I remember reading these as a kid. I even remember sitting at a table and reading them with a friend at the same time in the school library. It was awesome.

These are adorable books detailing Henry and his dog Mudge's adventures. 

These are great for boys and girls and the author is a children's literature mainstay - Cynthia Rylant. 

​Reading Levels: Level J - 2nd Grade

David Adler is a prolific children's author who writes both fiction and non-fiction. He writes picture books, math books and chapter books. All-in-one author.

Cam Jansen is often in a schools' guided reading library set and teachers will often suggest these books first when kids start chapter books. You may see these coming home!

There are Young Cam Jansen books for 2nd graders (Level J/K) and then Cam Jansen books that span through 3rd grade reading levels.

There are over 20 Nate the Great books to get your reader started. Another mystery series that is great for using context clues, following plot lines and is not tricky.

As an adult reading along, you will be able to anticipate the ending of the book and your reader will feel satisfied they helped to solve the mystery.

​Reading Levels: Level K/L - 2nd Grade

This series can grow-up with kids. It ranges from level L (2nd grade) through to level O (end of 3rd grade).

Harry starts the series in 2nd grade, so it's completely and concretely relatable to the young reader. Harry is billed as a jokester and class clown who may be to blame for many a classroom fiasco.

These are fun reading books that will put a smile on your kid's face.

Written by Barbara Park, these books are award-winning classics. This series focuses on Junie, a feisty little girl who has a lot to say. And, doesn't mind saying it. Some don't like these series because it's not correct grammar, but let's give kids a break - not everything has to be perfect all of the time.

Junie, narrates a lot of good reading practices for newly minted chapter book readers. She prefaces many points in the book with questions so the young reader can practice good reading skills while reading these fun stories. 

Hey, you're only a kid once. This series has high appeal to a certain sense of humor...

Two boys create a school superhero - you guessed it, Captain Underpants! These books are funny and fun. And with 12 chapter books, your little reader will be busy for awhile. 

​This series is also great for reluctant readers who need high interest to get them motivated.

Beverly Cleary is likely the most well known and successful children's chapter book author. She has won the American Library Association's award for "substantial and lasting contributions to children's literature."

Her stories are inventive and fun. The Ramona series is fun to read and great to read together. Trouble follows Ramona wherever she goes, despite her best efforts.

For the young readers who loved Horrible Harry, they will like the Ramona set of books.

Other Beverly Cleary books are not to be missed either! 

1. The Most Magnificent Thing

A tale of a little girl who wants to build something. She has something very particular in mind and when she starts building, she realizes that she did not build what she thought she did.

She gets frustrated, but keeps trying, trying and trying. 

This is a great book of scientific process, drafting and re-drafting until you get to what you want - and it might not be what you had in mind to begin with! 

2. Swatch, The Girl Who Loved Color

Still one of our favorites. This book has BEAUTIFUL color included and even makes me want to be an artist of sorts. 

It's an inspiring book of collecting things (toddlers can relate), communicating, compromising and making masterpieces as a result. 

3. What Do You Do With an Idea?

One of the sweetest and important stories about the idea of an....idea. 

The book is a bit meta - but I find that this is missing in a lot of children's books. Kids ask a lot of why questions and this one provides parents the appropriate language to talk about a seemingly nebulous topic - ideas. 

What are ideas? Are they alive? Do they grow? Do they die? What DO you do with an idea?

This is one of my favorites for adults too.

4. Let's Go to the Hardware Store

It's no secret - I love going to hardware stores.

It's because I view hardware stores as a place to get ideas, build things with your hands, find tangible projects and let your mind wander. It's another version of an art store.

So, I was thrilled to see this book come out and even more thrilled to see the illustration of a breastfeeding mama at the end of the book when her kids come back from the hardware store.

5. Rosie Revere, Engineer

This is one in a series of other books and highlights the successes to be found in using the scientific process to solve problems. Featuring a young girl and her inventor aunt, this book focuses on the positive in experimenting and building upon it.

6. What To Do With a Box

From Jane Yolen (author of Owl Moon), comes a book about every kid's favorite present - a box.

​Kids pretty much know what to do with a box but adults need to be reminded.  This book is really good for that and makes you want to find lots of boxes so you can make cool stuff.

7. Zero

Kathryn Otoshi talks about numbers in a way that other children's authors haven't. 

She personifies numbers which makes it relatable to little kids and they genuinely want to know how the number resolves its problem of feeling empty inside. 

A great way to start a conversation about the mathematical value of numbers. She has also written One and Two.