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Children's Fiction: Early Readers

This guide provides an overview of Memorial Library's children's fiction collection, with suggestions for read-alikes for our most popular titles.

Early Readers

Early Readers are slightly longer than picture books, have fewer illustrations, and more complex plots.  These books introduce children to larger vocabulary words and more intricate plot lines.  Often, early readers are written in series, so children can follow along with familiar characters, making reading practice more enjoyable.  Below, see some recommendations for both stand-alone books and early reader series.

Stand-Alone Early Readers

Stand-alone early readers are usually still technically picture books, but are controlled for things like vocabulary and length. Some could be transitional chapter books, but these are more likely to be found in series.

Early Reader Series

Early Reader series are often transitional chapter books, still controlled for vocabulary and length, but now divided into small chapters. The storylines are much simpler than regular chapter books, but provide an ongoing plot readers will be excited to follow. Below are some recommended series for young eager readers!

Dive into the lives of two loveable characters with the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems. These two friends will take readers on different adventures which are always loads of fun!

For beginning readers who want a few more pages, a bit more plot, and a good mystery, look no further than the Nate the Great series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat.  Follow Nate as he solves his cases along with his dog, Sludge!

The Penny series by Kevin Henkes follows young mouse Penny as she sings and plays. Wonderful for beginning readers!

For people who know and love Judy Moody, the Stink books are a must! Meet Stink, Judy's little brother, and follow him on his adventures.  Young readers will laugh at his tricks and games!  A sure way to engage a beginning reader.

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