Early chapter books

Poets old and new

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The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kitt Thomas (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 144 pages, grades 2-5). Macy’s busy with school, violin, friends, and family, but when she discovers her school library is going to a two-day-a-week schedule, she puts everything on hold to get that decision reversed. Following in her poet dad’s footsteps, she offers to read an original poem at the school board meeting to express what the library means to her and her classmates. She soon regrets the offer, as she can’t come up with a single idea, but the support she gets from those around her helps her to incorporate their voices into her work. Success breeds success, and after a big win at the meeting, Macy is ready to give a flawless performance at her violin recital. Includes an author’s note about his own daughter and how she inspired this story.

Kids will embrace this engaging illustrated novel in verse that would make a perfect quick independent read or group read-aloud. Readers will see a lot of themselves in Macy’s struggles, whether it’s dealing with a father who travels a lot, persisting in difficult endeavors, or enjoying the support of friends at school. And, of course, I’ll always give two thumbs up to a book that emphasizes the importance of school libraries and librarians.

Melodies of the Weary Blues: Classic Poems Illustrated for Young People by Langston Hughes, compiled by Shamar Knight-Justice, art by 23 remarkable artists, HarperCollins, 48 pages, grades 1-5). Shamar Knight-Justice writes in the opening “Letter from the Editor” how he discovered the poetry of Langston Hughes as a 14-year-old and how Hughes’s poem “Mother to Son” helped him to connect with his own mom. The 23 poems cover a wide range of topics: jazz, Harlem, Black history, the ocean. Each one is accompanied by an illustration created by a Black artist, all profiled with thumbnail portraits at the end of the book. There’s also a timeline and additional information about Hughes.

My first thought as I read this book was that I wanted to buy a copy or two and take it apart so that I could put the beautiful poems and illustrations up all over my school for National Poetry Month. Some of the poems, like “Winter Moon” and “Sea Charm” would fit in nicely by the kindergarten classes, while others such as “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” and “The Weary Blues” would be fine additions to the fifth-grade wing. Each distinctive illustration will grab kids’ attention and allow them to linger over the poetry.

Graphic novel mysteries for early readers

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The Pet Rock Mystery (Squirrel Lock Holmes and Watson book 1) by Ashley Belote (Random House Graphics, 80 pages, grades 1-4). Reggie the Rabbit has lost his beloved pet rock Dwayne, so he enlists the help of Squirrel Lock Holmes and his bumbling owl assistant Watson. Over the course of five chapters, the detectives ask questions, gather clues, interrogate suspects, and finally solve the mystery. Includes illustrated steps for solving a mystery, instructions on how to draw Holmes and Watson, a search and find spread with five objects to locate, and a preview of book 2 which is due out in September.

This is a fun mystery for beginning readers with lots of silly humor and goofy illustrations. I could have lived without the definitions of words like sedimentary and geologist inserted somewhat jarringly into the otherwise humorous story, but it’s a good introduction to the Dog Man/InvestiGators genre who aren’t quite ready for 200 pages.

Korobá: The Case of the Missing Kolo by Àlàbá Ònájìn (Holiday House, 144 pages, grades 2-5). Korobá uses a prologue to introduce readers to his family and two best friends, as well as their fishing village of Makoko in Nigeria. He also explains the upcoming Makoko Harvest Festival, when kids break open their Kolo boxes, where they’ve saved money all year, so that they can buy new clothes, shoes, and treats at the festival. Then the story begins, and soon Korobá has a mystery on his hands: his friend Saidat’s Kolo box has gone missing, and she’s pretty sure it’s been stolen. Korobá, Saidat, and their third friend Joba team up to do some sleuthing around Makoko. After eliminating some suspects, Korobá puts together all the clues and unmasks the thief on the morning of the festival. The kids are sympathetic when they learn why the theft occurred and work together to make sure everyone has enough to spend at the market. Includes an author’s note about how his childhood passion for detectives like Nancy Drew, The Famous Five, and Tintin influenced the creation of this story, as well as a glossary of some of the Nigerian terms.

