Best Read Aloud Chapter Books for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners
When my oldest two kids were 3-years-old and 4-years-old, we started reading chapter books to them before bedtime. They loved the longer stories, and as a parent, chapter books can be more interesting to read compared to reading the same picture book over and over again.
A good chapter book should be engaging and interesting to the child – for me, a good indicator that a story is engaging is when my kids quickly remember the character names and get so wrapped up in the story that they don’t want me to stop reading!
I also want the books that I read to be age-appropriate. Unfortunately, all “kids books” are not created equally – some have themes or language that are not appropriate for small children (and actually, I don’t think are appropriate even for older kids). The list below are the BEST chapter books that I have found for read alouds! In the list, I have included books that are a series, because trust me, when you find a book that you enjoy, you want to read more books like it! A great way to do that is by continuing to read books in the same series. This also gives children a chance to learn more about the characters and make connections between what happened in one book and how it relates to the other books in the series.
The books I have included in this list are engaging, they are relatively quick reads (some we can read in one sitting, others take us 3-4 nights), and they are all appropriate for younger kids! A bonus is that these books also make great first chapter books for your child to read to themselves once they are ready!
Below I have included 9 chapter book series that my kids and I really enjoy. I hope you are able to check these series out and find a new favorite or favorites!
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The Adventures of Sophie Mouse by Poppy Green
In the first book of “The Adventures of Sophie Mouse” series, Sophie Mouse is excited to find out that there is a new student named Owen in her class at school…until she learns that he is a SNAKE! Sophie and her animal friends have never met a snake and only heard about them in scary stories. They are initially afraid of Owen the snake. It takes a chance encounter where Owen helps Sophie Mouse for her to overcome her fear and befriend him. The first book in the series has great lessons about the importance of friendship and why we shouldn’t “judge a book by its cover.”
The book series follows Sophie Mouse and her two best friends, Hattie Frog and Owen Snake, as they have adventures throughout Silverlake Forest.
Why you will love it: The stories are wholesome and engaging. Many of the books have important lessons for young readers (or listeners). The animal characters treat each other with thoughtfulness and kindness throughout the series. We usually read 2-3 chapters before bedtime, but my kids could easily sit through an entire book in one sitting.
Why your kids will love it: While the charters are animals, they are still relatable to children. Children will relate to how the characters feel in different situations (afraid, nervous, excited, etc). The book includes detailed illustrations that will keep your child engaged in the stories. The chapters are relatively short and create a bit of suspense that will keep children interested in the storyline.
Good Dog by Cam Higgins
In the first book of the “Good Dog” series, the reader is introduced to Bo Davis- an adorable farm dog. The books are written from the point-of-view of Bo. During the first book, Bo loses his dog tag. As he tries to “solve the mystery” and find his tag, the reader is introduced to many of Bo’s animal friends that live with him on the farm. Each book in the series has a bit of adventure in it, which keeps readers engaged in the storyline. Throughout the books, the reader follows Bo along on his adventures on the farm. The reader is introduced to his human family and the other farm animals.
Why you will love it: Similar to “The Adventures of Sophie Mouse” series, the stories are wholesome and engaging. We actually first read my kids “The Adventures of Sophie Mouse”, and as we were nearing the end of the series, I was on the hunt for a similar series to read. That’s when I came across the “Good Dog” series and it became an instant hit with my kids. If you have read and enjoy “The Adventures of Sophie Mouse” or “Good Dog”, I definitely recommend reading the other series! The “Good Dog” series emphasizes, family and friendship, which are great themes for a children’s book.
Why your kids will love it: For my kids, it’s hard to resist an adorable puppy! Every page includes a detailed illustration that will keep your kids engaged. The chapters are the perfect length and often end with a bit of suspense to keep the reader interested in the storyline!
– cute dog;
Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo
In the first book of the “Mercy Watson” series, the reader is introduced to a pig named Mercy. Mercy lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson who call Mercy a “porcine wonder” and spoil her with her favorite treat, buttered toast! Mercy Watson sleeps inside the Watson house, in her own bed. But one night, Mercy decides to climb into bed with Mr. and Mrs. Watson. But this may not be a great idea for the Watson’s bed or the Watson’s house, as the bed creaks and the floor cracks! Mercy escapes and the Watsons are convinced she is headed to alert the fire department. The fire department does arrive, but you have to read the book to find out the real reason they show up!
