As a child, I was a voracious reader. I read whatever I could get my hands on. I was so excited and delighted when I started reading chapter books to my son because I got to reread my favorites and discover new ones. There are so many children’s books that I could recommend, but today I will narrow it down to five. Here are just five of many must-read children’s chapter books on my list.
Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls. This is hands-down my favorite children’s book. This book has adventure, family, suspense, faith, and a big dose of comedy. I love this book so much that I will never see the movie adaptation, which I heard terrible things about. The story is about a boy who sets out to make money in a most unusual way and discovers a lot about himself, life and what really matters.- Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater. This is a very sweet and very funny story that will amuse you and your children. I was pleasantly surprised by this book which was published in the 1930s. Mr. Popper is a very mellow and laid back family man who has his whole world turned upside down, and possibly saved, by his penguins. I have not seen the movie, but based on the previews, it is quite different from the book.
- Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe. Bunnicula is the Monroe family’s pet rabbit who is suspected of being a vampire by the family’s pet cat. This story is told from the dog’s perspective and will have you in stitches laughing.
- My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. This book is part of a trilogy of short and easy to read chapter books. It is an off-the-wall, quirky book full of comedy, adventure, and fantasy. I found myself drawn in and my son was captivated by the story.
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I have not read this book to my son yet, but it is coming up on our list. This story is over 100 years old but is still charming readers. This book tells the story of a young orphan girl who finds a home in a most unexpected place. It is emotional, heartwarming, funny, and adventurous.
There are so many other books I could list: The Chronicles of Narnia, The Black Stallion, Island of the Blue Dolphins, or even any of the Harry Potter books. There is no shortage of good children’s chapter books, but this list is great place to start or a good addition to your reading list.
Do you read aloud to your children? Have you read any of these books? Feel free to leave a comment. Share and let’s talk about it.
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Isn’t it so hard to narrow down any book list posts? 🙂 Great choices! I’ve been considering Mr. Popper’s Penguins but we haven’t gotten around to it. I’ve never read it and now I definitely need to check it out.
When my kids were smaller I read to each of them every night. Summer of the Monkeys was one we did read, along with Where the Red Fern Grows, and The Yearling (that one took like 2 months as it is so big). It is hard to narrow them down but I think you did an excellent job mentioning some great reads.
I love Mr. Popper’s Penguins. The movie was rotten, but I always loved the book. Anne has been a favorite ( even hubs enjoys it!) for ever !
My oldest, 6, has become a reading machine. She even reads to her sister. We will check out these books.
I vote for Anne of Green Gables! That’s a favorite of mine! Great list!
I saw Mr. Poppers Penguins, it was a very good movie. I know that the book is always better than the movie. Cannot wait to read this one. Thanks.
Isaiah’s still pretty little, so his attention span can only handle Read-Aloud Bible Stories. I’m looking forward to reading chapter books with him, though! My mom read Charlotte’s Web and Follow My Leader to my brother and me. Those will probably be my starting point with Isaiah.
Voted!! 😀
I’m lucky that my mom always read to us before bed and instilled a love of reading. From your list, I’ve read Bunnicula and Anne of Green Gables. I’d have to add the Little House on the Prairie series as one of my favorites too.
I loved the movie of Mr. Popper’s Penguins and may have to read the book. The children loved it too.
I came from the Alexa Blog hop.
Now I’m excited! I haven’t heard of some of these and Bunnicula sounds amazing!
I’m excited to get it and read it to my niece and nephews!
Thanks for joining in on the Weekend Alexa Blog Hop!
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Can’t wait to read Summer of Monkeys to my kiddos!!
Found you from the Alexa hop, love your site!
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Thanks for the suggestions!
Stumbled from the hop.
Bunnicula and Anne of Green Gables are two of my favorites!
Visting from the Alexa Blog Hop!
I have not read Summer of the Monkeys in a long time! I think I will check that out from the library for my son to read. Have you read the book My Teacher is an Alien? It is cute.
These all look fantastic. Not just for kids but for myself! Great blog, am a new follower :).
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You know, I’ve never read Mr. Popper’s Penguins, but it shows up on so many reading lists. I tried to get my kids to read it but they hated it, lol! The Trumpet of the Swan is very good, though.
Great list! I’m always looking for something new for my 8 year old to start. She’s an awesome reader, but would rather read a pile of picture books than a chapter book. One of these days she’ll move on!
I read all of those books, and Bunnicula was a favorite! Here are some books my son and I have enjoyed together.
I like your list, too. I used to read Encyclopedia Brown and had forgotten about it! Thanks for the reminder…my son will love them.