Best Beginner Chapter Books for Early Elementary Students

As young readers transition from picture books to chapter books, they need stories that are engaging, easy to follow, and just challenging enough to build confidence. Enter bridge books—short beginner chapter books that serve as a stepping stone between picture books and full-length novels.

Bridge books typically have short chapters, simple vocabulary, engaging illustrations, and a page count around 100 pages. They’re perfect for kids in first and second grade who are starting to read independently, and they’re also wonderful for reading aloud to preschoolers and toddlers who are ready to listen to longer stories.

If you’re looking for the best beginner chapter books to add to your home or classroom library, here’s a list of fantastic early chapter books that kids will love!

What Are Bridge Books?

Bridge books are early chapter books designed for new readers who are transitioning from picture books to longer stories. They usually have:

• Short chapters (often 2-5 pages each)

• Simple sentence structures and controlled vocabulary

• Engaging illustrations to break up the text

• Around 100 pages (sometimes a little more or less)

• A mix of humor, adventure, and relatable characters

These books are ideal for:

Reading aloud to preschoolers to introduce them to chapter books

First and second graders who are gaining reading independence

Reluctant readers who need fun, engaging stories to build confidence

Best Beginner Chapter Books & Series

Here are some of the best beginner chapter books that are perfect for early elementary students!

1. Frog and Toad Series – Arnold Lobel

Best for: Gentle storytelling, friendship themes

• Book length: Around 60-80 pages

• Why kids love it: Frog and Toad are best friends who go on simple yet heartwarming adventures.

2. Good Dog Series – Cam Higgins

Best for: Animal lovers, heartwarming storytelling

• Book length: Around 80-100 pages per book

• Why kids love it: Follows Bo, an eager farm dog, as he explores the world around him.

3. Henry and Mudge Series – Cynthia Rylant

Best for: Dog lovers, simple and sweet storytelling

• Book length: Around 40-60 pages per book

• Why kids love it: Features everyday adventures between Henry and his big, lovable dog, Mudge.

4. Mercy Watson Series – Kate DiCamillo

Best for: Funny read-alouds, silly animal adventures

• Book length: Around 80 pages per book

• Why kids love it: Mercy, a toast-loving pig, gets into hilarious trouble.

5. Mr. Putter and Tabby Series – Cynthia Rylant

Best for: Gentle humor, stories about companionship

• Book length: Around 50-80 pages per book

• Why kids love it: Follows the everyday adventures of an elderly man and his quirky cat, Tabby.

6. Sydney & Taylor Series – Jacqueline Davies

Best for: Sweet friendships and small adventures

• Book length: Around 80-100 pages per book

• Why kids love it: Sydney (a hedgehog) and Taylor (a skunk) dream of big adventures but always return home.

7. The Princess in Black Series – Shannon Hale & Dean Hale

Best for: Action-packed stories, princesses who break stereotypes

• Book length: Around 90 pages per book

• Why kids love it: A princess with a secret monster-fighting identity!

8. The Lighthouse Family Series – Cynthia Rylant

Best for: Gentle, atmospheric stories

• Book length: Around 80-100 pages per book

• Why kids love it: A lighthouse keeper cat and her animal friends help those in need in this cozy series.

9. Owl Diaries Series – Rebecca Elliott

Best for: Early readers who love diary-style books

• Book length: Around 80 pages per book

• Why kids love it: Eva, a little owl, shares her thoughts and adventures in a colorful, engaging diary format.

10. Penny Series – Kevin Henkes

Best for: Gentle storytelling, everyday childhood experiences

• Book length: Around 40-60 pages per book

• Why kids love it: Penny, a sweet little mouse, explores small but meaningful moments in life.

11. Princess Cora and the Crocodile – Laura Amy Schlitz

Best for: Funny fairy tale lovers

• Book length: Around 80 pages

• Why kids love it: A frustrated princess gets an unexpected (and hilarious) friend to help her escape her over-scheduled life.

12. Zoey and Sassafras Series – Asia Citro

Best for: Science-loving kids, magical adventures

• Book length: Around 100 pages per book

• Why kids love it: Zoey and her cat use science to help magical creatures.

13. Wallace and Grace Series – Heather Alexander

Best for: Budding detectives and animal lovers

• Book length: Around 90 pages per book

• Why kids love it: Two owls solve mysteries in their woodland home.

14. Cornbread & Poppy Series – Matthew Cordell

Best for: Stories about friendship and opposites

• Book length: Around 80 pages per book

• Why kids love it: Cornbread is careful, Poppy is adventurous—together, they make a great team.

15. Sophie Mouse Series – Poppy Green

Best for: Gentle nature-themed stories

• Book length: Around 100 pages per book

• Why kids love it: Sophie, a sweet little mouse, explores her woodland world with curiosity and kindness.

16. Nate the Great Series – Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Best for: Beginner mystery lovers

• Book length: Around 80 pages per book

• Why kids love it: Nate is a young detective who solves fun mysteries.

Bridge books are the perfect stepping stone from picture books to full-length novels. Whether your child is just starting to read or you’re looking for engaging read-alouds for younger siblings, these beginner chapter books are a wonderful addition to any home library.

Which of these books or series is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!