While choosing picture books may be a breeze, selecting chapter books can be a daunting task for parents. It’s important to find books with relatable characters, engaging stories, and imaginative plots that will capture your child’s interest.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best chapter books for preschoolers. These books are perfect for introducing young readers to longer and more complex stories while still keeping them engaged and entertained.
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Chapter Books For Preschoolers Picks
1. Dragons and Marshmallows
Zoey and Sassafras’ first adventure starts when Zoey discovers a magical picture and embarks on an exciting journey. The duo becomes animal helpers when they come across an ailing dragon. Will they save the day in time to rescue Marshmallow?
Each book in the Zoey and Sassafras series follows the same pattern: a scientific problem arises, and Zoey must find a solution through investigation. Whether it’s experimenting or researching, Zoey is always ready to tackle the challenge.
Through Zoey’s diary entries, young readers are encouraged to maintain their own scientific journals. Each book includes a handy scientific glossary for curious minds to learn new vocabulary.
2. Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon
My Father’s Dragon, a Newbery award book that has been a kid favorite since the 1940s, amusingly and deadpan reflects the absurd logic of childhood. The narrative starts when Elmer Elevator, the narrator’s father when he was a child, flees on an old alley cat to save a flying baby dragon from being used for commercial purposes on a remote island.
Elmer defeats the ferocious monsters of Wild Island with the aid of two dozen pink lollipops, rubber bands, chewing gum, and a fine-toothed comb. The eccentric, humorous quest comes to a magnificent conclusion with the release of the dragon.
3. The Frog and Toad Collection Box Set
Just like true best friends should, Frog and Toad are always there for each other.
These two buddies enjoy spending time together all year long, whether they are sledding in the winter or enjoying ice cream on a steamy summer day. The three classic books Frog and Toad All Year, Frog and Toad Together, and Caldecott Honor title Frog and Toad Are Friends are all included in this collection’s entire art and text in a paperback slipcase.
The target audience for this Level Two I Can Read reading collection for children who can read independently, but who still require some assistance.
4. Barkus
Meet Barkus. Barkus is dependable. Barkus is kind-hearted. Family is important to Barkus.
This wonderful pre-chapter book series from award-winning author Patricia MacLachlan features the energetic Barkus and his fortunate child owner who whirl and swirl across the pages. Even the youngest independent readers will find the text to be approachable, and both picture book readers and more experienced readers will enjoy the warm, amusing narrative and the lively artwork.
5. Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Mercy is more than simply a pig to Mr. and Mrs. Watson; she is a marvel of the pig world. The Watsons are also a great supply of buttered toast for the chubby and jovial Mercy, not to mention the toasty, buttery sensation she gets when she cuddles up in bed with them. However, this is not so great for the Watsons’ bed. Mercy flees in a hurry, “to warn the fire brigade,” her owners comfort themselves, as the bed and its occupants slowly sink through the floor.
However, might Mercy possibly be thinking of another emergency, such as an unexpected need for their neighbors’ sugar cookies? Welcome to the humorous and lovable world of Mercy Watson, a vivacious heroine for beginning chapter-book readers in a timeless series.
6. The Princess in Black
Princess Magnolia and Duchess Wigtower are enjoying hot cocoa and scones when… Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! The goats are under siege by a huge blue monster! Princess Magnolia is not the right person to be stopping monsters. Princess Magnolia has a secret, though, and that is that she is also the Princess in Black. As such, stopping monsters is the ideal job for her.
Can the princess elude capture, assume the shape of her alter ego and vanquish the monster before the curious duchess learns of her scheme? Here is the first in a comical and action-packed chapter book series for preschoolers who enjoy their princesses not only prim and flawless but also clothed in black, from the award-winning writing duo of Shannon and Dean Hale and artist LeUyen Pham.
7. Meet Yasmin!
Yasmin is a bright second-grader who is constantly searching for those “aha” moments to assist her in handling everyday issues. She bravely confronts every challenge, drawing motivation from her surroundings and her vivid imagination—assuming, of course, that her imagination doesn’t go too big! Readers will be delighted and inspired by Yasmin, a creative thinker and inquisitive adventurer, and her multigenerational Pakistani American family.
