12 Days of Giving: Excellent Easy Chapter Books

 

Today's list is great easy chapter books of 2020. If you have a young reader who's recently graduated to chapter books, these might be the ticket. 

My Favorites of 2020

The Best of Iggy and Iggy is Better Than Ever by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sam Ricks (Putnam, 2020). Iggy doesn't mean to be bad, but sometimes things just get out of hand. This highly illustrated funny early chapter book series will appeal to kids who love to laugh. If you have fans of The Terrible Two or Horrid Henry, this will be a hit for sure. 

Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business by Lyla Lee, illustrated by Dung Ho (Aladdin, 2020). This is a super cute early chapter book series about a Korean-American girl navigating a new life in a new state. With details about her Korean heritage and meat to the story as Mindy not only navigates a new school but life without her mom, this is a winning series perfect for fans of the Anna Banana books or Jasmine Toguchi.

The Planet Omar series: Accidental Trouble Magnet and Unexpected Super Spy by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik (Putnam, 2020). This funny, highly illustrated series about Omar, a British Muslim kid starting a new school, is perfect for young Wimpy Kid fans. 

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson, illustrated by Nina Mata (Bloomsbury, 2020). This is hands-down one of my favorite books of the year. Bright and funny, if you have Ramona Quimby fans or if you remember Ramona fondly from your own childhood (like I do), you're going to want this one. 

For the first 12 days of November, I'll be posting a list of children's books perfect for gift giving this holiday season. Check out the full list of lists here to see what's coming. All the lists link to IndieBound to make it easy for you to find an independent bookstore to buy from (and as an IndieBound affiliate, shopping through those links supports me, too!). Independent bookstores need our support more than ever this year, so please shop local if you can or if you don't have a local independent bookstore, please consider ordering online from my local indie Carmichael's Bookstore. 

12 Days of Giving: All Things Unicorn

 

Unicorns have been hot this year! If you have a young unicorn lover on your shopping list, these are the books to make their dreams come true. 

Picture Books

How to Catch a Unicorn by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Andy Elkerton (Sourcebooks, 2019). This funny rhyming book, one of a series about catching magical creatures, is filled with zany fun. 

Uni the Unicorn by Amy Kraus Rosenthal, illustrated by Brigitte Barrager (Random House, 2017). This picture book about a unicorn who believes that little girls are real is a testament to the power of believing and a sweet story for young unicorn fans. There are quite a few books about Uni, including more picture books and some easy readers, too. 

A Unicorn Named Sparkle by Amy Young (Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, 2016). When Lucy sees an ad in the newspaper for a unicorn, she sends in her 25 cents and waits 4-6 weeks for her unicorn to arrive. But when he does... he looks nothing like what she thought... and he has fleas. Can Lucy love this unusual unicorn? There are some other books about Sparkle, so consider adding A Unicorn Named Sparkle and the Pumpkin Monster (Halloween), A New Friend for Sparkle, and A Unicorn Named Sparkle's First Christmas to make a complete set. 

Unicorn Puzzles by Sam Loman (Windmill Books, 2019). For unicorn fans who like their books a little more interactive or if you're looking for some boredom busters for the winter days ahead, this might be a good choice.

Unicorns 101 by Cale Atkinson (Doubleday, 2019). This hilarious picture book sets the record straight about unicorns. Professors Glitter Pants, Sprinkle Steed, Star Hoof, and Sugar Beard, along with their lab assistant Pete, present all kinds of amazing scientific facts about unicorns.

The Unicorns Who Saved Christmas by Mary Winn Heider, illustrated by Christian Cornia (Running Press Kids, 2020). When Santa's reindeer come down with the chicken pox on Christmas Eve, can the unicorns save Christmas? 

You Don't Want a Unicorn by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Liz Climo (Little, Brown 2017). Ame Dyckman was an author mentioned over and over again when I asked for suggestions of laugh out loud picture books, so if you're looking for funny books, this might be the one for you. When a little boy wishes for a unicorn pet, he has no idea what he's getting himself into! 

