When is the right time to start chapter books with young kids? It’s a question none of us really know the answer to. When she was younger, I thought surely first grade would be the right time. Maybe second? But it turns out, children love listening to stories much earlier than you’d expect! Today I want to share some great first chapter books for reading aloud to young kids!
First Chapter Books for Reading Aloud to Young Kids
I started chapter books with my four-year-old this past year, and I’m extremely surprised and so delighted at how much she’s enjoying them. Recently I shared my top 20 favorite picture books for starting an at home library! So be sure to check out that post too!
01. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
This was our first chapter book, and it will always be very special to me for that reason. My daughter (4.5) loved the story. She was so fond of Wilbur, Charlotte, and Fern. We dressed up as Charlotte’s Web characters this past Halloween, and listen to the soundtrack from the original movie almost daily. It’s a touching story, and it’s written wonderfully. I recommend two of E.B. White’s other chapter books for young children below, so check those out too!
02. My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
03. Elmer and the Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
04. The Dragons of the Blueland by Ruth Stiles Gannett
05. Stuart Little by E.B. White
06. The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
07. The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
07. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
I hope this list of first chapter books for reading aloud to young kids was helpful to you!
Thank you so much for reading!