8. My Father’s Dragon
A little boy named Elmer Elevator goes away to Wild Island in Ruth Stiles Gannett’s children’s book My Father’s Dragon in order to save a newborn dragon. The odd narrative style gives the impression that this is a factual story from a long time ago because the main character is referred to solely as “my father.” This book is perfect for preschoolers who have a fascination for dragons.
9. The Storm (The Lighthouse Family)
It might be lonely to live exclusively by the water. Ask Pandora and Seabold, please. Both Pandora and Seabold have spent most of their lives near the water — one in a lighthouse and the other on a boat — and are accustomed to living by themselves. Or were they?
But one day, the water performed an astonishing deed: it reunited Seabold and Pandora! Even better, the water provided them with the elements for an adventure neither of them had before considered—a journey into “family.”
10. Dinosaurs Before Dark
Magic. Mystery. Time-travel. Jack and Annie will transport you back in time to the mystical tree home. From whence did the tree house originate?
The enigmatic tree house whisks Jack and Annie away to the Paleogene Era before they can find out. They must now determine a way to return home. Can they do it by nightfall, or will they end up as a dinosaur’s dinner?
Every young reader who joins Jack and Annie will be inspired by the Magic Tree House series, which has been a cherished favorite for more than 25 years.
11. Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero!
Mia Macarooney, an ordinary 8-year-old girl, learns she is a SUPERHERO! She accepts an invitation to enroll in the after-school Program for In-Training Superheroes, often known as THE PITS, and her life actually transforms from completely ordinary to completely super!
The absurd thing is that everything about this news feels like it was intended to be, in a bizarre sense. Mia thought she was simply a huge klutz throughout her life, but it turns out that she is just SUPER! Mia must now strike a balance between living her normal life and keeping a hidden identity while she learns how to become the newest superhero in the world.
The Mia Mayhem chapter books are ideal for preschoolers since they include simple language and images on virtually every page.
12. The Milly-Molly-Mandy Storybook
Milly, Molly, and Manny: Twenty-one timeless stories about this clever and perceptive little girl are collected in Storybook, which was written and illustrated by Joyce Lankester Brisley. These stories accurately capture the difficulties and opportunities faced by children.
The stories of Milly-Molly-first Mandy’s penny decision, caring for a hedgehog, and the first night away from home will be enjoyed by today’s young children. These classic tales will bring back many joyful memories for many parents and grandparents and are ideal for reading aloud, for older kids to read on their own, or as a story before bed.
13. Charlie & Mouse
Get ready to laugh and be entertained by the hilarious antics of Charlie and Mouse in this delightful introductory chapter book. Follow along as the creative brothers come up with wacky ideas like creating a bedtime banana and selling pebbles. With four charming and humorous stories, preschoolers will be captivated by the colorful image of brotherhood presented in a starting chapter book style.
And that’s not all – meet Mercy Watson, the lovable and vivacious heroine of a timeless series that will capture the hearts of beginning chapter-book readers. Will Mercy need to call on her neighbors for an emergency like needing sugar cookies? You never know what kind of misadventures Mercy will find herself in! So get ready to laugh and enjoy the wonderful world of Mercy Watson.
14. Frog and Toad Storybook Treasury
Get ready for a hop-tastic time with the complete collection of Frog and Toad stories! Whether they’re soaring a kite, resisting the temptation of sweets, or searching for a lost button, these best buds always have each other’s backs. Throughout their adventures, Frog and Toad teach us about the importance of true friendship and sticking together through thick and thin. With humor and heart, these classic tales are perfect for parents and preschoolers to enjoy together.
15. May I Please Have a Cookie?
Alfie discovers in this Level 1 Scholastic Reader that asking nicely is the key to getting a delicious cookie.
Alfie adores his mother’s cookies and is compelled to have one at any cost! However, snatching one, looking for one, and posing as a cookie inspector don’t appear to be effective. According to his mother, there is a better method. What is it? As Alfie’s mother teaches him to pronounce the magic words, beginning readers will learn appropriate behavior from him.