Chapter Books

Bo's Magical New Friend (Unicorn Diaries) by Rebecca Elliott (Scholastic, 2020). Rebecca Elliott is much beloved for her early chapter book series Owl Diaries and her new unicorn series is quickly becoming just as beloved at my library. I know a young unicorn fan who's getting this series about Rainbow Tinseltail and the unicorns of Sparklegrove Forest for Christmas. If you have a new chapter book reader in your life, this is the one to get. Pick up Bo and the Dragon-Pup (Unicorn Diaries #2) and Bo the Brave (Unicorn Diaries #3) for a fun gift set. 

The Creature of the Pines (Unicorn Rescue Society) by Adam Gidwitz, illustrated by Hatem Aly (Dutton, 2018). Okay, so this one's about all kinds of different magical creatures, so maybe not for unicorn purists, but it's a fun fantasy adventure series that's been really popular at my library. Elliot and Uchenna belong to a secret adventuring society called the Unicorn Rescue Society, charged with defending the world's mythical creatures. This is a good bet for young fantasy readers. 

Grumpy Unicorn by Joey Spiotto (Scholastic, 2019). This funny graphic novel series stars the world's grumpiest unicorn. If Grumpy Cat was a unicorn, this is the book you would get. 

Pacey Packer, Unicorn Tracker by J. C. Phillips (Random House, 2020). When Pacey finds herself transported to a magical world to rescue her little sister, it's nothing like she expected it to be. And she's stuck with a sarcastic unicorn sidekick in this funny graphic novel. 

Phoebe and her Unicorn by Dana Simpson (Andrews McMeel, 2014). When Phoebe skips a rock across a pond and accidentally hits a unicorn in the face, so begins a friendship for the ages. Phoebe and her unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, have many adventures together in this funny graphic novel series that's so far lasted 11 books and is super popular with my library patrons. Consider a boxed set for a perfect holiday gift. 

Sparkly New Friends (Unicorn & Yeti) by Heather Ayris Burnell, illustrated by Quintanilla (Scholastic, 2019). Here's another early chapter book series that's filled with unicorn fun. Unicorn and Yeti are best friends even though they're opposites in a lot of ways. Fans of Frog & Toad or Bink & Gollie will enjoy this fun series, too. Pick up the rest of the books in the series for a nice package: #2 A Good Team, #3 Friends Rock, and #4 Cheer Up. 

For the first 12 days of November, I'll be posting a list of children's books perfect for gift giving this holiday season. Check out the full list of lists here to see what's coming. All the lists link to IndieBound to make it easy for you to find an independent bookstore to buy from (and as an IndieBound affiliate, shopping through those links supports me, too!). Independent bookstores need our support more than ever this year, so please shop local if you can or if you don't have a local independent bookstore, please consider ordering online from my local indie Carmichael's Bookstore. 

Astrid & Apollo

Hey, I'm an IndieBound affiliate, which means that if you buy books through the links on this site, you're not only supporting your favorite independent bookstore, you're supporting me, too!

Astrid & Apollo series by V.T. Bidania, illustrated by Dara Lashia Lee. Grades 1-3. Picture Window Books, 2020. 64 pages. Review copies provided by my local library. 

Astrid & Apollo and the Starry Campout
Astrid & Apollo and the Fishing Flop
Astrid & Apollo and the Happy New Year
Astrid & Apollo and the Soccer Celebration

Astrid & Apollo are Hmong-American twins living in Minnesota and in each of these standalone own-voices chapter books, they have small adventures together with their family. These sweet books are perfect for new chapter book readers and bring a much-needed diversity to the early chapter book shelves. Astrid & Apollo are likeable characters tackling everyday challenges like a first camping trip, a disappointing fishing trip, and getting lost at a huge Hmong New Year celebration. 

Each of the books includes lots of details about Hmong American culture including some really mouthwatering descriptions of food. Back matter in each volume includes a pronunciation guide to Hmong words, cultural information about Laos and Hmong culture, and a world map that shows where Laos is. Minnesota has a large Hmong immigrant population and both the author and illustrator of this series are Hmong-Americans living in Minnesota. 

Diverse early chapter books are a sorely small section and this series is a super addition to your library shelves. I'm really impressed with Capstone bringing in own voices creators to help fill this gap. 

