25 Illustrated Chapter Book Series To Engage Early Readers
by Jennifer Ridgway
As my twins’ literacy and comprehension skills have grown, we’ve searched for ways to keep them engaged with books that are age-appropriate yet slightly more advanced. One of the best options we’ve found for them is early chapter books with full-color illustrations, a format that provides a nice bridge between picture books and chapter books. With a picture on nearly every page, these books feel similar to what little kids are used to seeing in picture books, but their vocabulary is slightly more advanced and their storylines are longer. Here are some great early chapter book series, featuring fun illustrations, that have kept us entertained at home.
-
Star Friends Series
Available from:This adorable chapter book series follows a group of girls who befriend magical forest animals. Together, the humans and animals tackle supernatural threats to their town. From classroom drama to dark magic, the girls face every challenge with courage and heart.
Also available from: -
A Narwhal and Jelly Book Series
Available from:This series is about the oftentimes hilarious friendship between a narwhal and a jellyfish. While they may be different, they both love peanut butter and parties. The books are an introduction to graphic novels, and the focus on friendship and working together is perfect for this age. These are a great next step for fans of Mo Willems’s Elephant & Piggie series.
Also available from: -
Arnold and Louise Series
Available from:Fans of Frog and Toad will adore this new series about another unlikely pair. Arnold the bear is thoughtful and patient while Louise the chipmunk is loud and energetic. Though completely different, the two are best friends. The duo’s antics will amuse kids, and the green and gray illustrations bring them to life with a forest-y vibe.
Also available from: -
Llama Quest Series
Available from:Young fantasy lovers will enjoy this magical chapter book series. When Dak meets Fenn and Lucy — a talking, scarf-wearing, purple llama — he gets pulled into a quest to save his kingdom from a series of threats. Whether searching for stolen items, facing down dragons, or dodging magic spells, Dak leans on his friends every step of the way.
Also available from: -
Nate the Great Series
Available from:This long-running and fan-favorite series starring a kid detective will appeal to avid and reluctant readers alike. Simont’s illustrations are done in black-and-white and color and they portray some of the sly humor of Sharmat’s writing. Encourage kids to look for the clues in Simont’s illustrations as they read along. Beware: You may end up with a budding detective of your own!
Also available from: -
The Secret Explorers Series
Available from:Magic Tree House fans will love this series about a group of gifted children who travel across the globe — and through time. Whether they’re blasting into outer space, diving under the sea, or zipping across the Arctic, these books will take your child on some wild adventures!
Also available from: -
Millie Magnus Chapter Book Series
Available from:Readers who enjoy slice-of-life stories that deal with realistic scenarios will want to read this series. It follows a girl named Millie as she navigates the ups and downs of third grade. From dealing with bullies to saving a neighborhood playground, Millie faces every challenge with courage and a can-do attitude.
Also available from: -
Princess Pulverizer Series
Available from:This series is about a princess, but by no means is she a girly character. Princess Pulverizer doesn’t want a life filled with tea parties and ballroom dancing. Instead, she wants to go to Knight School to learn to wield a sword and slay dragons. But first, she must prove her valor by completing a Quest for Kindness. Featuring a quirky cast of characters and their hilarious escapades, expect lots of belly laughs from boys and girls alike.
Also available from: -
Mercy Watson Series
Available from:Award-winning author DiCamillo’s series about a mayhem-causing pig will have your child (and you) laughing out loud. Mercy is treated as a member of the family, despite being a giant pig. Her size and animal nature get her into a lot of trouble around her house and neighborhood. The illustrations are colorful and comical, perfectly capturing the hilarity of the stories.
Also available from: -
Timekeepers Series
Available from:Introduce your growing reader to important historical events with this action-packed series! The Timekeepers are a group of kids who use magical watches to slide through time. From the beaches of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to a clash between Viking clans, the kids must keep historical events on track. It’s the perfect next read for fans of the Magic Tree House series!
Also available from: -
Unicorn Academy Series
Available from:For unicorn lovers, illustrated chapter books don’t get any better than this. Every girl gets paired with a unicorn at the Unicorn Academy, and they become instant best friends. Children ages 6-9 will love reading these magical, rainbow-filled adventures. If your child finishes all 12 books, you can start them on the spin-off series Unicorn Academy Nature Magic.
