Kids who are learning to read and ready for chapter books, usually ages 6 and 7 years old, need the easiest easy chapter books to begin. This list of chapter books has 1 – 5 sentences per page and lots of illustrations and are good choices for children in kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade.
SHOP THIS LIST
If you’re looking for beginning chapter books that are a bit more difficult, you’ll find those on beginning chapter books for 7-year-olds.
If you are looking for easy readers, visit this page.
How do you know if a book is at the right reading level for your child?
1. Glance over the density and size of the text. Look at the illustrations. At this age and reading level, you’ll want to find beginning chapter books that have bigger text sizes and plenty of illustrations.
2. Kids can also do the five finger test to see if the book is just right, too easy, or too hard. Remember, if you get a book that is too hard, soon it will be just right.
3. If you know your child’s DRA or Guided Reading level, use these to help YOU, the adult, not your child, in making book selections. But please don’t limit children to specific levels. Remember that kids are more than a number or letter and these levels aren’t perfect. I’m only adding them to help you figure out books that your child can read.
(Note: Sometimes it is okay to read books that are too hard. But, I’ve found that with many beginning readers who are building confidence and efficacy, difficult books can lead to a lack of confidence and low motivation to read. Use your best judgment. If they want to read a difficult book, give them help.)
If you have a reluctant reader, my email class can help! Visit this page to learn more.
Scholastic Branches Easiest Beginning Chapter Books
Let’s start with the easy beginning chapter books from Scholastic Branches series because they are high-interest and easy-to-read with colorful illustrations. Plus, if your kids get hooked they all have more in the series.
Missy’s Super Duper Royal Deluxe Picture Day by Susan Nees
REALISTIC
DRA 20
Guided Reading L
This is a great easy chapter book for kindergarten or 1st-grade kids just beginning to read chapter books with bright and friendly illustrations to match the fun antics of Missy. (1 – 4 sentences per page.)
All Paws on Deck (Haggis and Tank Unleashed #1) by Jessica Young (series)
ADVENTURE
DRA 24
Guided Reading M
In a word: HILARIOUS! These two dog friends with opposite personalities sail on a fun and silly pirate adventure. You will fall in love with Tank and Haggis. (2-4 sentences per page and lots of colorful illustrations.)
Mister Shivers Shadow in the Woods and Other Scary Stories (An Acorn Book) by Max Brallier
SCARY
Yes, some kids like scary stories. (I’m surprised because I don’t.) But if you know a child who does, this book with easy-to-read text and short, illustrated stories will become a much-loved favorite.
Kung Pow Chicken Let’s Get Cracking! by Cyndi Marko
ADVENTURE
DRA 24
Guided Reading M
Open this early chapter book and you’ll think you’re reading a comic or picture book, it’s that colorful and also full of speech bubbles. Gordon Blue, an ordinary second-grade chicken accidentally developed superpowers in his uncle’s laboratory. (It happens.) When chickens start losing their feathers all in one POOF!, it’s up to Gordon, aka. Kung Pow Chicken, and his little brother, Egg Drop, to solve this catastrophe before everyone in town ends up feather-less. It’s funny, easy-to-read, and an entertaining story. (1 – 4 sentences per page.)
Owl Diaries Eva’s Treetop Festival by Rebecca Elliott
DIARY
DRA 24
Guided Reading M
This series pops with cute diary entries with colorful illustrations; it’s just right for beginning readers, particularly girls. In this book, Eva writes in a diary all about getting the Bloomtastic Festival put together and how she eventually learns to ask friends for help. (A few sentences per page, lots of picture support.)
Olive & Beatrix The Super Smelly Moldy Blob by Amy Marie Stadelmann
FANTASY
DRA 24
Guided Reading M
It’s science fair time and these twins, one who is a witch and one who is a super smart science nerd, are in it to win it. Except disaster happens when the girls fight and their projects combine to form a huge green blog that absorbs everything. It will take both their skills to fix this slimy problem. An enjoyable book series for 5- and 6- year old readers. (A few sentences per page, lots of picture support.)
