11 New Chapter Books for Ages 6 to 9, April 2024
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If you’re a parent, librarian, or teacher of growing readers ages 6 to 9, I have new, sweet, funny, and playful chapter books that you’ll want to know about.
New Chapter Books for Ages 6 to 9
The Cozy Home written by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Mark Teague 
FRIENDSHIP
In this charming story with appealing art, Cat, Bat, and Rat move into a new home together where they share, read, sleep, and play jokes on each other. The text includes a good amount of repetition, which I like, and there are only one and two-syllable words.
Welcome to the Woofmore written by Donna Gephart and Lori Haskins Houran, illustrated by Josh Cleland
Rufus works at the Woofmore hotel and he loves when his boss, Ms. Coco, calls him a good dog and gives him treats. When a very famous pooch named Greta arrives, it’s up to Rufus to make sure she’s incognito and enjoys her stay. He thinks of a clever purple idea! But then, the hotel guests get fleas. Maybe Greta can help Rufus solve the problem! Sweet, wholesome, and playful.
Sky & Ty Howdy, Partner! by Steve Breen
FRIENDSHIP & ADVENTURE
Kids will love this charming and funny early chapter graphic novel about a girl named Sky who wants a pet dinosaur. And she does find a dinosaur named Ty who informs her that he is no one’s pet! With Western flare (hot diggity, yee-haw) they’ll have a dance-off with a bear, deliver a package for Mr. Rigby, make a slogan for themselves, and go to a hootenanny. Finish the book with a fun “Learn to Speak Western” section.
Kwame’s Magic Quest: Rise of the Green Flame written by Bernard Mensah, illustrated by Natasha Nayo
FANTASY
Now that Kwame is 8 years old, he gets to go to Nkonyaa School to learn his magic calabashes and he’s SO EXCITED! His roommate, Fifi, doesn’t seem as excited because he misses his dad. Even worse, Kwame’s magic isn’t showing up. The story started out slow for me — and required a lot of inference with many new words — but then, it got very exciting when a BIG plot twist linked to Kwame’s new magic which is the ONLY magic that could fight this new, dark force.
Orris and Timble The Beginning written by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Carmen Mok
FRIENDSHIP
I highly recommend this sweet, sweet story about a rat named Orris who peeks out of his hole in the wall and sees a barn owl named Timble stuck in a trap. “Make the good and noble choice,” he repeats to himself several times as he considers if he should save the predator that might eat him. He considers the Lion and the Mouse story and decides to risk it! And the two unlikely animals become friends. Awwww…
Bunny and Clyde written by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Scott Nash
HUMOR
In this funny and charming story, Bunny and Clyde (a chipmunk) decide they’re sick of being good…In fact, they want to be rotten. First, they read books to learn how to be bad. They read books like Bad Kitty and Interrupting Chicken. (You’ll laugh at their bad examples. Interrupting is so naughty!) Then, they go on a bad, bad, bad spree. Unfortunately, badness doesn’t work out because, somehow, their attempts always help others. Which makes them so mad! Being bad never was so good. Don’t miss this funny chapter book for ages 6 to 9.
Great Puptective by Alina Tysoe
FRIENDSHIP & MYSTERY
In a home with a cat and a puppy, the Poppy, the puppy, is determined to be a detective! But Truffles the cat only wants peace and quiet–and to get Poppy in trouble. Readers will love Poppy’s adorable exuberance and laugh at Truffles’s frustration. Then, when the worst happens and Poppy is gone, Truffles feels guilty (gasp!) for his bad behavior and decides to save his puppy friend using the detective skills he learned from Poppy. Engaging cartoon illustrations, this is sure to be a new favorite series for growing readers.
Ava Lin Best Friend by Vicky Fang
REAL LIFE
A strong voice and a fun main character who has a zest for life and discovery. Ava is in first grade and wants to make a best friend. To do so, she must navigate communication issues with new people, which isn’t as easy as she thought it would be. Also, Ava loves collecting treasures, but she needs pockets. Without a pocket, she stores her special pebble in her ear–which doesn’t go well! Ava is a cute, relatable girl who kids will love.
Blue, Barry & Pancakes Mayhem of Wheels (book 6) by Dan & Jason
HUMOR
The hysterical mayhem of our three friends continues in this graphic novel about the friends’ surprising success at Roller Duck Ball, the pressure to keep winning, and how they return to having fun by tricking the mega monster robots.
Monti and Leo: A Newcomer in Pocketville written by Sylvie Kantorovitz
FRIENDSHIP
Monti is irritated when newcomer Leo’s arrival disrupts Monti’s everyday routine. But they become friends. Then, when Mrs. Sheep thwarts Monti and Leo’s talent show, the friends get creative with a solution. This is a charming comic panel beginning chapter book (NOT an early reader since the text is too difficult and not controlled in the least.)
Seashell Key written by Lourdes Heuer, illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao
FRIENDSHIP
This is about a group of kids who live in a town on the ocean called Seashell Key. There are only one-sentence paragraphs with fairly short sentences. Also of note are the repetitive sentence structures. “He can make things that sail. He can make things that soar… He will make...” While this feels like a good idea in theory, I wonder what readers of chapter books will think. Does it make the text more accessible, like an early reader? Or will it be too choppy? I’ve worked with kids long enough that I almost always know what will be a hit, but I don’t know about this book. Comment or message me with your readers’ opinions.