Mindy Kim series

Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business

Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade

Mindy Kim and the Birthday Puppy

Mindy Kim, Class President 

by Lyla Lee. Grades 1-3. 96 pages. Aladdin, 2020. Review copy provided by publisher. 

Mindy Kim has just moved to Florida and is starting a new school for the first time in the series opener of this own-voices early chapter book series. In the first book, she's nervous about making friends, especially at a school that has no other Korean kids, and after a rough first day where the kids made fun of her Korean lunch, she's sure this is going to be the worst school year ever. But when the other kids get interested in her seaweed snacks, she's sure she has found the key to friendship and maybe a way to convince her dad to get her the puppy she's always wanted, too. 

This is a really cute series that will appeal to readers who enjoy school stories and I love the details about Mindy's Korean heritage. It's got some meat to it, as well. Mindy's not only navigating a new school and a new state, but she's figuring out life without her mom who died before they moved to Florida. Now it's just her and her dad. The series isn't sad, but it does have some emotional scenes as Mindy and her dad celebrate their first Lunar New Year without her mom, train a new puppy, and Mindy runs for class president. 

Hand this series to fans of the Anna Banana series by Anica Mrose Rissi or the Jasmine Toguchi series by Debbie Michiko Florence. 

Baloney and Friends

Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli. Preschool - 2nd grade. 96 pages. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2020. Review copy provided by my local library. 

This is the new book that I'm handing all my Elephant and Piggie fans. With the adorable cartoon illustrations and speech bubbles and the cast of silly characters, I think E&P readers will eat this one up. Put aside your reservations about an anthropomorphic pig named Baloney (scream emoji) and just enjoy the hijinks in the episodic chapters. In the three chapters and three mini comics, Baloney performs a magic show for his friends, braves the swimming pool, and more. Hand this one to newly independent readers who love to laugh; it's perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly, too. 

12 Days of Giving: Great Chapter Books and Middle Grade

Today, I'm featuring my favorite chapter books and middle grade books for the readers in your life. If you're looking for something more specific or want more suggestions, check out last year's 12 Days of Giving posts for:

• Early Chapter Books
• Mythology Mania (If You Like Percy Jackson...)
• Nonfiction
• Fantasy Fanatics (tweens and teens)
• Laugh Out Loud

Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy (Balzer + Bray, 2019). Grades 4-6. Sweet Pea is an awesome character who's not afraid to be herself in this funny middle grade novel. You may recognize Julie Murphy from her wildly successful young adult books, including Dumplin', which was turned into a Netflix movie. Her middle grade debut is just as great and perfect for kids who like funny character-driven books set in small towns with quirky characters. 

Emmy in the Key of Code by Aimee Lucido (Versify, 2019). Grades 4-7. Emmy's just starting at a new school and she's not sure where she fits in. When she starts a coding class, she starts to make some friends and figure out her place. Written in verse, the poems incorporate some coding terms and this would make a great read for young coders, but also any kids interested in friendship stories. 

A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée (Balzer + Bray, 2019). Grades 5-8. This is a great book for middle schoolers who are interested in or asking about Black Lives Matters or social justice. Shayla is allergic to trouble, but as tensions rise between the African American community and the local police and she starts making more African American friends in middle school, she just might find that some kinds of trouble are worth standing up for what you believe in. 

Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada Kelly (Greenwillow, 2019). Grades 5-8. This is a wonderfully rich fantasy novel based on Filipino folklore with a strong dose of girl power. Life's not great in Lalani's village. There's a drought going on, people are getting sick, and the sailors sent to find provisions on a legendary island said to house riches never return. It may take an ordinary kid to be the hero that the village needs. This is a sure bet for fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon or other fantasy adventure stories. 

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds (Atheneum, 2019). Grades 5-8. With unforgettable characters in a series of short stories, this book explores the streets in an urban neighborhood as kids get out of school. Both funny and poignant, this is a book for readers who like to get a peek into the lives of others. It invites the reader to see characters and relationships in different ways. 