Boris Gets a Lizard by Andrew Joyner
REALISTIC
DRA 24
Guided Reading M
You can’t help but love Boris, a wildly imaginative boy who really wants a pet Komodo dragon. In fact, it’s his wild imagination that prompts him to tell his entire class that he’ll be not only getting a Komodo dragon but that they can all see it. (Which isn’t exactly true. At all.) And, it’s that same imagination that saves the day when there is no Komodo Dragon but many excited visitors who Boris doesn’t want to disappoint. Appealing colorful illustrations accompany this fabulous simple early chapter book making it another book I highly recommend for 5- and 6- year old beginning readers. (1 – 4 sentences per page.)
Pug Blasts Off (Diary of a Pug) by Kyla May
FRIENDSHIP
Narrated in diary format by a lovable pug named Bub with plenty of illustrations and large-sized text, we learn that Bub is afraid of water but loves to craft just like his person, Bella. In fact, he’s going to help her invent the best craft project ever. Unfortunately, disaster strikes when a mischievous squirrel interferes. Bub must face his biggest fears in order to fix things for Bella. Luckily, he’s a brilliant problem solver!
*For harder BRANCHES chapter books, visit the best books for 7-year-olds list.
EASIEST Beginning Chapter Books for 6- and 7- Year Olds (First Grade)
But there are so many more beginning chapter books that I LOVE from other publishers. Here are incredible easy chapter books that kids can’t put down. Encourage your children to reread their favorites. Rereading builds fluency and confidence.
Again, I’m only listing the EASIEST of easy chapter books here. For the next level up, visit this page.
Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes
REALISTIC
DRA 16
Guided Reading J
When Penny takes her little sister for a walk, she sees a shiny blue marble on her neighbor’s lawn and puts it in her pocket. But Penny feels bad because it isn’t really her marble so she has to make a decision about what to do.
HUMOR/FRIENDSHIP
DRA 24
Guided Reading M
Narwhal is exuberant to meet Jellyfish, his new imaginary friend who is imagining Narwhal at the same time. Although Jellyfish is more serious, you’ll love their adventures — forming a pod, having parties, eating waffles, and imagining. This is a feel-good friendship adventure told in graphic (cartoon) format that I absolutely loved. 5- and 6-year-olds will, too! (Next in the series: Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt.)
See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
HUMOR
Kids who like silly stories will want to read this story again and again! Read the story that the narrator tells then on the opposite page, read Dog’s arguments disagreeing with the narrator’s story. There is no “blue cat in a green dress” argues the dog! But maybe they both are right? The repetition of words and similar short text structure makes this an excellent choice for growing readers.
Doggo & Pupper by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Charlie Alder
REALISTIC
Readers will adore this darling, heartwarming friendship story with repetition, minimal text, and illustrations that narrate much of the story. Doggo’s life is the same old thing –that is, until Pupper comes along. At first, Doggo is annoyed by Pupper’s energetic antics but when Pupper returns from obedience school and is a diminished, unhappy version of himself, Doggo just wants the old Pupper back. And he knows just what to do…
Kitty and Dragon by Meika Hashimoto, illustrated by Gillian Reid
FANTASY / MAGICAL CREATURES
In three sweet friendship stories, meet Kitty and her new friend, Dragon who live together in a cave with the first story about Kitty finding the cave and her new friend. Buy the book and or read the darling stories on the popular Epic website.
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot The Voodoo Vultures from Venus by Dav Pilkey, illustrated by Dan Santat
SCI-FI
DRA 20
Guided Reading L
Kudos to Dav Pilkey and Dan Santat for creating such an action-packed, engaging series for young readers with fantastic full-color illustrations. I predict that once your kid reads this first book, they’ll want all the books in this beginning chapter book series.
Smell My Foot (Chick and Brain) by Cece Bell
HUMOR
Written in comic panels, these are hilarious and weird conversations between Chick and Brain and eventually, Spot. Chick tries to teach Brain about polite conversation and Brain demands that Chick smells his foot. Which Chick won’t do until … Brain says please. It’s friendship, fun, and frivolity at its best — sure to entertain all growing readers again and again.
