Since many children are just learning to read in kindergarten and first grade there can be a large range in the reading level of this age group. For that reason, I have put together a list of books that vary in difficulty from beginner easy readers to longer chapter books. I’ve also included an array of genres to appeal to the diverse interests of children. Enjoy the books!
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EASY READERS AND TRANSITIONAL CHAPTER BOOKS
The Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems
This series is an absolute must-read. Filled with hilarious illustrations and comical dialogue from two of the most beloved characters in modern-day children’s literature, it is no surprise that several of the books in this series have won the Geisel award including:
A Big Guy Took My Ball, I Broke My Trunk, Let’s Go for a Drive, We Are in a Book, Are You Ready to Play Outside?, There is a Bird on Your Head, Waiting is Not Easy .
A Pig, A Fox and a Box by Jonathan Fenske, 2015
This Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor book stars a mischievous fox whose clever jokes on his friend Pig backfire with hysterical results. Readers with a quirky sense of humor will enjoy this funny rhyming book. Lexile: 210L / Guided Reading Level: H
The Mo Jackson series by David Adler; illustrated by Sam Ricks
There are surprisingly few easy readers available with a sports theme, but luckily the Mo Jackson series hits it out of the park. As the youngest and smallest boy on his team, Mo works extra hard to help his team win. Whether it is devising a surprise football play, trying to hit a home run, learning to pass a basketball, or practicing his soccer skills, Mo always does his best. Lexile: 470L/ Guided Reading Level: I
We are Growing by Laurie Keller, 2016
This quirky story stars a group of zany blades of grass who each celebrate a unique attribute. This is a fun book filled with clever humor, repeated text, and simple sentences to build literacy skills, and it has a great message of resilience and celebrating everyone’s differences. It is no wonder the book won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for best Easy Reader. Lexile 270
Basketball Break by C.C. Joven, 2017
Lucas loves to play basketball. He enjoys shooting and dribbling, but doesn’t pass to his teammates. After observing the other kids on his team, he realizes the importance of passing the ball and becomes more of a team player.
Lexile: 220L, Fountas & Pinnell: F
The Totally Secret Secret (Ballet Cat series) by Bob Shea
Bob Shea is well known for his whimsical illustrations and humorous stories. His quirky easy reader series stars a spunky feline who loves to dance. While each book in the series has fantastical, energetic pictures and humorous dialogue, the books tackle issues that are important to children such as playing with a friend, trying a new dance move, and familial competition. This exuberant series has tons of kid appeal! Lexile: AD370L
Bramble and Maggie: horse meets girl (series) by Jessie Haas; illustrated by Alison Friend, 2012
Horse lovers will delight in following Maggie and her beloved horse Bramble as they forge a special bond through life’s ups and downs.
Lexile: 270L/ Fountas & Pinnell: K
Hi! Fly Guy (series) by Tedd Arnold, 2005
From the Publisher
A fly was flying. He was looking for something to eat. Something tasty. Something slimy. A boy was walking. He was looking for something to catch. Something smart. Something for The Amazing Pet Show. The boy and fly meet and so begins a beautiful friendship. Er, and so begins a very funny friendship. Using hyperbole, puns, slapstick, and silly drawings, bestselling author/illustrator Tedd Arnold creates an easy reader that is full of fun.
Lexile: 280L/ Fountas & Pinnell: I
What About Worms (Elephant and Piggie Like Reading series) by Ryan T. Higgins and Mo Willems, 2020
An adorable tiger brags about his braveness, but admits that his one fear is worms. A comical sequence of events reveal that a group of worms are also scared of tigers until they learn more about them. This is a fantastic new addition to the lovable Elephant and Piggie Like Reading series.
