Early Chapter Books for the Young and Young at Heart
By Holly E. Newton

Is your child ready to read short chapter books?  These are probably the most important books for reading development skills because the story is more complex and there are fewer pictures, making the story take place in the mind.  If children can begin to take pleasure in this exciting new discovery of reading with imagination, then their interest in books can last for life.   

Here is a list of some of the newest chapter books for young readers that should hold their interest and help get them excited to read even more.  The first five are a little longer and better suited for readers who have a firm grasp in reading chapter books.  However, all books listed below have illustrations sprinkled throughout.

Mercy Watson Fights Crime, by Kate DiCamillo, and brightly illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, is the third installment about a hilarious pig, Mercy, who becomes involved with a thief in her owner's home.  The story is funny, full of rich characters and with a great moral at the end.  All three "Mercy Watson" books are delightful!

Judy Moody:  Around the World in 8½ Days, by Megan McDonald, and nicely illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, is the eighth installment about this third grader and it’s another great addition!  Judy Moody seems to get caught in the most peculiar situations.  Her class is learning about different cultures from around the world, and she’s right in the middle of it.  The calamity that erupts will surely bring about big smiles.

Legend of the Worst Boy in the World, by Eoin Colfer, and illustrated by Glenn McCoy, is full of stories that young Will and his granddad exchange between each other as they attempt to out tell a worse scenario of a fate that’s happened to each of them.  This is the author’s third installment about Will and his brothers.  Great fun!

Best Friend Emma, by Sally Warner, and illustrated by Jamie Harper, is all about friendships.  Emma has some problems ensuing when she makes a new best friend.  There is one problem:  she already has a best friend.  The dilemma teaches her how to be a good friend to both.

Indie Kidd:  How to be Good(ish), by Karen McCombie, and illustrated by Lydia Monks, is a new series that reads with gusto and humor.  Indie Kidd is suppose to list her talents in class but can’t think of any.  With the help of her friends, and many attempts that will make you smile, she finally makes an important discovery about herself!  The second book in this series is “Oops, I’ve Lost My Best(est) Friend.”

Jackson Jones and the Curse of the Outlaw Rose, by Mary Quattlebaum, is a third installment about Jackson Jones only this time he feels a curse coming on when the owner of an inner-city garden transplants a rose branch from a cemetery.  Are Jackson and his buddy, who are helping the owner, now cursed?  Why are they getting bee stings and finding poison ivy?  This fun mystery will have your youngster turning the pages for more.

My Parents Think I’m Sleeping, by Jack Prelutsky, and illustrated by Yossi Abolafia, is an entertaining poetry book with rhymes that will tickle your youngster and help him appreciate poetry!

Mouse Island Marathon, by Geronimo Stilton, and illustrated by Valeria Turati, is number 30 in a series of funny stories about Geronimo, a mouse.  There is humor, colorful and different sized text, as well as pictures throughout making this an interesting read!

Mokie and Bik, by Wendy Orr, and gloriously illustrated by Jonathan Beal, has these twins romping round the harbor and continuously getting into trouble.  While their dad is at sea and mom is painting, they keep their nanny on her toes as their mischief escalates.

The Jamie and Angus Stories, by Anne Fine, and illustrated by Penny Dale, is the perfect book for the child who is just beginning chapter books.  The book, about Jamie and his adored stuffed bull, has six stories that are short, easy to read and interesting.  The stories are engaging and create characters you won’t soon forget!

Little Giant:  Big Trouble (from the Dragon Slayers’ Academy Series), by Kate McMullan, and illustrated by Bill Basso, is another great adventure as Wiglaf and his fellow friends are about to save the dragon they’ve raised since he first hatched.  But there’s a surprise waiting for them!

Horrible Harry Cracks the Code, by Suzy Kline, and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz, is the latest of great mysteries that Harry needs to solve.  He’s about to crack a code made by his math teacher.  But he’s beginning to have doubts in his ability to find a solution.  There are many other stories about this sleuth!

Happy Go Lucky, (from the Big Apple Barn Series), by Kristin Earhart, and illustrated by John Steven Gurney, is a sweet story about friendship and family.  Happy Go Lucky is a young pony who loves his mom and is upset when he is sent to be a riding pony at the Big Apple Barn School for young children.  This pony is about to find out it’s better to help others than think about himself!

Digory and the Lost King, by Angela McAllister, and illustrated by Ian Beck, has Digory trying to find the king as he sets out on an adventure that will save the day!  This is a sequel to Digory the Dragon Slayer, and it’s every bit as good as the first.

Boo’s Dinosaur, by Betsy Byars, and illustrated by Erik Brooks, has little sister Boo bringing home a dinosaur.  One problem:  No one can see it but Boo.  This really bothers her older brother, Sammy, until he finally talks her into letting the dinosaur leave.  But does that make Boo happy?  This may become a favorite of your youngster!

Holly Evans Newton has taught kindergarten through 7th grades for 25 years. She received her B.S. from Utah State University in Logan, Utah, and her M.A. from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. She has three sons who have served full time missions, two younger daughters, plus four adorable grandchildren. She has been married to Dale Karl Newton for 34 years. Her husband has recently taken a new position in St. Paul, Minnesota. So Holly is now expanding her reviews to cover not only the MO and AZ areas but now the Twin Cities location as well.

Holly is the recent recipient of the prestigious Literacy Award presented to her by the International Reading Association. She writes a weekly children's book review for the largest distributed newspaper throughout mid-Missouri. She was seen for eight years on the NBC affiliate in Missouri and on the NBC affiliate in Phoenix for her weekly children’s book reviews. She will soon be seen on the NBC affiliate in Minnesota. She presents book presentations to schools where her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm are valued by educators, students and parents. What sets her apart from other reviewers is her goal to find the best books for kids by reading books cover to cover and making sure there is no inappropriate language or sexual content. You can find her past book reviews on her website: www.newtonsbook.com

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