If your child or student has just graduated from Easy Readers, but is not quite ready for a full chapter book, let me introduce you to Transitional Chapter books. These stories are often filled with engaging illustrations, short chapters, entertaining storylines , and developmentally-appropriate text to help new readers continue building important literacy skills while also developing a love of reading.
Because many of these stories contain rich dialogue, they are also perfect for reading aloud to practice fluency. They’re also a fantastic choice for reading aloud to younger children who crave something more substantial than a picture book but aren’t ready for the commitment of a longer chapter book.
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Charlie and Mouse (series) by Laurel Snyder; illustrated by Emily Hughes
This heavily illustrated chapter book features two relatable brothers and their everyday adventures. From waking their parents up in the morning to rounding up the neighborhood kids and trying to earn money by selling rocks, these tales are accessible and will resonate with many children. Lexile: 420L/ Fountas & Pinnell: J
Orris and Timble by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Carmen Mok, 2024
This unlikely friendship story stars a kind rat named Orris and naive owl named Timble. When Timble becomes trapped, Orris must find the courage to set him free.
Fergus and Zeke by Kate Messner, illustrated by Heather Ross
Fergus loves being a class pet in Miss Maxwell’s class, so there is no way he’s going to miss the field trip to a museum with the students. Here he meets Zeke another mouse and the two become fast friends who explore the museum together. Full of colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text told in four short chapters, this is a cute story for animal lovers.
King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats (series) by Dori Hillestad Butler; illustrated by Nancy Meyers
Kayla excitedly makes dog treats for her friend’s new puppy, but when three go missing, she suspects her own pet, King. Told from King’s point of view, he and Kayla work together to find the real culprit. Many readers will enjoy following the charming characters as they find clues and solve mysteries. Lexile: 440L / Fountas & Pinnell: L
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. Guided Reading Level: L
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
Barkus by Patricia MacLachlan; illustrated by Marc Boutavant
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
Stella and Marigold by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
This feel-good book shares the adventures of two sisters whose vivid imaginations fill their world with whimsy and wonder. Seven short chapters are adorned with charming illustrations from the award-winning Sophie Blackall and perfectly highlight the girl’s charming personalities.
I found it so refreshing to read about two siblings who have a positive relationship filled with adoration and respect. The book oozes charm and is perfect for fans of Beezes and Ramona. This delightful tale has all the makings of a modern classic.
Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo; illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen have made quite a name for themselves in the world of children’s literature and their collaboration on the Mercy Watson series is truly outstanding. I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t love this charismatic porcine. The irresistible illustrations immediately draw the reader in and the engaging text is such a joy to read. Lexile: 450L/ Fountas & Pinnell: L
National Geographic Easy Reader Series
Filled with stunning photography, National Geographic has created an easy reader series that helps children build important literacy skills while also learning about the world around them. Each level contains different nonfiction elements such as table of contents, headings, captions, and sometimes diagrams. Learn more about the National Geographic Easy Reader Series HERE.
Welcome to the Island (Isla of Adventure series ) by
Eight-year-old Isla Verde has a secret; she can talk to animals. When a new girl her age moves in next door, Isla is thrilled to have a new friend, but has difficulty concealing her hidden talent. This is such an enchanting story that is perfect for animal lovers!
