
Happy Reading,
Maya
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