The Quiet Boat Ride and Other Stories (Fox + Chick) by Sergio Ruzzier
ADVENTURE/FRIENDSHIP
There’s such a sweetness in the playful adventures of two friends who, like Frog and Toad, have distinct personalities yet always support each other. That combined with the delectable comic panel illustrations plus easy text in dialogue bubbles make this book a new favorite.
Fox + Chick #2: The Party and Other Stories by Sergio Ruzzier
FRIENDSHIP
Fox and Chick remind me of an updated Frog and Toad or George and Martha. The humorous stories revolve around two friends who have different personalities and don’t always communicate well but remain the best of friends. Growing readers will love these two friends whose low-key adventures are illustrated in comic panels with dialogue bubbles.
The Sleepover and Other Stories (Fox + Chick) by Sergio Ruzzier
FRIENDSHIP / FUNNY / GRAPHIC NOVEL
The Fox & Chick series continues with another very funny book of stories illustrated with cartoon panels and dialogue bubbles about two best friends, Fox and Chick, each who has very different personalities which are totally lovable. Fox is serious and kind while Chick is goofy and playful. In this group of stories, they have a sleepover where Chick is scared of kangaroos but needs his stuffed kangaroo to sleep. Fox is puzzled by this. In another story, Chick asks Fox for a surprise birthday party — which is hilarious because it turns out that it’s not even Chick’s birthday.
Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by Marc Simont
MYSTERY
DRA 18
Guided Reading K
Nate introduces readers to how to be a detective and find things— even if it’s for small cases such as a friend’s lost picture. Don’t miss the learning activities located at the end of the book. (Also on: Wholesome Easy Chapter Books for Boys)
The Infamous Ratsos by Kara Lareau, illustrated by Matt Myers
HUMOR
DRA 20
Guided Reading L
I loved this book! Louie and Ralphie Ratso keep trying to do mean, tough-guy things but every time it ends up helping someone. Ultimately, both boys and their dad decide to go with kindness but before they do, their experiences are very funny.
Pinch and Dash and the Terrible Couch
by Michael J. DaleyFRIENDSHIP
Perfect for very beginning readers who don’t want to read nonsensical phonics books. Pinch and Dash has charming characters, a silly problem, and a perfect ending.
King and Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth by Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Nancy Meyers
MYSTERY
King is Kayla’s beloved dog. Only he’s not just her best friend but in this story, he also helps her find her missing lost tooth.
Meet Mo and Jo: The Boulder Brothers by Sarah Lynn, illustrated by Pierre Collet-Derby
HUMOR
DRA 16
Guided Reading I
If your first-grade child likes to laugh, they’ll love these silly stories about two adventurous cave-boys. The text actually works quite well for a beginning reader because who needs proper sentence structure when you’re less evolved cave kids? Readers will find a combination of comic bubble dialogue and narrative text. For example, “The skunk liked the stink. Can MO and Jo run faster than the skunk?” is the narrative text while the dialogue bubbles on the same page are “Uh-oh! He mad” and “Run, Mo!” Goofy but it works.
Easy Chapter Books with A Bit More Text on Each Page…
Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqui, illustrated by Hatem Aly
REALISTIC
Yasmin is an exuberant girl who is interested in everything from exploring to building to fashion. This book tells four short stories from Yasmin’s life, all in chapters with lively, full-color illustrations. Each story shows Yasmin as a creative problem solver even when things get hard. Her Pakistani American culture is embedded throughout the story such as the foods Yasmin’s family eats like naan or how she calls her father Baba. I LOVE the diversity, the gutsy main-character, and the beautiful design of the entire book.
Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
FANTASY
DRA 24
Guided Reading Level M
Princess Magnolia isn’t a regular royal — she’s also a monster-fighting superhero. Girl-power adventures that are also funny and entertaining. (If you like The Princess in Black, you’ll also like these books.)