Each book in the “Mercy Watson” series, follow Mercy and the Watsons on a new HILAROUS new adventure. No joke- your kids (and probably you, too) will be giggling throughout the books. Almost every book in the series introduces the reader to a new character, but two things are guarenteed to happen to each book: 1) Mercy Watson will be on the search for hot buttered toast and 2) an unexpected (and often chaotic) situation will arise that leaves the reader laughing out loud.
Why you will love it: Looking for a book that gets your kids excited for reading?! “Mercy Watson” might be that book series! Each character has its own quirks that remain constant throughout the book. Mercy Watson is charming and loveable, often causing unintended chaos. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are kind and doting “parents” to Mercy- in their eyes Mercy could never be the cause of any chaos. Language throughout the books is age-appropriate and even though the books introduce “hijinks” it’s always done in a fun and not-too-serious way.
Why your kids will love it: Your kids will LOVE the silly stories! The hilarity in each book will keep your child engaged and interested in reading more. These stories are fairly short and we can easily read an entire book at bedtime, because my kids don’t want me to stop reading. Your kids will also love that these book include full-page, COLOR illustrations, which is somewhat of a rarity in children’s chapter books!
Zoey and Sassafras by Asia Citro
“Zoey and Sassafras” was one of the first chapter book series that we read to my kids and it became an instant favorite. Now my kids listen to the audio book version of this series EVERY night before bed (after we finish our other read aloud). Zoey is a young girl who LOVES science! In the first book in the series, she discovers a glowing photo that leads to her learning a secret- magical animals that need help show up at her family’s barn! Zoey and her mom are the only people who are able to see the magical creatures and help them. Each book introduces a new magical creature and the reader follows Zoey (and her cat Sassafras) has she helps the creature with its problem. Zoey uses scientific thinking and conducts experiments to solve the problems and help the magical creatures.
Why you will love it: The books are a great introduction to the scientific process! Throughout the series, Zoey makes observations, does research and conducts experiments. She models how to use prior knowledge and apply it to current problems in order to make predications. Zoey also models how to keep a science journal. Each book also includes a kid-friendly glossary of the scientific terms introduced in the book.
Why your kids will love it: Zoey is independent! She models how to use her observations and prior knowledge to help her solve problems. Occasionally, she asks her mom for help, but often Zoey helps the creatures on her own through her experiments and trial-and-error. I appreciate that not every idea that Zoey tries works in the way she anticipates – this is very relatable for any scientist and a great example for children, who will relate to the frustration one can feel when something doesn’t go to plan. Kids will also enjoy the different creatures that are introduced throughout the series – as you start each book, they will eagerly wait for the new creature to be introduced and they will be fascinated with the magic associated with each creature.
The Questioneers by Andrea Beaty
I love that the popular picture book series (“Ada Twist Scientist”) also has a series of chapter books! “The Questioneers” series follows friends Ada Twist, Iggy Peck, Rosie Revere, Sofia Valdez, and Aaron Slater as they use their ingenuity to solve problems. In each book in the series, one of the friends is the main character, but the other also make appearances to help out (like true friends would!)
Of all the books I have included in this list, the books in this series are the longest (which make them great options for read alouds). It usually takes me 4-5 days to get through a book, reading a few chapters each night before bed.
Why you will love it: These books are fun and interesting for both kids and adults! The books emphasize curiosity, perseverance, problem solving and critical thinking. I also appreciate that the characters usually need to try a few different things before they find a solution that works to solve their problem! These books are also a great gentle introduction to the scientific process and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, science) fields.
Why your kids will love it: I consider all kids to be “little scientists” and I think most kids would enjoy the “adventure” in these books as the characters try to solve problems! If your kids kids are familiar with the characters from the picture book series (or from the TV show), I think they would enjoy thse chapter books!
Billie B Brown by Sally Rippin
“Do you want to know what the B in Billie B. Brown stands for?”
This is how each book in the Billie B. Brown series begins. This question is always followed by a word that relates to the theme of the book and then it introduces the reader to the story. Each Billy B. Brown book follows the main character Billie, along with her best friend, Jack.
