12 Middle Grade Books for Bedtime Reading Based on Your Kid’s Favorite Picture Books

Fans of Eloise, try Pippi Longstocking, by Astrid Lindgren
If your little one is a fan of Eloise by Kay Thomspon, the picture book staring a precocious little girl who does what she wants and has tons of adventures, then they’ll love the story of Pippi Longstocking. Pippi is delighted with so much of the world, especially her own self, and the similarities between she and Eloise are too fun to ignore. Brave, strong, and with an attitude that can’t be replicated, everyone will love diving into the adventures of Pippi, but especially your Eloise loving kiddo.

Fans of The Very Busy Spider, try Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White
Kids that couldn’t get enough of The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle will love learning just how busy a spider can be in Charlotte’s Web. Charlotte is one of the greatest children’s book characters ever written, and if you want your kid’s love of arachnids to continue into their big-kid years, this is a great start. Plus, it’s a fun leap from a book full of brightly colored illustrations to one with the chance to teach your child some great vocabulary words.

Fans of Where the Wild Things Are, try The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster
Adventures abound in The Phantom Tollbooth, just like in your kid’s favorite picture book, Maurice Sendak’s beloved classic Where the Wild Things Are. Featuring a young boy named Milo who thinks that life is boring and there has to be more exciting things out there, it’s like reading about Max all grown up since his adventures as the King of the Wild Things. There may not be any giant wild things with gnashing teeth and rolling eyes, but there is a giant watchdog named Tock, a tollbooth to drive through instead of a boat to ride upon, and a whole lot of adventures in this classic tale. Bonus: This edition of The Phantom Tollbooth even has some words from Maurice Sendak.

Fans of Corduroy, try The Indian in the Cupboard, by Lynne Reid Banks
Toys have been coming to life for years before Pixar got a hold of the idea. For fans of the sweet picture book Corduroy by Don Freeman, gift them The Indian in the Cupboard. In Corduroy, the little girl’s mother doesn’t think the sweet teddy bear is anything special, and Omri feels the same way about his small plastic figurine. But of course, readers learn that there is a whole lot of magic in these little toys, and The Indian in the Cupboard is the perfect way to introduce Corduroy readers to a longer story.

Fans of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, try Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl
If Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett makes your kids hungry for more reading, then get them started with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The believable absurdity of both stories is enough to keep any kid engaged, but I also love that both of them show how too much of a good thing can be just as bad for you as anything else.

Fans of Harold and the Purple Crayon, try The Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum
In Harold and the Purple Crayon, little Harold manages to create an entire new world just with his imagination. And what book carries on that same theme better than The Wizard of Oz? Both are enchanting stories filled with wonder and adventure, and both have been delighting children of all ages for decades and decades.

Fans of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, try Holes, by Louis Sachar
One of my favorites as a kid was Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. I mean, Alexander is the original Grumpy Cat, so if your kid is into grumpy characters who are facing the impossible, they’ll love Holes. Stanley Yelnats is a cursed kid from a cursed family and he has ended up in the worst place he could think of. Of course, more adventures ensue in Holes than in Alexander’s story, but the overall similarities are fun.

Fans of A Sick Day for Amos McGee, try Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry
Number the Stars may sound like a heavy book, but the themes of friendship, love, and sacrifice mirror the picture book, A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead. Human decency is something we all want our children to know and recognize, so don’t let the heavy content of Number the Stars stop you from introducing it to your child.

Fans of The Magic Hat, try Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling
You had to know this one was coming, right? The Magic Hat by Mem Fox might be your child’s favorite picture book, but when you introduce them to even more magic (and more magical hats!) through Harry Potter, their love for reading will only grow. Both stories are full of whimsy and fun, bright language, too!

Fans of Madeline, try Anne of Green Gables, by L.M. Montgomery
Both may be little red-haired heroines, but there are more similarities between Anne of Green Gables and your child’s favorite picture book, Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans. Strong female characters, both brave, smart, creative, and eager to help others around them? What more could you ask for? The sweet story of Anne and her lively personality and irresistible imagination will make your Madeline-loving kiddo so happy.

Fans of The Paper Bag Princess, try A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Princesses don’t have to wear a tiara and live in a castle, do they? Your kid already knows this if they love The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, but really drive the point home with A Little Princess. Both stories prove that traditions aren’t always necessary to make a little one feel like a princess, and that all it takes is bravery, love, and the power to help others to become royalty.

Fans of The Snowy Day, try The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis
Don’t let your kid’s love of the snowy world end with The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keates. The second installment of the Chronicles of Narnia is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and it is delightful. An eternal winter makes this adventure even more magical and, like Peter, the Pevensie siblings are enchanted by the world and start an unforgettable journey in the winter wonderland.