Readers will get a window into a Nigerian village in this endearing graphic novel featuring a lively team of kid detectives. Korobá uses some very impressive deductive skills to solve the mystery in an ending I didn’t see coming, and his two assistants have their own engaging personalities. I’m hoping this will be the first in a series. It’s a longer book than Squirrel Lock Holmes, but still suitable for primary grade readers.

A couple of hatchlings have the best day ever

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How to Hatch: A Gosling’s Guide to Breaking Free by Sara Holly Ackerman, illustrated by Galia Bernstein (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 32 pages, ages 4-8). Written as a how-to manual for a gosling about to hatch out of its egg, the main part of the text gives six steps from Breathe! to Flop! as the baby makes its exhausting sojourn into the world. Cutaway illustrations give detailed views of what’s going on inside the egg, while sidebars give additional information about each step in the process. The final illustration shows the newly-hatched gosling joining its siblings in a line behind a parent. Includes a glossary, a list of selected sources, and an author’s note about the wonder children experience when watching eggs hatch.

Spring will be here before you know it, and egg incubators will be making appearances in preschool and primary grades classrooms. This is an excellent introduction to the process, with the step-by-step instructions and illustrations explaining the process for the youngest readers and the sidebars adding more scientific information for older ones.

Ember the Fire Dragon (Dragon Hill book 1) by Tracey West, illustrated by Carolina Vázquez (Scholastic, 64 pages, ages 5-7). When Alden the Hill Dragon tells young Ember (Fire Dragon) and Gus (Mushroom Dragon) that his magic Jewel of the Hill is missing, the two friends get on the case. Although they don’t have their full dragon powers, they use some sharp detective skills to track it down. Instead of breathing fire, Ember can only sneeze sparks, so when they find the jewel hidden in a dark hole, Gus remembers the flowers that make her sneeze, and the two work together to recover the treasure. Alden hangs it up over his cave, and the forest is protected by its magic once again.

This cute series opener from Dragon Masters author Tracey West is sure to find an audience with those not quite ready for the longer chapter books. With five chapters, there’s a decent plot, and readers will undoubtedly find the illustrations enchanting. Gus gets his own book when the second installment comes out in early March.

Superhero graphic novels

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Supa Nova by Chanté Timothy (Nosy Crow, 160 pages, grades 2-5). Inspired by her scientist parents, Nova has created a secret lab that she accesses through her bedroom. After learning about islands of plastic trash floating in the ocean, Nova sets out to create a plastic-eating creature. The key to success turns out to be her teenage sister’s discarded wad of gum, and before long Nova has made an adorable pink monster named Chomp. Unfortunately, Chomp has a voracious appetite for plastic and an unfortunate propensity to grow quickly when he eats. Soon he’s threatening to consume the entire town, and Nova has to act quickly–and to reluctantly call on her sister for help. The two of them find an ingenious solution, shrinking Chomp to a more manageable size and convincing the adults to find a home for him on one of those plastic islands. Includes an author’s note on the science behind the story, some drawing tips, and a preview of the next Nova book.

This cute story is a quick read and would be a good point of entry for beginning readers to try out a full-length graphic novel. Nova’s larger-than-life adventures bring to mind TV cartoons, with the science occasionally feeling a bit like a magic trick, but she’s a spunky and resourceful protagonist who serves as a good role model for girls (and boys) who are interested in science.

Sidekicks: Thick as Thieves by Dan Santat (Graphix, 208 pages, grades 3-7). I’m a little confused about this series: a book called Sidekicks by Dan Santat was published in 2011, but it looks like it was reissued as book 1 in a series last year. Book 2 is due to be released in the first week of 2026. When Scholastic offered to send me both books, I readily agreed, read both of them, and feel pretty sure this will be a hit series. The sidekicks are the pets of aging superhero Harry Blake, aka Captain Amazing. Each one has a superpower, but also a flaw or two, and part of the fun is watching both the people and the animals mess up.