These books are quick reads! As a bedtime read aloud, I usually read an entire book. However, there are 25 books in the series and we still have not read them all. The font is large (with some pictures throughout) and each book only has four chapters. These features also make the book a GREAT first chapter book for early readers! I fully expect that once my kids are reading chapter books independently, they will enjoy the Billie B. Brown series all over again!
Why you will love it: Billie B. Brown books touches on important topics like honesty, managing friendships, showing compassion and dealing with new social situations. I appreciate that the main character doesn’t have a “snotty” attitude or show disrespect towards her parents. Instead she shows kindness while tackling everyday adventures.
Why your kids will love it: The stories are relatable! Kids will be able to relate to many of the topics covered in the books, including the feelings that the characters are expressing and it’s a great way to build empathy. A common theme throughout the books is that Billie doesn’t also get what she wants or things so go the way she expected them to – I think these are both themes that many kids can relate to.
Hey Jack! by Sally Rippin
“This is Jack. Today Jack is feeling ___.”
This is how each “Hey Jack!” book begins and I really appreciate consistency from book to book! Jack is the best friend of Billie B Brown and he has his own series of books! You would be wrong to think that the “Hey Jack!” series is only for boys and the “Billie B. Brown” series is only for girls. Both series are great for ALL kids!
Similar to the “Billie B. Brown” series, the “Hey, Jack!” books are quick reads (I read an entire book from this series to my kids before bed). The font is large, making it a great first chapter book for new readers and the books each have three chapters.
Why you will love it: The stories are relatable to kids. The stories follow Jack in a variety of situations and the emotions that arise in those situations. Jack may feel worried, anxious, scared and the stories follow Jack as he deals with those emotions. Similar to the “Billy B. Brown” series, the characters in “Hey, Jack!” are respectful towards their parents and show kindness and compassion for others.
Why your kids will love it: The reasons your child will enjoy these books are the same reasons that a parent will enjoy them – the stories are RELATABLE! I asked my 6-year-old why he liked the “Hey, Jack!” series and his reply was: “because [Jack] always feels scared to try something, but then realizes he likes it.”
Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
Discovering new worlds by adventuring inside books?! Sounds like the adventures anyone can have as they get wrapped up inside a great book! In this series, the main characters Jack and Annie find a treehouse filled with books. They quickly learn that the tree house is magic and can actually transport Jack and Annie inside the books. Each book in the “Magic Tree House” series takes the reader on a new adventure, as Jack and Annie explore a new place and time through the magic found in the tree house.
Why you will love it: These books are like mini history lessons! A great way to learn about new people, places and subjects. The books are relatively quick reads but can be a great addition to unit studies if you are learning about a certain theme. There are also companion series that go along with the fiction “Magic Tree House” series. One companion series is “Magic Tree House: Fact Tracker”. We have not read this series yet, but it allows children to find our more information about the topics covered in the Magic Tree House adventures.
Why your kids will love it: Kids love the adventure and magic in these books! They are also a great introduction to history and geography with storylines that are interesting and engaging for kids.
Narwhal and Jelly by Ben Clanton
Narwhal and Jelly are best friends. They both love waffles and adventures. During the first book in the series, the readers are introduced to the two characters as they first meet and become friends.
Why you will love it: These books are cute stories with charming characters. Narwhal and Jelly are best friends and I love that these books have a lot of focus on friendship. The illustrations are simple but adorable and really add to keeping the reader engaged. In addition to emphasizing friendship, I also love that these story encourages using one’s imagination. The books also include some educational facts, for example, the first book includes fun facts about narwhals and fun facts about jellyfish.
Why your kids will love it: Your kids will love the illustrations! This was the first graphic novel that I read to my kids and by far it is our favorite! It has been impossible to find another graphic novel series that is on the same level as “Narhwal and Jelly”, especially in terms of one that is fun, engaging and age-appropriate. Your kids will love the silly storylines – my kids think its hilarious that Narwhal and Jelly love to eat waffles. Your kids will also appreciate the friendship between the two main characters and they will enjoy the adventures that they go on!
You can find a full list of all of these titles available for purchase in my Amazon Storefront here.