Amanda Pig, First Grader (series) by Jean Van Leeuwen; illustrated by Ann
Schweninger, 2013
From the Publisher
Amanda Pig is going to be a first-grader! This year she won’t have to take naps, she’ll play on the big playground, and, best of all, she’ll learn how to read. But something is wrong, because when Amanda tries to read, she can recognize the letters but not the words! Is first grade going to be harder than Amanda thought? Will she ever be able to read? Once again, Jean Van Leeuwen and Ann Schweninger create a funny, friendly, and kid-relevant world.Lexile: 320L
Poppleton (series) Scholastic Acorn Line by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Mark Teague
Three classic stories of a city pig who moves to the country are combined in this new release that also includes drawing instructions and a writing prompt. The original Poppleton stories were written decades ago, but there is a quiet charm to these stories that make them feel timeless. Lexile: 460L/ Fountas & Pinnell: J
Ling and Ting Not Exactly the Same (series) by Grace Lin
This Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor book stars two amiable twin sisters who partake in a variety of adventures in six short chapters. There is an old-fashion charm to these books that is both playful and whimsical. Elements of Chinese culture such as making dumplings and learning to use chopsticks are effortlessly woven in adding to the allure of the stories. Each chapter is only a few pages long, leaving children eager to read Ling and Ting’s next escapade. Lexile: 390L / Fountas & Pinnell: K
Henry and Mudge and the First Book of Their Adventures (series) by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Sucie Stevenson
This unforgettable easy reader has withstood the test of time and is still a go-to for many classroom teachers. The story of a lonely boy who finds friendship with a large dog is relatable and many children will enjoy reading about the twosome’s many adventures together. Lexile: 460L/ Fountas & Pinnell: J
Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories by Jarvis
This is an adorable new series filled with humor, charming illustrations, and characters that show kindness and compassion. With four short chapters to build readers’ confidence, the story follows best friends Bear and Bird through several amusing mishaps that make this book a true delight. Lexile 490
Cornbread & Poppy by Matthew Cordell, 2022
While opposites in many ways, Cornbread and Poppy are the best of friends. When carefree Poppy doesn’t collect enough food for the winter, loyal Cornbread agrees to venture up the mysterious mountain outside their village to harvest food. Full of charming illustrations, this delightful friendship story has the perfect amount of drama and cuteness that kept my daughter engaged and excited to read.
Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell
Award-winning author Cece Bell’s quirky sense of humor fills the pages of this comical easy reader series starring two unusual best friends. Though Rabbit and Robot are both excited for their first sleepover, they quickly discover that they each have strong opinions on the activities for the night and must find a way to navigate the complexities of friendship. Lexile: 490L/ Fountas & Pinnell: L
Penny series by Kevin Henkes
Award-winning author and illustrator Kevin Henkes brings his refined charm to this easy reader series starring a friendly mouse named Penny. Adorned with Kevin Henkes’ signature artwork, these quaint stories follow Penny as she shares a song with her family, finds a neighbor’s marble, thinks of a name for her doll, and waits for snow.
Penny’s quiet nature and curiosity is sure to resonate with many children and the books have a classic feel about them that will be attractive to parents and kids. Lexile: 470L
Barkus by Patricia MacLachlan; illustrated by Marc Boutavant, 2022
Large colorful pictures accompany short chapters that share the adventures of a girl and her large brown dog. Animal lovers will particularly enjoy following along as Barkus meets his new family, sneaks into school, celebrates his birthday, and makes a new friend. Guided Reading Level: L
Kitty and Dragon (series) by Meika Hashimoto, illustrated by Gillian Reid, 2022
Full of humor and charm, this delightful series follows unlikely friends Kitty and Dragon through several comical adventures. The full-color illustrations are so expressive and eye catching while the easy-to-read text is perfect for kids transitioning from Easy Readers. Lexile 420
Frog and Toad Are Friends (series) by Arnold Lobel
There is a reason these classic easy readers have been popular for the last forty years. It’s hard not to smile at the sweet friendship between Frog and Toad and the droll exploits they share. The award-winning illustrations add to the quaint feel of the stories and children and adults will most likely cherish these enchanting tales. Lexile: 400L/ Guided Reading Level: K
Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea (series) by Cynthia Rylant, 1994
This classic series blends humor and heart with charming tales of the kind Mr. Putter and his sweet cat Tabby. Warm and whimsical, it’s a joy for both adults and children to share.