A New Friend (The Adventures of Sophie Mouse series) by Poppy Green; illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell, 2015
Sophie Mouse is excited for her first day of school, but is shocked with a scary snake walks into her classroom. In this gentle tale, she learns look beyond appearances and make a new friend. Sophie is a delightful character and many children will love reading about her charming exploits. Lexile 600/ Guided Reading Level N
Henry Heckelbeck Gets a Dragon by Wanda Coven; illustrated by Priscilla Burris
Henry may seem like an ordinary boy preparing for his first day of school, but with his mom and sister as witches, magic and mayhem seem to follow him. When Henry decides to bring in his toy dragon to share with his class, he is shocked when it comes to life. As he tries to hide his dragon, he makes a new friend in the process. Lexile: 590L / Fountas & Pinnell: M
Home is Where the Heart Is (Good Dog series) by Cam Higgins; illustrated by Ariel Landy, 2020
Dog lovers will adore reading about the boisterous puppy named Bo Davis and his adventures with his farmyard friends. With large font and cute black and white illustrations, this is a very accessible chapter book for new readers. Lexile: 640 / Fountas & Pinnell: L
Pets Rule! My Kingdom of Darkness by Susan Tan; illustrated by Wendy Tan Shiau Wei
This hilarious new series had both my daughter and I giggling. The Chin family has recently adopted what they think is an adorable chihuahua puppy, but Ember believes he is an evil overlord destined to rule the world. Black and white illustrations paired with comical text follow Ember on his journey of world domination as he faces his greatest nemesis yet, a sinister squirrel.
Rise of the Earth Dragon (Dragons Masters series) by Tracey West; illustrated by Graham Howells
Filled with an adventurous story line starring a group of diverse children who are charged with connecting with and training dangerous dragons with special talents, this is a go-to for reluctant readers. Black and white pictures are paired with large print making this early chapter book series appear less intimidating to young readers. Lexile: 510L
Eva’s Treetop Festival (Owl Diaries series) Scholastic Branches Line by Rebecca Elliott
Eva is a fashionable young owl who is excited to plan her school’s first ever treetop festival. She initially tries to do all the work herself, but learns the value in collaborating with friends. The diary format mixed with large, colorful pictures, makes this transitional chapter book very accessible to young readers. With tons of visual appeal, a plucky protagonist, and amusing wordplay, it’s no wonder this series is so popular. Lexile: 560L
The Princess in Black (series) by Shannon Hale; illustrated by LeUyen Pham
This popular series stars Princess Magnolia who may appear poised and proper, but she harbors a secret identity as the Princess in Black. This daring girl bravely faces evil-doers and readers will relish in reading about the self-reliant heroine. Color illustrations break up the longer text making this chapter book more approachable for newly independent readers. Lexile: 510L/ Fountas & Pinnell: L
Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon, 2015
As an exuberant little sister with a wild imagination, Dory is often ignored by her two older siblings. The lively text and illustrations follow Dory through her many comical antics attempting to get the attention of her family. Lexile 650
Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko Florence; illustrated by Elizabet Vuković, 2017
It’s the Lunar New Year and Jasmine yearns to make the traditional Japanese mochi dessert like her big sister. Many younger siblings will relate to Jasmine’s desire to feel special and have the opportunity to do something before her older sister. There is a lot to like about the spunky Jasmine and this heartwarming story celebrating family and culture. Lexile 560
Stink The Incredible Shrinking Kid (series) by Megan McDonald; illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Stink Moody is already the shortest kid in the entire second grade and he is now convinced that he is shrinking. This humorous book follows him as shares comical exploits with his sister, Judy, and learns about James Madison, the shortest president. Lexile: 540L/ Guided Reading Level: M/ Fountas & Pinnell: M
The Lost Stone (The Kingdom of Wrenly series) by Jordan Quinn; illustrated by Robert McPhillips, 2014
Fantasy lovers will love getting lost in the magical realm of Wrenly. When the queen loses a beloved necklace, eight-year-old Prince Lucas joins his friend Clara on a quest to visit various territories filled with mythical creatures including dragons, fairies, trolls, mermaids, and witches to find the special jewel.
Lexile 570/ Fountas & Pinnell N
Dragons and Marshmallows (Zoey and Sassafras series) by Asia Citro; illustrated by Marion Lindsay
Zoey dreams of being a scientist like her mom and when she discovers she is able to see magical creatures, she gets a chance to put her scientific knowledge to work sooner than she thought. Each story in this outstanding series follows Zoey and her cat Sassafras as they use science to help magical creatures solve their problems. Lexile: 640L / Guided Reading Level: N
