When your child turns 4 or 5, he or she is just starting to be ready for shorter chapter books. We have tried many books for this age, and those listed here are our top 25 absolute favorites that worked really well for our family. Most of them have wonderful illustrations and/or simple enough plot lines to really keep little ones engaged for longer periods of time. (Unless you have a very advanced reader, I recommend these specifically for reading aloud). I also update this page regularly, so check back periodically for new recommendations!
Would you like to know my very favorite recommendations for first chapter books? Check out this post!
26 Fairmount Avenue Series
An autobiographical account of the early elementary years of noted children's author and illustrator Tomie DePaola. There are eight in...
Anna Hibiscus Series
A peek into the life of young Anna Hibiscus and her huge extended family in amazing Africa. There are eight...
Barkus Series
A young girl tells vignettes about her life with her beloved dog, Barkus. (Currently two in the series)
Big Foot and Little Foot Series
Hugo the Sasquatch becomes the unlikely best friend of Boone, a human boy, in the North Woods. There are currently...
Billy and Blaze Series
A young boy and his beloved horse, Blaze, have all kinds of adventures together.
Capyboppy
The author's autobiographical account of growing up in California with a pet capybara.
Dolphin Adventure Series
A fast-moving, action-packed series about the author's experiences befriending dolphins off the southern coast of Florida. There are three in...
Five True Horse Stories
A fascinating look at five real horses in history. Also don't miss Five True Dog Stories and Nine True Dolphin...
James Herriot’s Treasury for Children
Wonderfully-illustrated stories about author James Herriot's adventures as a traveling veterinarian.
Magic Tree House Series
Join Jack and Annie as they travel all over the world and through history to solve mysteries, complete missions, and...