A Book Fairy List
First Chapter Books That Turn Kids Into Readers
Here's what I want for every new reader: to finish a book and not even realize they read the whole thing. Not literary greatness — just falling so hard for a character that they have to read one more chapter. These are the ones that do it, every time. Save this for your next library trip.
These are the books featured in this post — tap any cover to find it on Amazon.
Frog and Toad Are Friends
by Arnold Lobel
This Caldecott Honor and Newbery Honor book features the endearing pair in five enchanting stories, describing how these close friends look for lost buttons, greet the spring, and wait for mail. Full-color illustrations.
Mr. Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog
by Cynthia Rylant
When their neighbor Mrs. Teaberry hurts her foot, Mr. Putter and his cat Tabby agree to walk her dog for a week, not knowing what they are in for.
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
Henry and Mudge: The First Book
by Cynthia Rylant
A boy and his big soft dog — comfort in book form
The Last Firehawk: The Ember Stone
by Katrina Charman
Same length, more magic — a perfect next step
Heartwood Hotel: A True Home
by Kallie George
Cozy woodland animals — pure comfort reading
The Adventures of Sophie Mouse: A New Friend
by Poppy Green
Gentle, illustrated, endlessly bingeable
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!
Flight of the Phoenix
by R.L. LaFevers
Book 1 of the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series. 1928 historical fantasy: 10-year-old Nate, newly orphaned, is taken in by Aunt Phil, the world's last beastologist, and swept off to Arabia to oversee the rebirth of the phoenix. Junior Library Guild selection. Plugged In approved.
The Field Guide
by Tony DiTerlizzi
The Field Guide pulls you in — fairy secrets hiding in plain sight
Sydney and Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World
by Jacqueline Davies
Book 1 of the Sydney and Taylor series. Skunk and hedgehog best friends Sydney and Taylor live in a cozy burrow under Miss Nancy's potting shed. When hedgehog Taylor gets a Big Idea to explore the Whole Wide World, contented Sydney bravely goes along, even when their map is upside down and a ferocious dog appears. Booklist STARRED review compared it to The Wind in the Willows. Marketed for fans of Mercy Watson and Owl Diaries.
Orris and Timble: The Beginning
by Kate DiCamillo
A solitary rat rescues an owl caught in a trap and discovers an unlikely friendship — and the beginning of a beautiful series.
The Lighthouse Family: The Eagle
by Cynthia Rylant
Cynthia Rylant at her quietest and most beautiful
Nate the Great
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
A pancake-loving kid detective — the original gateway mystery series
Stella and Marigold
by Annie Barrows
From the Ivy and Bean team — two sisters whose ordinary days have a secret side
As an Amazon Associate, XO Your Book Fairy earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links may also earn a commission.