We have six kiddos, currently ages 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10. Here are some chapter books that our family enjoys!
Mercy Watson books, by Kate DiCamillo
Mercy Watson is an adventurous pig – or a “porcine wonder,” as Mr. and Mrs. Watson call her. We adore reading about all of Mercy’s scrapes and love the hilarious characters in each of the six books. We purchased the box set a few years ago, and the books have been nearly loved to pieces. Ages 3+.
Appleblossom the Possom, by Holly Goldberg Sloan
This is a wonderful book about a group of possum siblings who learn how to navigate the scary world of monsters: cars, dogs, and people. When Appleblossum falls down a chimney and becomes a little girl’s pet, her brothers summon their courage and come to her rescue. Ages 7+.
When Mischief Came to Town, by Katrina Nannestad
This is a funny and tender book which will have you laughing out loud and choking back tears in the same chapter. When Inge Maria’s mother dies, she goes to live with her stoic grandmother. Inge Maria is a spirited girl who gets into trouble wherever she goes, yet she discovers that she and her grandmother are kindred spirits. Love! Ages 6+.
Dory Fantasamagory, by Abby Hanlon
It isn’t often that a children’s book has me laughing so hard I cry, but this one did. Dory is an extremely imaginative little girl who finds trouble everywhere. This exasperates her brother and sister, who create “Mrs. Gobble Gracker” to scare her into behaving like a big girl. It doesn’t work, and Mrs. Gobble Gracker has a starring role in Dory’s imaginary world. My only issue the book is that Dory’s older siblings are rather mean to her, and we edit words like “stupid,” which find their way into the book more than I’d like. Ages 6+.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by Frank L. Baum
How is it that I was almost 40 before I finally read this classic? I’m glad we pulled it out, because it was a big hit with my three oldest kids. I love that the chapters are short and easy to follow. If you’ve seen the movie – and even if you haven’t – the book is a must. It’s nothing like the film, but I predict that your kids will love it. Ages 5+.
The Boxcar Children, by Gertrude Chandler Warner
This classic book was perfect for my Five and Seven, who love to explore and create. They were fascinated by this story of four siblings who make their home in an old boxcar. I adored this book as a child and was thrilled to share it with my kids. It’s the beginning of a series, but the first book is by far the best. Ages 4+.
Toys Go Out, by Emily Jenkins
When families are ready to start reading chapter books to their kids, I always recommend the Toys Go Out series. This is a hilarious set of books about Stingray, Lumphy (a buffalo), and Plastic (a toy ball). The toys have various adventures as they enjoy the attention of the Little Girl. You’ll love this one so much you’ll want to own it. Ages 4+.
Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White
I like to read classic books that my children will enjoy, and you simply can’t go wrong with Charlotte’s Web. My big kids loved the story of Wilbur the pig and his friendship with Charlotte, the ordinary (but extraordinary!) gray spider. Ages 4+.
Nanny Piggins, by R.A. Spratt
The first time I picked up this book, I didn’t think it was a good choice for my kids. I held off for about a year, and now my Ten and almost-Nine are loving it. Mr. Green, a penny-pinching miser, has hired a pig to take care of his three children (because she only asks for 10 cents an hour!). I’ve never read a book quite like this one and am thoroughly enjoying it along with the kids! Be aware that it has a unique brand of humor; make sure your kiddos are ready for it. Ages 8+.
And that’s it for now – I’ll let you know when we have new titles to share!
