Last week, I reviewed beginning readers. This week concludes the newer reader’s review with chapter books that feature more words, more complex stories and fewer pictures. These books have short chapters, larger font and have anywhere from 30 to 100 pages. And these chapter books are the gateway to novels and the road to enjoying reading for the content only and not depending on visual illustrations. Early chapter books are geared for ages six through nine.
Slowpoke, by Emily Smith Pearce, and illustrated by Scot Ritchie, is a story about Fiona and her slow-moving ways. Her fast-moving family decides to send her to “speed school” but she soon realizes that slow isn’t so bad. Included are some funny, teachable moments.
The Cork & Fuzz series, by Dori Chaconas, and illustrated by Lisa McCue, has friends, a muskrat and an opossum experiencing many fun adventures. The latest on is “The Swimming Lesson”.
Calendar Mysteries, by Ron Roy, and illustrated by Jon Steven Gurney, is a new series that begins its first book with “January Joker” and is currently up to June with “June Jam”. These books are a great introduction to mysteries with exciting adventures that feature a set of twins and their cousin throughout the series. There are some interesting twists and turns that will keep even reluctant readers guessing.
Anna Hibiscus, by Atinuke, is a new series that features a little girl and her family and friends as she lives in Africa. The stories are rich and enriching as you begin to understand a different culture far away. “Good Luck Anna Hibiscus!” and “Have Fun Anna Hibiscus!” are the latest installments.
The Puppy Place, by Ellen Miles, is a series that features a brother and sister who foster puppies and help find permanent homes for them. The stories celebrate the great love of pets and nurturing young animals. The latest publication is “Moose”, a Great Dane puppy.
Rainbow Magic, by Daisy Meadows, has three different groups of fairy books with the latest being “The Ocean Fairies”. The delightful stories feature one fairy and how she helps the oceans. “Stephanie the Starfish Fairy” is one of six new books in this series.
Geronimo Stilton is a series imported from Italy and the books are full of color in both graphics and text. Geronimo is a mouse that runs a newspaper, but his real passion is writing about adventures. There’s much going on in each book that includes maps and tales so exciting you won’t be able to stop reading! The latest adventure is “The Giant Diamond Robbery” and “Save the White Whale”.
The Perfectly Princess series, by Alyssa Crowne, features a different color for each book. You’ll also find recipes and activities at the back of each book. The latest book is titled “Blue Princess Takes the Stage”.
Jack Gets a Clue, by Nancy Krulik, is a new series with two books that have been recently published: “The Case of the Beagle Burglar” and “The Case of the Tortoise in Trouble”. These fun, and funny, mysteries feature Jack who has recently discovered that he can talk to animals.
The Super Chicken Nugget Boy series, by Josh Lewis, has the newest book, “Pizza Planet People”, illustrated by Stephen Gilpin, and it is as hilarious as the others. When giant pizza begins to fall from the sky, Super Chicken Nugget Boy is here to help – and solve the mystery.
Magic at the Bed & Biscuit, by Joan Carris, and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones, is a delightful story about a magical chicken who is dropped off at a hotel and begins to do some not-so-nice magic on the other animals.
In Jail, Ms. Wiz?, by Terence Blacker, and illustrated by Tony Ross, is one of a series about the teacher, Ms. Wiz. This British import is hilarious as are the other books by Blacker and the pictures have a cartoonish impression. It appears that Ms. Wiz is magical and tries her magic when cats go missing.
Sophie the Hero, by Lara Bergen, and illustrated by Laura Tallardy, is one of several “Sophie” books that are all about this cute and funny third grader who’s trying to find the right name that fits her personality. Other books include “Sophie the Hero”, Sophie the Chatter box” and “Sophie the Zillionaire”.
The Golden Ghost, by Marion Dane Bauer, and illustrated by Peter Ferguson, is a mystery that includes an abandoned house and a golden retriever that only young Delsie can see. This story is a page turner from the first page!
For the last book, here is a great summer read-aloud that would be perfect for a warm summer night: Uncle Pirate to the Rescue, by Douglas Rees, and illustrated by Tony Auth. This sequel to “Uncle Pirate” is as fun, and funny, as the first book. You’ll read about many terrific adventures, a talking penguin and a buried treasure.
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