April 5, 2026

Best First Chapter Books for Early Readers

Here's what I want for every early reader: to finish a book and not even realize they read the whole thing. 📖

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These are the books featured in this post — tap any cover to find it on Amazon.

Cover of Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise

Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise

by Kate DiCamillo

Start here, every time. A pig who loves buttered toast and a family who loves her right back.

Cover of My Father's Dragon

My Father's Dragon

by Ruth Stiles Gannett

My Father's Dragon Is one of our Favorite children's stories. Elmer Elevator, befriends a cat and then runs away to Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon. Using two dozen pink lollipops, rubber bands, tooth paste, brush, and a fine-toothed comb, Elmer disarms the fiercest of beasts on Wild Island. Original Illustrations Now In Color

Cover of Eerie Elementary

Eerie Elementary

by Jack Chabert

Sam Graves's school is ALIVE! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!In the second book in the series, Sam Graves's friend Lucy disappears into her locker! Sam and his friend Antonio follow a trail of clues that leads them through the locker and deep inside the school. Will they find Lucy? Will they learn why the school is ALIVE? Sam and Antonio must rescue Lucy from this scary school before it's too late!

Kingdom of Wrenly

by Jordan Quinn

A whole kingdom of dragons and adventure waiting on the shelf.

Cover of Mr. Putter and Tabby

Mr. Putter and Tabby

by Cynthia Rylant

Gentle, funny, and perfect for the kid who wants a friend more than a plot twist.

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