Bink & Gollie Best Friends Forever by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile
ADVENTURE/FRIENDSHIP
DRA 24
Guided Reading M
The second book of funny Bink and Gollie (mis)adventures in friendship and life filled wonderful color illustrations. Get the first book here. This popular series is a favorite with many girls.
HUMOR
Arnold and Louise The Great Lousweezie by Erica S. Perl, illustrated by Chris Chatterton
FRIENDSHIP
I like the simple text and illustrations in this easy chapter book series. Even better is the message of friendship. Arnold isn’t too sure that Louise can predict the future but he is kind enough to find a way to make sure Louise knows she’s valued.
Jessica Finch in Pig Trouble by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Erwin Madrid
REALISTIC
410L
DRA 24
Guided Reading M
Jessica Finch is a delightful early chapter book with exceptionally pleasing and colorful illustrations. Jessica wants nothing more than a pig for a pet. For her birthday. When a misunderstanding happens with her best friend, Judy Moody, she learns a valuable lesson about not making assumptions and calling people names. This is one of my top picks for an early chapter book, I loved it! BOXED SET
Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue by Paula Harrison, illustrated by Jenny Lovlie
SUPERHERO
Kittie’s mom is a superhero with cat powers but Kitty isn’t ready to do what her mom does. However, when her mom is gone, a cat named Figaro comes to her that needs help. Kitty wants to help so she decides to be brave. Wearing her cat costume, she travels through the night to help her new cat friends– and discovers she can do more than she thought possible.
Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero! by Kara West, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez
FANTASY
When Mia gets accepted into the Superhero training program, she learns that she is SUPER. She even learns that her parents are, also. After school at her new superhero training, she has a disastrous first day and learns that it takes work to become a superhero. Black and white illustrations, bigger print, and an exciting story make this a winning series for growing readers.
Geeger the Robot Goes to School by Jarret Lerner
SCI-FI
Charlie & Mouse #3 Even Better by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Emily Hughes
WHOLESOME / TRADITIONAL FAMILY / SIBLINGS
Sweet stories with a dash of humor show a loving family and a close sibling relationship. I like the repeated use of phrases in each story that provide a familiar cadence and set children up for reading success.
Donut Feed the Squirrels by Mika Song
HUMOR
Norma and Belly are squirrel friends who really, really want a donut. Can they work together, sneak in a food truck, and have the biggest ever donut party ever? Minimal text, plenty of silliness, and a lovely surprise ending!
Best Beginning Nonfiction Books for 6 – and 7-Year-Olds
Fly Guy Presents Sharks by Tedd Arnold
DRA 24
Guided Reading M
Visit the aquarium with Buzz and Fly Guy to learn about sharks in this terrific easy non-fiction reader. I LOVE how Arnold combines cartoons with photographs!
Fly Guy Presents Snakes by Tedd Arnold
DRA 24
Guided Reading M
Fly Guy and Buzz visit the zoo’s Snake House to learn all about reptiles like snakes. The facts are informative yet written in a way that makes them accessible to growing readers. “Scales are made of keratin–the same material as human fingernails.
Fly Guy Presents: Space by Tedd Arnold
DRA 18
Guided Reading K
National Geographic Penguins! by Anne Schreiber
DRA 24
Guided Reading M
Willow The Therapy Dog (Doggy Defenders)
Willow works as a therapy dog to help people feel better if they are sad — like patients in the hospital and students at a school and retired veterans. And the photos of Willow in her pajamas after a long day of work are absolutely adorable.
Amazing Dogs DK Level 2 by Laura Buller
Not only is this nonfiction book relatable because of most kids interest in dogs, but it’s also fascinating. (I learned a few things myself.) Talk about a great high-interest nonfiction book for beginning readers!
I am Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ordinary People Change the World) by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
This nonfiction book series is a great choice for growing readers. The text to picture ratio is perfect and the narrative is interesting.
*GO TO All nonfiction book recommendations for beginning readers.*
