Best Book Series for Early Readers

Last updated: June 18, 2026

When kids graduate from picture books to chapter books, it's a great moment. Here's a list of some of our favorite books for early readers -- they all have engaging stories and relatable characters to help make the chapter-book transition easier. Some, like Poppleton, work for either read-alone or read-aloud, helping kids get used to plot and chapter structure. For more surefire picks, check out our Best Book Series and Graphic Novels lists, and get tips on how to encourage and support young readers.

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A Is for Amber Series Poster Image

BOOK

A Is for Amber Series

age 4+

Amber's adventures have great messages for young readers.

Paula Danziger For Beginning Readers (2001)

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Charlie & Mouse, Book 1 Poster Image

BOOK

Charlie & Mouse, Book 1

age 4+

Charming early reader about two adorable brothers.

Laurel Snyder For Beginning Readers (2017)

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Cornbread & Poppy Poster Image

BOOK

Cornbread & Poppy, Book 1

age 4+

Friendship tale is full of suspense and surprises.

Matthew Cordell Friendship (2022)

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Interrupting Chicken, Book 1 Poster Image

BOOK

Interrupting Chicken, Book 1

age 4+

Funny award-winning book imparts gentle manners lesson.

David Ezra Stein Picture Book (2010)

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Poppleton Series Poster Image

BOOK

Poppleton Series

age 4+

Kindly pig has adventures with friends in gentle tales.

Cynthia Rylant For Beginning Readers (2016)

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Henry and Mudge Series Poster Image

BOOK

Henry and Mudge Series

age 5+

Simple, sweet stories about a boy and his beloved dog.

Cynthia Rylant For Beginning Readers (1987)

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Hey Jack! Series Poster Image

BOOK

Hey Jack! Series

age 5+

Kind boy and sweet stories are great for new readers.

Sally Rippin For Beginning Readers (2013)

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Katie Woo Series Poster Image

BOOK

Katie Woo Series

age 5+

Relatable stories in short chapters have good life lessons.

Fran Manushkin For Beginning Readers (2011)

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Mercy Watson to the Rescue: Mercy Watson, Book 1 Poster Image

BOOK

Mercy Watson to the Rescue: Mercy Watson, Book 1

age 5+

Funny, silly pig story great for early readers.

Kate DiCamillo Animals (2005)

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Not Really Buddies book cover: Buddy and Bea running in a classroom

BOOK

Not Really Buddies: Buddy and Bea, Book 1

age 5+

Funny first day of school for a quirky pair of new pals.

Jan Carr Picture Book (2023)

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Orris and Timble book cover: Little gray rat and big white owl sit on a wood ledge in front of a night sky

BOOK

Orris and Timble: The Beginning

age 5+

Sweet, spare friendship tale of courage, gratitude, stories.

Kate DiCamillo Animals (2024)

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Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe Series Poster Image

BOOK

Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe Series

age 5+

Irreverent twists on fairy tales keep new readers guessing.

Noah Z. Jones For Beginning Readers (2014)

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Rainbow Magic Series Poster Image

BOOK

Rainbow Magic Series

age 5+

Friends' fairy adventures are fun intro to fantasy.

Daisy Meadows Fantasy (2005)

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Orris and Timble Star Stories book cover: Brown rat clinging to the back of a white owl

BOOK

Star Stories: Orris and Timble, Book 3

age 5+

Fears overcome, wonders shared in sweet series finale.

Kate DiCamillo Friendship (2026)

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The Kingdom of Wrenly Series Poster Image

BOOK

The Kingdom of Wrenly Series

age 5+

Fun adventures of prince and friend in magical kingdom.

Jordan Quinn Adventure (2014)

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The Princess in Black Poster Image

BOOK

The Princess in Black

age 5+

Fun tale of monster-fighting princess who leads double life.

Shannon Hale , Dean Hale For Beginning Readers (2014)

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Tiny Tornadoes book cover: Buddy and Bea sit on a classroom floor surrounded by stacks of books

BOOK

Tiny Tornadoes: Buddy and Bea, Book 2

age 5+

Funny, relatable classroom antics mixed with life lessons.

Jan Carr Friendship (2023)

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Yasmin in Charge Poster Image

BOOK

Yasmin in Charge

age 5+

Problem-solving girl shares her culture in sweet stories.

Saadia Faruqi For Beginning Readers (2019)

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Young boy running happily

BOOK

Zapato Power Series

age 5+

Young boy solves fun mysteries with help from special shoes.

Jacqueline Jules For Beginning Readers (2011)

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Zelda and Ivy Series Poster Image

BOOK

Zelda and Ivy Series

age 5+

Fun adventures of fox sisters with wild imaginations.

Laura McGee Kvasnosky For Beginning Readers (2014)

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