Reading picture books with your kids is important for so many reasons — but what happens when your child has outgrown his favorite picture book? The goal is always to encourage your children to continue reading, so I have compiled a list of some chapter books that your child can “grow into” after loving a corresponding picture book.
Most of these pairings either feature a Caldecott or Newbery winner (see our current progress reading through all of these here and here), and some even include both. We have read every one of these books and have enjoyed them all!
Radiant Child:
The autobiographical story of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, an African-American painter who grew up in New York City and became famous for his collage-style paintings
I, Juan de Pareja
The account of Juan de Pareja, the Afro-Spanish slave of painter Diego Velasquez, who also became a fine artist in his own right.
Wolf in the Snow
A young girl helps a young wolf find his way home, and the wolves return the favor.
Lincoln: A Photobiography
A more thorough account of Lincoln’s life, with early black and white photographs.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Two siblings run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and try to solve a mystery.
Finding Winnie
The wonderful true story of Winnie the Bear, who became the protagonist in A.A. Milne’s famous books.
Winnie the Pooh
The story of beloved Winnie the Pooh and all of his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood.
Grandfather’s Journey
The author’s Japanese grandfather feels torn between his homeland of Japan and his new home in San Francisco.
Esparanza Rising
A young Mexican girl is forced to flee her ranch in Mexico to make a new life in California.
Hello Lighthouse
A young family who tend a lighthouse weather the seasons of lighthouse life together.
The Light at Tern Rock
Two substitute lighthouse keepers are concerned when the primary lighthouse keeper doesn’t return before Christmas.
The Story of Ferdinand
A young, gentle bull gets chosen to fight in the big ring after a series of misunderstandings.
Shadow of a Bull
A young boy, whose father was a legendary bull fighter himself, must decide whether he will also become a torrero.
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
A Native American girl goes to live among wild horses because of her love for them.
Mustang: Wild Spirit of the West
A girl named Annie Bronn fights to save the wild mustangs that roam the West.
Little Pear
A somewhat mischevious Chinese boy named Little Pear gives an account of his many adventures growing up in the Chinese countryside.
The Trumpet of the Swan
Trumpeter swans Louis and Serena narrate their adventurous lives, including a stint in Boston working for the swan boats.
The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot
The true account of aviator Louis Bleriot’s historic first flight across the English Channel.
The Wright Brothers: Pioneers of American Aviation
Am in-depth look at the lives of Wilbur and Orville Wright and their journey to the first flight.
The Little Island
A look into the many seasons and happenings on an island over the course of a year.
Island of the Blue Dolphins
A young Native girl lives alone on an island in the Pacific for nearly 20 years.
Owl Moon
A father takes his son “owling,” where they walk slowly through the woods and try to spot owls.
Do you have any other suggestions that I missed?