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Beyond Picture Books: 8 Chapter Books that Make Great Bedtime Reads
You’ve just plopped down on the bottom bunk with The Little Engine That Could, and cracked it open to start reading to your precious angels. The days have passed when they’d join you in the happy refrain in their singsong mezzo-soprano yodels. Indeed, while they still listen, they now mouth all the words with you, with the faintest trace of a scowl present on their lips. And judging from the sighs all around, their reaction to “I think I can” is now much closer to “We know she did. You’ve told us a thousand times already!”
If this sounds at all like your house at 8pm, your kiddos might just be ready to move beyond “Once upon a time…” and, if you inquire, they might happily express an interest in more grown-up stuff like Ramona, Harry Potter, or The Boxcar Children. If you aren’t prepared for this transition, you might experience an overwhelming confluence of emotions. You may even need to sit down in the nearest rocking chair. Let the wave pass over you, and savor the sense of accomplishment (my children aren’t merely urchins now—they’re also readers!). It’s okay to feel bittersweet about entering a new chapter in your bedtime story routine, but be sure to share in the pride and excitement that you hear in your child’s voice when they tell you they want to read longer books. This is a big moment! There are so many magical stories that will unfold for you now (with drawn-out plots and character development to boot!)—and we’ve conveniently started a reading list for you below. From beloved classics to new twists, there are early chapter books for every interest. And there’s no need to say good-bye to picture books forever; in fact, I’m sure you’ll end up revisiting the tracks every now and again, just for old times’ sake.
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Fantastic Mr. Fox, by Roald Dahl
Lose yourself in the extraordinary adventures of 3 loathsome farmers, 2 eccentric creatures, a tight-knit fox family, and the dauntless Fantastic Mr. Fox in this fabulous tale. It’s so easy to get attached to the hero, you might find it hard to read one chapter at a time!
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Mr. Popper’s Penguins, by Richard and Florence Atwater
With nonsense and uproar around every corner, Mr. Popper’s Penguins is a chuckle of a book to read aloud. Mr. Popper is a wistful house painter with Arctic ambitions, and when his lively correspondence with a Captain Cook in Antarctica results in a penguin delivery, it’s just the start of an avalanche of fun for the Popper family.
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A Bear Called Paddington, by Michael Bond
Each chapter chronicles yet another mishap in the storied life of young Paddington, the bear from Darkest Peru who Mr. and Mrs. Brown found on a railway platform in London. Bond’s timeless work is entertaining, endearing, and perfect for young readers—there will always be more than enough adventure at bedtime if you keep Paddington around!
Ms. Rapscott’s Girls, by Elise Primavera
Headmistress Ms. Rapscott has started the world’s only school for the children of extremely busy parents. She has two helpers—welsh corgis with clipboards—and her dormitories and classrooms are contained in a charmingly decorated lighthouse. 5 girls have arrived for the school year, and, from the very first day, it’s clear that Ms. Rapscott’s curriculum—which includes things like birthday cake for breakfast, and magical lessons that teach bravery and logic—is guaranteed to change the way they see the world.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling
The first book in Rowling’s venerable series is perfect for young readers who are just finishing with picture books. Beware, however, that Hogwarts, Hagrid, and Harry will be all they’ll want to talk about once you start, and you won’t finish this series until you’ve read over 2000 pages! For all this magic, mischief, and maturation, you’d better keep a glass of water handy!
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The BFG, by Roald Dahl
Snatched from her bed in the middle of the night, Sophie is certain that she’s moments away from being dropped in a frying pan for breakfast. Instead of eating her, however, the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) colludes with her! Sophie not only finds out what the giants in the world are responsible for, but also that they aren’t all bad. Start it tonight!
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Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White
It’s a story you know well, but you’ll want to read over and over again. True friendship and love abound in this juvenile novel—they’re the writing on the web, so to speak. Charlotte, Wilbur, and Fern are unforgettable, and their beauty and depth are what make this tale timeless.
Ratscalibur, by Josh Lieb
When Joey is suddenly transformed from gawky sixth grader to 3” tall rodent, life, understandably, changes. But his story does more than explain the pre-pubescent human-to-rodent metamorphosis. It’s also an epic adventure, because Joey has accidentally unlocked the sword Ratscalibur, and is now responsible for saving the rodent kingdom. Where fantasy, humor, and bravery unite, you and your little reader will find yourselves deep within the richly drawn world of Ratscalibur.
What are your favorite transitional chapter books?