In book 2, Harry and his older sister head off for a crochet convention as part of Harry’s attempt at retirement. While they’re away, chameleon Shifty’s older brother Whipley shows up. The two brothers were close at one point, but now the other pets–Manny the cat, Roscoe the dog, and Fluffy the hamster–are suspicious of Whipley’s intentions. Is he really there to reconnect with Shifty, or is he a spy working to bring down Captain Amazing? When Shifty leaves with Whipley, the other sidekicks go after him, and they wind up in an epic showdown right in the middle of the crochet convention. The good guys win for now, but readers are encouraged to stay tuned for two more upcoming installments. The fast-paced plot, constant humor, and Dan Santat’s incredible artwork will definitely appeal to fans of Dog Man and Bad Guys.

Two final 2025 chapter books

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How to Save an Otter (Wildlife Rescue book 1) by Kate Messner (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 118 pages, grades 1-4). Ivy and her mother and brother are trained Critter Courier volunteers, so when they find an injured baby otter, they know just how to get her to the animal hospital. Over the next several days, Ivy’s time is taken up with working on an Earth Day project and keeping tabs on the young otter’s recovery. She’s been going through a tough time since her cousins, who were also her best friends, moved away, but as she shares her animal rescue experiences with the girls on the group project, she realizes she may be able to make new friends. By the end of the story, Ivy’s feeling a lot better about school, and she and her family are able to help out with reintroducing the otter to her natural habitat. Includes an author’s note about her own experiences volunteering and a wildlife hospital, tips for kids to help out with wildlife rescue, and a preview of the next book in the series, which was published at the same time.

Kate Messner can generally be counted on for enjoyable early chapter books that will engage newly independent readers. This one fits the bill: a series starters about relatable school problems and an adorable baby animal, with plenty of illustrations and a page count just under 100 (the rest is back matter and a preview of book 2). The main story starts and ends with chapters told from the otter’s perspective, giving kids hints as to the nature of her injury and what may have happened to her family, although it’s never definitively revealed.

Bad Cheerleader by Alex Thayer (Aladdin, 288 pages, grades 5-8). Margaret, or Bag for short, is dealing with a lot at home and at school: her parents are separated, her dad is struggling with addiction, and her older sister Miranda not only acts like she hates Bag, but seems to be hiding a secret or two as well. Bag has recently been diagnosed with dyslexia, and although she loves books, she’s a slow reader and struggles with her other school work. When her mom has to work late, Bag reluctantly agrees to join Miranda at cheerleading practice, hoping to find out more about what is going on with her sister. She immediately gets recruited as the squad’s equipment manager, and in a hilarious sequence of events, winds up leading cheers at a big basketball game. She eventually finds out what Miranda has been doing and why, which ultimately brings the two sisters closer as they realize they need each other’s support to get through their family’s tough times.

This book dealt with heavier issues than I was expecting from the title and cover, but it did so with a light touch and plenty of humor. Middle school readers will definitely relate to Bag’s struggles, and root for her as they get to know her quirky personality and determination.

Two chapter books for younger elementary kids

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Sparrow, Always by Gail Donovan, illustrated by Elysia Case (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 160 pages, grades 2-5). Sparrow’s dealing with a lot in fourth grade: a new baby brother, a best friend who seems to be growing up faster than Sparrow is, and some difficulties following directions at school that get her placed in a friendship group with a counselor. She loves animals, though, and the incentive of getting to helping Toby, the new puppy next door, pass his guide dog test motivates her to do better in school. Despite her difficulties, Sparrow’s heart is in the right place, and as fourth grade ends, she realizes that she’s a good friend, sister, and dog trainer, and that if she stays true to herself, she’ll be okay in fifth. Readers will enjoy the last chapter which tells about the guide dog test in Toby’s own voice.