Also available from: -
The Princess in Black Series
Available from:If your daughter is like mine and loves princesses AND superheroes, this is the series for you! Princess Magnolia has a secret life fighting monsters. With bright and bubbly illustrations that show the action in a non-threatening way, the stories demonstrate that princesses can be strong and brave. My son also enjoys the Princess’s adventures.
Also available from: -
Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World Series
Available from:This new chapter book series features athletes who make a difference in their sport and beyond. Each book features a different athlete, such as LeBron James, Pat Tillman, and Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone, and describes how they used their influence to make the world a better place.
Also available from: -
Minecraft Woodsword Chronicles: The Complete Series: Books 1-6
Available from:One of the best ways to get a video game-obsessed kid to read more is by giving them books about video games. This series of illustrated chapter books takes place in the world of Minecraft and is unrivaled in getting kids hooked on reading. Hand your child these books, and they’ll be glued to the page for hours!
Also available from: -
Candlewick Sparks Series
Available from:One of our favorite books in the Candlewick Sparks series is The Monster in the Backpack, which presents Annie as a girl with a seemingly major problem: When she unzips her new backpack, she finds a monster inside. Initially, the monster is a nuisance, but the two slowly learn to like each other and then love each other. Kids will love this goofy story, and Jones’s digital art supports the comic nature of the story.
Also available from: -
Dory Fantasmagory Series
Available from:Kids who enjoy quirky stories packed with imagination and humor need to add this series to their “to-read” lists. Dory has a big vocabulary and an even bigger imagination. Whether she’s trying to make a new friend or getting lost in a hardware store, her arch-nemesis, Mrs. Gobble Gracker, always shows up to make things worse. These hilarious chapter books will keep kids coming back for more.
Also available from: -
Cam Jansen Series
Available from:A bestseller for over thirty years, the Cam Jansen series is a favorite for young mystery-solvers. A spunky fifth-grader with a photographic memory, Cam is clever, goodhearted, and always on the case. Every detective needs a sidekick, and Cam has a great one in her best friend, Eric. With so many cases to choose from, your reader won’t run out of fun any time soon!
Also available from: -
Mermaids Rock Series
Available from:From the author of the popular Star Friends series comes another illustrated chapter book series with mermaids, magic, monsters, friendship, and mystery. Each book offers an irresistible adventure that young readers will love, along with fun facts about the ocean and its animals.
Also available from: -
The Boxcar Children Mysteries Series
Available from:This classic mystery series has captured the hearts of generations of readers. It’s about a family of orphans searching for a forever home and solving mysteries. With a staggering 160+ installments, voracious and casual readers alike will have no trouble finding a title that interests them.
Also available from: -
Jada Jones Series
Available from:Don’t miss out on Jada Jones, a budding science whiz who always tries her best, even when the new challenge at hand — like dancing or public speaking — doesn’t feel the most natural. Complete with a charming cast of characters and two-color art that helps readers transition to black-and-white chapter books, this series is a perfect bridge between two reading worlds.
Also available from: -
Magic on the Map Series
Available from:Twins Finn and Molly Parker aren’t impressed with their dad’s new camper — until they discover it can talk, and magically transport them, too! Each chapter book in this fun-filled series brings the twins to a different state and includes a map and entertaining facts about that unique piece of the country. It’s a wild ride captured in brilliant color.
Also available from: -
Buddy and Bea Series
Available from:Kids will love this high-energy chapter book series about two kids who meet on the first day of second grade. Although they don’t have much in common, Buddy and Bea form an unlikely friendship. Each book features a new challenge for the friends, from pet problems to picture-day fiascos.
Also available from: -
The Magnificent Makers Series
Available from:Help your kid get their STEM on with these informative chapter books about a group of friends that go on science-related escapades. With riddles, magic portals, challenges, and science experiments for readers to complete, this series is an excellent choice for budding scientists.
Also available from: -
Magic Tree House Series
Available from:The Magic Tree House series is the most popular illustrated chapter book series for kids. Send your young reader on dozens of time-traveling adventures with these highly engaging stories. If your child wants to learn the facts behind the fiction, check out the Magic Tree House Fact Tracker series. Kids will also fall in love with the full-color graphic novel adaptations.
Also available from: -
Superpower Puppies Series
Available from:Puppies and magic — what more could a growing reader want? Each installment in this illustrated chapter book series spotlights a dog with superpowers. While the puppies use their powers to protect humans, they sometimes need help from their two-legged friends. Young dog lovers won’t be able to resist this adorable series!
Also available from:
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2025.