16. My First Book of Planets: All About the Solar System for Kids
Get even the youngest astronomer excited about the vast expanse of space, including everything from the sun’s hot, blazing surface to our own, crystalline Earth to Pluto’s icy caps and every planet in between. With the aid of stunning images and insightful information on each planet’s size, distance from the sun, surface features, number of moons, and other fascinating facts, your preschooler can explore the whole solar system.
17. Big Shark, Little Shark
In this captivating Step 1 story, two sharks with contrasting features engage in a thrilling adventure. The smaller shark has tinier teeth, and the bigger shark has humongous teeth. Little Shark takes things slow, but Big Shark is quick and nimble. However, both of them are always hungry and on the lookout for a scrumptious meal. Will Little Shark be able to avoid being eaten by Big Shark?
Step 1 books are designed for young readers who are just starting to learn how to read and are familiar with the alphabet. With large print and easy-to-understand words, these books use rhyme, rhythmic prose, and visual aids to help preschoolers better comprehend stories.
18. PAW Patrol 5-Minute Stories Collection
The PAW Patrol from Nickelodeon is here with a thick storybook that features all of their exciting tales. Perfect for children aged 3 to 7, this hardback anthology is filled with heartwarming stories that your little ones will love.
In each story, Chase, Marshall, Skye, and the rest of the gang work together to solve problems and save the day in Adventure Bay. With their cool cars, special equipment, and amazing teamwork, nothing is too big or too small for these furry heroes. And the best part? Each story can be read in just five minutes, making it the perfect bedtime read or anytime entertainment.
19. World of Reading Super Hero Adventures
Join Spider-Man on his exciting adventures across the city as he battles dangerous criminals with the help of his fellow Super Heroes! Designed as a Pre-K Leveled Reader, this book uses engaging visuals, repetitive words, and simple phrases to introduce young Marvel fans to their favorite web-slinging hero.
Part of the Marvel World of Reading series, this early reader is perfect for reluctant readers who need a little extra encouragement. With three stages of increasing difficulty, the series reflects the rigorous training programs that Marvel’s superheroes must undergo to master their extraordinary abilities.
20. Never Let a Unicorn Wear a Tutu!
Picture this: a majestic unicorn frolicking in a tutu! In this enchanting story, a little girl hears a rumor that unicorns shouldn’t wear tutus. But when she gets a stunning tutu for her very own unicorn, she can’t resist the urge to dress up her magical companion. Will there be any repercussions for her decision? Join her on this whimsical adventure and find out!
Can I Read Chapter Books To My 3-Year-Old?
Yes, you can read chapter books to your 3-year-old (1). It’s a great way to introduce them to new stories and worlds. Just make sure to choose books that are appropriate for their age and interests.
Can I Read Chapter Books To A 4-Year-Old?
A 4-year-old may be able to sit and listen to a chapter book being read, but they may also get bored or distracted easily. It’s important to gauge your child’s interest and ability to pay attention before choosing to read a chapter book.
Another thing to consider is the child’s comprehension level. A 4-year-old may be able to understand the story if it is read to them, but they may not be able to follow along if they try to read it themselves.
Why Read Chapter Books To Preschoolers?
Many parents wonder if they should be reading chapter books to their preschoolers. The answer is yes! There are many benefits to reading chapter books to young children.
Chapter books introduce children to new vocabulary words. As they listen to the story, they will learn new words and concepts. This can help them expand their vocabulary and improve their reading comprehension skills.
They also help children develop a love for reading. If they are exposed to good literature at an early age, they are more likely to enjoy reading when they are older.
Additionally, reading to them promotes critical thinking and imagination. As children listen to the story, they will use their imagination to picture the characters and events. This can help them develop critical thinking skills.
Can 3 Or 4-Year-Olds Read?
It is possible for 3- and 4-year-olds to learn to read, but it depends on their individual development (2). Some children may be ready to begin reading instruction at this age, while others may not be ready until they are a bit older. There are a variety of factors that can influence a child’s readiness to learn to read, such as cognitive development, exposure to books and reading, and family history. In the end, there is no need to worry as the normal time for when a child can read is when they’re 5 years old.
