Need more chapter books that are good for a young, new-ish reader? Here are a few to consider:

Dr. Kitty Cat series by Jane Clarke

Rating: My bookshelf

Reading Level: Early Elementary

Dr. Kitty Cat and her trusted mouse assistant problem solve as they discern what is going on with various cuddly creatures. In addition to the book pictured here, Dr. Kitty Cat: Daisy the Kitten, I also have reviews for Dr. Kitty Cat: Clover the Bunny and Dr. Kitty Cat: Posy the Puppy.

Good Dog by Cam Higgins

Rating for Book 1: My bookshelf

Level: Early Elementary

This adorable pup has zest for life and fun animal friends. A few books talk of monsters (which turn out not to be monsters), so check out reviews to make sure they’re right for your reader, starting here with Book1: Home is Where the Heart Is. I especially like Book 15: How to Spy a Spy!

Young David Warrior

Rating: My Bookshelf

Recommended Age: Early Elementary

I’ve heard mixed reviews on movies and TV shows about King David, but this book, adapted from the TV series, was just fine. Find out more here.

Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot by David Pilkey

Rating for book 1: My bookshelf

Reading Level: Early Elementary

I don’t love everything by this author, but Ricky Ricotta is great. The book switches in and out of graphic novel and regular chapter book, which is great for new or reluctant readers. He also has a silly flip-o-rama thing where kids flap pages quicky to see animation. Super fun! More detailed reviews starting here.

Kylie Jean Art Queen by Marci Peschke

Rating: My bookshelf

Reading Level: Early Elementary

It hard not to love this sweet-spirited southern belle. She has great relationships with her parents and a love for art. Learn more here.

The Mistmantle Chronicles by M. I. McAllister

Rating: Some books in the series are My bookshelf, some are Not For Me

Reading Level: Early Elementary

EllRay is authentic. He doesn’t always make the best decisions, but he has great relationships with his parents and faces consequences when he makes a mistake. I do NOT recommend the first book in the series, and for more info see my review of EllRay Jakes is not a Chicken. I do like EllRay Jakes is a Rock Star, pictured here, and I also liked EllRay Jakes Walks the Plank.

Camila by Alicia Salazar

Rating: My bookshelf

Reading Level: Early Elementary

This modern adventure about a young girl teachings a few Spanish words as a bonus. In addition to Camila The Baking Star, pictured here, I also liked Camila The Singing Star.

Gordon: Bark to the Future by Ashley Spires

Rating: My bookshelf

Reading Level: Early Elementary

An undercover agent who also happens to be a dog fights enemies in this graphic novel. It’s clean and fun. Find out more here. I also liked Fluffy Strikes Back, from the same series.

Inspector Flytrap by Tom Angleberger and Cece Bell

Rating: My Bookshelf

Reading Level: Early Elementary

Inspector Flytrap is downright silly. Kids love him, and if you can handle some occasional body humor he’s great. This review includes a photo that gives a sense of the reading level.

Please note: I don’t love everything by this author; the Origami Yoda series is something I’d avoid, and the Two Headed Chicken series was not for me.

There are a couple spinoff series that you may be interested in checking out. I liked DJ Funkyfoot Butler for Hire. I was less of a fan of Give Cheese a Chance. Also, the Didi Dodo Future Spy spinoff might be a good fit for your family. I liked Book 2 better than Book 1, but you can check out reviews to learn more.

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo

Reading Level: Early Elementary

This is the same author as the Mercy Watson series, and Leroy Ninker is in the same world. I don’t like some of what Kate DiCamillo writes, but this Leroy Ninker story is just so full of character that it’s worth a look. Here is my full review. I also like Orris and Timble, by the same author.

Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli

Rating: two of them are for My bookshelf, one is Not For Me

Reading Level: Early Elementary

A super light, fun graphic novel with lots of silly. In addition Book 1, pictured here, I also liked Dream Big!

I do not particularly recommend Going Up; there was too much potty humor and it just wasn’t worth it.

The Aristokittens

Rating: My bookshelf

Reading level: Early Elementary

I liked both Aristokittens books that I’ve come across, and I intend to keep a lookout to read more. Here is where you can find my reviews of the two that I have read.

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Itty Bitty Princess Kitty by Melody Mews

Rating: My bookshelf

Reading Level: Early Elementary

I haven’t read all the books in this series, but this one had a lot to like. Read more in this full review.

Doggo and Pupper by Katherine Applegate

Rating: Some books in the series are My Bookshelf, others are Not for Me.

Reading Level:Early Elementary.

Applegate captures the sweet innocence of a young pup, his mentor, and a cat who is full of sass. I didn’t like all of them, so check out the reviews for more info:

Doggo and Pupper Save the World was for My Bookshelf

Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy was also for My Bookshelf

Doggo and Pupper (Book 1) was Not for me.

The Old Man and the Bear by Wolfram Hänel

Rating: My bookshelf

Reading Level: Early Elementary School

A sweet story about a fisherman and his battle with a bear for the best spot on the river. Here is my full review.

Disney Princess Palace Pets: Pumpkin Cinderella’s Dancing Pup

Rating: My bookshelf

Reading Level: Early Elementary School

This was about the best you can ask for from Disney. No romance, just a sweet story about a pup. I’ve only read one other book in this series, and both were great. Here is my full review.

Sophie Mouse

Rating: My bookshelf

Reading Level: Early Elementary School

A quaint woodland mouse makes a new friend. Here is the full review. Although I haven’t read others in the series, I generally hear it spoken well of in my various circles.

A Little Bit Higher Difficulty

There are many more worth checking out that are the next step up, with a bit smaller font and short chapters but still for young readers:

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