Lexile: 540L/ Fountas & Pinnell: J
Billy & Rose: Forever Friends by Amy Hest; illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Billy and Rose might like different things and disagree at times, but they are true friends who support each other through life’s little ups and downs. Four short chapters follow their friendship through the seasons. Charming colored illustrations break up the delightful text, making this a very approachable transitional chapter book for newer readers.
CHAPTER BOOKS
Nate the Great (series) by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, 1972
Though decades old, this classic series remains a delight, thanks to its lovable sleuth Nate and his everyday mysteries. Readers will sharpen their problem-solving skills as they follow clues and crack cases alongside him.
Lexile: 130L/ Fountas & Pinnell: K
Boris on the Move (series) by Andrew Joyner, 2013
From the Publisher
A new early chapter book series where adventure is always just around the corner!
This series is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line, Branches. Aimed at 5- to 8-year-olds, this line of books is for children who are just starting to read independently. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
Meet Boris! He lives with his mom and dad in Hogg Bay. Their home is a van that once traveled all over the world. Then one morning, Boris feels a jolt. Could it be? Is the van really moving? Is Boris on an adventure at last?
But when Boris ends up on a trip to a wildlife refuge instead of the jungle safari he’d imagined, he ends up having an adventure he’ll never forget. Because for this little warthog, life never quite turns out as he plans.
Lexile: 230L
Monkey and Me and the Golden Monkey (series) by Timothy Roland, 2014
From the Publisher
When Clyde gets excited, he brings a whole new meaning to “monkeying around!”
Clyde is an energetic student who just can’t sit still. After eating a banana that has been zapped by lasers on his class field trip to the science museum Clyde starts to feel weird. Now every time he gets excited, he transforms into a monkey! Only with the help of his twin sister, Claudia, can Monkey Clyde stay out of trouble.
Lexile: 260L
Never Glue Your Friends Chairs (Roscoe Riley Rules series) by Katherine Applegate; illustrated by Brian Biggs, 2008
From the Publisher
If the kids can’t sit still for the class performance, Roscoe’s teacher could be in big trouble. Fortunately, Roscoe has a plan to save her—a super, mega, gonzo plan! What could go wrong?
Lexile: 380
Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade by Stephanie Greene, 2010
From the Publisher
Posey is really nervous about starting first grade. Instead of getting walked to her classroom, her mom has to drop her off at the Kiss-and-Go Lane. Then she’ll have to walk into school and face the Monster of the Blue Hall all by herself. Worst of all, she has to do it without the one thing that always makes her feel brave and special: the tutu that turns her into the Pink Princess. But when Posey inspires her new teacher to throw a first-day parade in which all the kids are invited to wear whatever makes them feel the most comfortable, first grade starts to look a lot more promising.
Posey will charm readers just graduating from easy-to-reads (and from kindergarten). Make reading sparkle with all of the Princess Posey chapter books!
Lexile: 380L/ Fountas & Pinnell: K
Tooth Trouble (Ready Freddy series) by Abby Klein, 2004
From the Publisher
Meet the new kid on the block! It’s Freddy Thresher, a first grader with a nose for trouble. It’s not that he’s trying to do anything bad. It’s just that he’s a boy who gets a little too creative and inventive when he has a problem.
Lexile: 560L/ Fountas & Pinnell: L
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus (series) by Barbara Park; illustrated by Denise Brunkus, 1992
From the Publisher
Meet the World’s Funniest Kindergartner–Junie B. Jones!
Remember when it was scary to go to school? With over 50 million books in print, Barbara Park’s New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favorite and has been keeping kids laughing–and reading–for over 20 years! In the 1st Junie B. Jones book, it’s Junie B.’s first day and she doesn’t know anything. She’s so scared of the school bus and the meanies on it that when it’s time to go home, she doesn’t.
Lexile: 380L/ Fountas & Pinnell: M
*LibraryMom Note: Some parents have an issue with Junie B. Books because there are grammatical and spelling errors and she uses some negative words such as “stupid”, but I felt inclined to include these books because this series flies off the shelves at my school library. Children love these books and I often get requests for read alikes.
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