When new readers transfer from pictures on every page to fewer pictures and more story content, it’s extremely important to have storylines that hold the attention of the reader. It’s vital to help children form the storylines in their minds. This happens with great new chapter books. The age of this category is usually between seven and nine.
Simon and Schuster Publishers has a great series titled Quix Fast Fun Reads. The newest series, School for Magical Monsters by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams and delightfully illustrated digitally in black and white by Toby Allen, is an exciting storyline featuring mythical creatures based on Greek Mythology. This first book is Rise of Pegasus. Other series under this same Quix title are: Mini Mermaid Tales by Debbie Dadey and illustrated by Fuji Takashi, The Giants’ Visitor by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Tomie dePaola, Addy McBean: Numbers Queen Margery Cuyler and illustrated by Stacy Curtis and Harvey Hammer by Davey Ocean and illustrated by Aaron Blecha.
Candlewick Publishers has some new series that kids will certainly enjoy. Orris and Timble: The Beginning by Kate DiCamillo and beautifully illustrated in color using gouache, colored pencil and graphite pencil by Carmen Mok, is the first book about a lonely little rat who ends up helping a trusty owl caught in a trap. Hocus and Pocus by A.R. Capetta and colorfully illustrated by Charlene Chua; Bear and Bird by Jarvis, Bunny and Clyde by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Scott Nash; Ava Lin by Vicky Fang; Billy & Rose by Amy Hest and colorfully illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton; Mercy Watson is Missing by Kate DiCamillo and colorfully illustrated by Christ Van Dusen and The Puppets of Spellhorst by Kate diCamillo and illustrated by Julie Morstad are other new series kids will read again and again.
Kane/Miller Publishing has a new series that is rich in color and adventure. Adventure Mice, by Philip Reeve and colorfully illustrated by Sarah McIntyre, has four books published so far. The newest books are Otter Chaos and Mermouse Mystery.
HarperCollins Publishing has a most popular series that kids love because of the humor found throughout. No More School, April Fools!, Mrs. Marge is in Charge!, Miss Nichol is on a Pickle, Miss Daisy is Crazy and There’s a Skunk in My Bunk! are all by Dan Gutman as well as the hilarious illustrations, by Jim Paillot, that go perfectly with the stories.
Chronicle Publishing has some outstanding new series kids will desire to read. Henry and the Something New, by Jenn Bailey and illustrated using watercolor and ink by Mika Song, is book two featuring Henry who is full of curiosity but also hesitant and possibly on the autism spectrum. Stella & Marigold, by Annie Barrows and colorfully illustrated by Sophie Blackall and The Story of Gumluck The Wizard, by Adam Rex, are other great new series.
Scholastic Publishing has a popular series, Branches, that kids thoroughly enjoy. Disaster Squad, by Rekha S. Raja and illustrated by Courtney Lovett, is the newest in this series. The Party Diaries, by Matali Banerjee Ruth’s and illustrated by Qliya Jaleela and Kwame’s Magic Quest, by Bernard Mensah and illustrated by Natasha Nayo are other new Branches series. One of the most popular Branches through the years is Dragon Masters, by Tracey West and amazingly illustrated by Graham Howells. The newest edition is Cave of the Crystal Dragon which is #26 in this series.
Catwings, by Ursula K. Le Guin and colorfully illustrated using pen and wash by S. D. Schindler, is series that has recently been reissued due to the popularity with kids. It was originally published in 1988 and it’s about little kittens who have wings and can fly. The adventures are thrilling and help early chapter readers begin using their imagination. The publisher is Simon and Schuster.
Nate The Great, is another classic series that was first published in 1972 and is a great introduction to mysteries. The most recent book is Nate the Great and the Star-Spangled Parrot, by Andrew Sharmat and colorfully illustrated by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov. This series is published by Delacorte Press.
We can’t forget one of the most successful early chapter books that has lasted over time: Magic Tree House, by Mary Pop Osborne. This series has lasted throughout time with children desiring to read from this series over and again. It was first published in 1992, and Random House is the publisher.
It’s always a good idea to introduce your new chapter readers to nonfiction. She Persisted: Simone Biles, by Keyla Magoon and illustrated by Gillian Flint, is an inspiration to learn about how this tremendous gymnast had much to overcome to achieve gold medals at the Olympics. Philomel is the publisher.
Here are some fun easy graphic books: Scholastic has a new series called Acorn. They also have a wonderful series called Bad Guys. There is a new offshoot from this series called Cat on the Run. Union Square Kids Publishes has a new set called Schnozzer & Tatertoes and also Lost & Found.