I missed book one of this series, Sparrow Being Sparrow, which came out in 2024. Books 2 and 3 were released together, and I accidentally read book 3, but no prior knowledge was needed for me to thoroughly enjoy it. Sparrow has a Ramona Quimby vibe, and as I’ve said before, I always like discovering real middle grade books about third and fourth graders, which tend to be a bit of a rarity. Unfortunately, I find it hard to pry my students away from graphic novels long enough to read a book like this one, but I know there are many who will relate to and enjoy Sparrow’s adventures if they give her a try.

Night Chef by Mika Song (Random House Graphic, 160 pages, grades 1-4). The Night Chef is a raccoon who has learned cooking by living in the walls of a restaurant. After saving a baby crow that she names Ichi, the Night Chef decides to go on a journey to return Ichi to his flock. Along the way, the chef does a cooking stint at an animal-run restaurant called Mole’s Hole that’s being terrorized by an owl, travels as a stowaway on a train (more cooking, to pay her fare), and finally finds the crows and returns Ichi. On the way home, she stops back at the Mole’s Hole where she’s able to rescue them from the owl’s tyranny, aided by Ichi and the crows who return at just the right moment. The Night Chef learns about her early connection to the crows and discovers that she belongs at the Mole’s Hole, creating delicacies for the animals.

This cute animal graphic novel is sure to be popular with early elementary kids. It took me a minute to understand Night Chef’s circumstances and relationship to humans, but I loved all her animal adventures and the way she used her cooking talents to help herself and others, and the ending was extremely satisfying.

Early reader graphic novels: two mysteries and quite possibly the weirdest book ever!

~ Janet Dawson ~ 1 Comment

Cabin Head and Tree Head by Scott Campbell (Tundra Books, 88 pages, grades K-4). Obviously, Cabin Head is a creature with a cabin on his head, complete with a family inside and smoke coming out of the chimney, and Tree Head likewise has a tree on his (aww, look at the kid in the tire swing!). They’re best friends who also enjoy hanging out with other members of their community like Library Head, Pool Head, Volcano Head, and Outhouse Head. In a series of stories, they show that they may not be the brightest lightbulb heads in the chandelier head, but they are loyal friends and funny storytellers. Readers will cheer at the declaration on the final page: “Cabin Head and Tree Head shall return for more wonderful book times.”

Around page 11, I paused to consider: is this the weirdest book I have ever read? I mean, we do have the Noodleheads, not to mention a hit series based on the premise of a dog’s head being attached to a man’s body. But Cabin Head and Tree Head are definitely in the running for weirdest, but also for funniest, and I found myself laughing aloud throughout the book, particularly at the illustrations. I predict great things for these two, so be sure to stock up and keep an eagle eye out for book 2.

Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat by Li Chen (Andrews McMeel, 208 pages, grades 1-4). Beans is an adorable cat detective who sets out to solve the case of the mystery note giver when he finds a series of encouraging notes stuck to his stuff. He’s derailed from this case almost immediately, though, when his lucky detective hat goes missing. Beans spends the day traveling around town, tracking down clues, generally just one step behind the hat as it’s passed from one owner to the next. He finally gets it back, and in the process accidentally catches a wanted diamond thief. The last few pages remind the reader that the mystery note giver still hasn’t been identified, but perhaps this mystery is unraveled in book 2, which came out earlier this year.

This is actually a 2024 book, but I was unable to resist the cute cover, and the rest of the book did not disappoint. Kids will love the artwork, and the story is simple yet engaging enough to hook those who are just starting to read independently. 

Detective Stanley and the Mystery Museum by Hannah Tunnicliffe, illustrated by Erica Harrison (Flying Eye Books, 64 pages, grades 1-4). Detective Stanley is enjoying his first morning of retirement from the Narlybone Criminal Investigation Department when a letter arrives at his doorstep begging him to come to the Narlybone Museum and figure out who’s behind the break-in there. Unable to resist a heartfelt plea–despite having to leave his pancakes behind–Stanley heads to the museum, where he finds a big mess but no stolen items. When he’s framed for the theft of a police officer’s watch, Stanley unexpectedly winds up in jail. From his cell, he’s able to puzzle out what really happened at the museum and convince a police officer to accompany him back to the scene of the crime. There, he unmasks the real thief in dramatic fashion and is able to return to his pancakes in time for supper. Includes information on Piet Mondrian, whose artwork is featured in the story, as well as a preview of book 2.

Another fun mystery for early readers, this one had a surprising number of twists for such a short story, some sly humor, and artwork full of cute animals that brought to mind Richard Scarry’s work as they go about their day.

A ghostly vacation and a creepy operation

~ Janet Dawson ~ 1 Comment

The Last Resort by Erin Entrada Kelly (Scholastic Press, 240 pages, grades 4-7). When Lila’s Grandpa Clem dies, leaving an old inn to her father, the whole family has to leave their home in Phoenix to spend the summer at the inn in Ohio, sorting out the estate. Lila’s despondent about the trip, fearing it will further estrange her from her two former best friends, who have started accusing her of being overdramatic and leaving her out of things. The inn is pretty creepy, and Lila begins seeing strange people appear and disappear, including her late grandfather who she never met. When he tells her he was murdered, Lila is determined to figure out what happened to him and teams up with her neighbor Teddy and her brother Caleb to solve the mystery. As the people around her start having nightmares that reflect their worst fears, the situation becomes increasingly desperate, and Lila finds that the personality traits she’s often been criticized for having are an asset when it comes to dealing with ghosts and haunted mansions. Thanks to Scholastic for providing me with a free copy of this book.

This is a classic Scholastic series: a bunch of popular authors each write a book in a series, combined with a gimmick that will have kids clamoring for the latest installment at their book fairs or Scholastic flyers (think 39 Clues or Horizon) In this case, a few of the illustrations have QR codes that lead readers to a site where the ghosts tell their stories and allow readers to solve mysteries. While this method of storytelling is unlikely to showcase Newbery winners like Kelly (and book 2’s Jasmine Warga) at their creative best, this is a fun ghost story with an engaging protagonist who learns that what she’s been told is “too much” is actually her own imaginative and courageous personality.

Troubling Tonsils! (Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales) by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter Brown (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 88 pages, grade 1-4). Our old Creepy Carrots/Crayon/Pair of Underwear friend Jasper Rabbit introduces main character Charlie Marmot and his tonsils, then the tale begins innocently enough with Charlie coming down with a sore throat. A trip to the doctor reveals tonsillitis, and an operation is scheduled for a few days hence. Charlie’s actually excited, asking the doctor if he can put the tonsils in a jar to bring in for show-and-tell. By the time surgery day arrives, Charlie’s throat feels better, and the doctor is shocked when he does a quick pre-op check and discovers that the tonsils are gone! No one can explain this, but Charlie is sent home, where he starts to experience strange sights and sounds in the middle of the night. Finally, exhausted, he falls into a deep sleep one night, only to discover upon waking that he….

Well, now, I guess you’ll just have to read this short chapter book to find out, won’t you? To be honest, the Creepy books aren’t my favorites, but kids can’t get enough of them, and I trot them out every Halloween to universal joy. Fans will be delighted to see this new chapter book series, perfect for those who are just moving up to that level. The story is a perfect blend of funny and creepy, with an ending worthy of The Twilight Zone. Look for book 2, Unsettling Salad, in February, 2026.

Early chapter books

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Sweet Magic (Witchycakes #1) by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Ariane Moreira (Random House Books for Young Readers, 80 pages, grades 1-4). Young witch Blue is still working on their magical powers, but they love being involved of all aspects of their mother’s bakery. When they’re sent out on a delivery mission, accompanied by their seagull familiar Gully, they encounter a series of opportunities to practice magic. For the most part, the magic fails, but Blue is able to help people anyway, using their own natural instincts to figure out what’s needed in each situation. Returning home, Blue’s mother assures them that imagination and kindness are just as important and magic, and that Blue is on their way to becoming a great witch. Includes a recipe for Mama Moon’s Beach Crumble.

This enchanting early chapter book by the author of The Infamous Ratsos portrays a cozy beach town and an enchanting cast of characters that will have readers heading right for book 2. Just like with the Ratsos, LaReau weaves an uplifting message into a fun story.

Hut! Hut! Hike! (Sports Zone! #1) by Andrew Maraniss, illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon (Scholastic, 96 pages, grades 1-4). Jasper and his two best friends Mo and Ruby decide to try out for their town’s flag football team. Jasper is a dedicated fan of the game and is confident that he’ll not only make the team but be one of the best players. Tryouts go pretty well, but Jasper makes a few mistakes, and he realizes that he still has a lot to learn. The three kids are thrilled to make the team, which names themselves the Frogs. The Frogs look forward to their first game against the Beagles, but when the big day arrives, the kids learn they still need some lessons in teamwork to be able to pull out a win.

The newest addition to Scholastic’s branches series is a pretty straightforward sports story interspersed with sidebars giving additional information about topics like the game of football, the specifics of flag football, and some of the greatest players from the NFL. With plenty of illustrations, including a few comic book style panels, and a fast-paced story, this is a good choice for early chapter book readers. Having said that, I still think Branches does best with fantasy books like The Last Firehawk, Dragon Masters, and Kwame’s Magic Quest. Thanks to Scholastic for providing me with a free review copy of this book.

Elementary heroines

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Dream On by Shannon Hale, illustrated by Marcela Cespedes (Roaring Brook Press, 240 pages, grades 3-6). Fourth-grader Cassie has a lot of big emotions as she navigates the difficult terrain of growing up in a small house with a large family and dealing with changing friendships at school. When she sees a flyer in the mail telling her she’s won some fancy prizes, she starts to dream about how this could change her life. Usually, she would enjoy sharing those dreams with her best friend Vali, but recently Vali’s been spending more time with another girl who alternates being friendly and being mean to Cassie. Cassie’s frequently told that she’s too sensitive, but she can’t help the way she feels, and as the story goes on, she learns that being sensitive also means having a greater sense of wonder about the world around her. Things don’t magically resolve themselves, but having good conversations with her mom (who’s often too busy for such things) and with Vali about their friendship helps Cassie feel better about her problems and to find a way to a new normal at school and at home. Includes a note from Shannon Hale about the parallels between Cassie’s 1980’s childhood and her own.

Fans of Shannon Hale’s Real Friends series will be delighted to discover this new graphic novel, with book 2 coming in August 2026. Just as with Real Friends, I found the tone of this book a little melancholy, but it’s a realistic portrayal of a character who is extra sensitive, making her prone to lower moods but also extra appreciative of more joyful ones.

Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel (G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 128 pages, grades 2-5). Amina’s both excited and nervous about her first day of third grade in America. Her family has recently relocated from Syria to Indiana, and all of them have had to overcome many difficulties, with obstacles still ahead. Being scientifically inclined, Amina writes a five-step formula for making friends at her new school, only to find herself crossing off one step after another after a series of discouraging setbacks. But she finds a kind group of girls who help her with her English and encourage her to share her culture with them and with the rest of the class. By the final pages, Amina has found new friends and the courage to be herself in her new country.

I was wowed and humbled by the courage of Amina and her family in this early chapter book series starter (book 2 is out, and #3 will be published in January). Her dad, a pharmacist in Syria, is working at a fast food restaurant while her physician mom studies to pass the boards so she can practice medicine in the U.S. Despite their hardships, the family is loving, supportive, and has fun together. I’m always happy to find books featuring protagonists in younger elementary grades, so it was nice to discover these two books with girls in fourth and third grades.