More to the Story by Hena Khan (Salaam Reads, 2019) Grades 3-6. This heartfelt, contemporary story about four Muslim American sisters in Georgia was inspired by Little Women and is a really fun read for fans of that classic book. Pair it with a copy of the Louisa May Alcott's classic and tickets to see the new movie coming out. 

Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai (Henry Holt, 2019). Grades 3-6. This is a really sweet (see what I did there?) story of a kid immigrating to a new country that feels like Mars since he doesn't speak English and can't understand anyone. This graphic novel / prose hybrid is a great choice for Wimpy Kid fans who like a little more meat to their story. It's both funny and serious - sweet and salty like the perfect salted caramel sauce.

Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos (Random House, 2019) Grades 4-7. This is a book for kids who like to feel ALL THE FEELS. Set in 1986, Nova's just been placed in a new foster home without her sister, which is a huge change since Nova has autism and is almost completely nonvocal. Her sister is the only one who understands her. But Nova knows they'll be reunited to watch the Challenger launch, because her sister promised. It's a powerful story for readers who like to connect with characters. 

Roll With It by Jamie Sumner (Atheneum, 2019). Grades 4-7. Ellie's a kid who tells it like it is, even though everyone expects her to be meek and inspiring because she has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. When Ellie and her mom move to a small town (including a new school that's not super equipped to handle a kid in a wheelchair), Ellie starts to make real friends for the first time and she's got to convince her mom that it's okay for them to stay. This is a great book for anyone who enjoys a story told with heart and humor and a super strong voice. 

To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer (Dial, 2019). Grades 4-7. Bett and Avery are first introduced when their single dads Marlow and Sam, recently dating each other, decide to spend the summer in China together and send both girls to the same camp so they can bond. In a series of emails, Bett and Avery plot about how to break up their dads. They both like life as it is and neither thinks the other is a likely friend (nevermind sister) - Bett is outgoing and impulsive while Avery is cautious and cerebral. They pledge not to talk to or even acknowledge each other at camp, but life has a way of making other plans. This is a funny book told with lots of heart, fun for readers who like fun summer stories about unlikely friends. 

12 Days of Giving: Early Chapter Books

I'll be posting themed book lists with book giving ideas for a variety of ages and interests every day Dec. 1 - 12. Check the label Twelve Days of Giving for all the lists. Shopping for someone specific? Drop me a comment with ages/interests (including adults!) and I'll be happy to make some suggestions. Don't forget your local indie bookstore and if you don't have a favorite indie, might I suggest ordering from The Bain Lair Bookstore? 


What to get for that new chapter book reader on your list? Luckily, I have some great early chapter book series suggestions today. Buy one book as a stocking stuffer or wrap up a handful or a box set for a larger gift. 

The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic, 2017). This laugh-out-loud funny series is originally published in Australia and started being published in the US a couple of years ago. The "bad guys" of the animal world (Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, and Mr. Piranha) are determined to change their public image, but their quests to be "good guys" meet with hilarious failure. This is a highly illustrated series perfect for fans of Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel (another great early chapter book series!) or Carnivores by Aaron Reynolds and Dan Santat. 

A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold (Walden Pond Press, 2017). Bat (Bixby Alexander Tam) loooooves animals. Sometimes he relates better to animals than to people. So when his veterinarian mom brings home an abandoned baby skunk, Bat falls immediately in love and wants to help take care of it. No matter how many times his mom tells him that a skunk is a wild animal and will need to be returned to the wild, Bat is convinced that he can convince his mom to keep it as a pet. Young animal lovers will love this book and its sequel, Bat and the Waiting Game (a third book is due out this spring).

Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko Florence (Farrar, Strauss, & Giroux, 2017). Jasmine is a great choice for your readers of funny, determined young protagonists. In this first book of the series, Jasmine longs to join her older sister and the adults in their important jobs for their new year celebration, but she's not old enough to participate in the mochi-making... or is she? Jasmine comes up with a job for herself, but it's not something that girls traditionally do. This is a fun series that fans of realistic fiction will relate to and I love that they include elements of Japanese culture. 

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick, 2014) and other Tales from Deckawoo Drive. This spinoff of the Mercy Watson series (another excellent early chapter book series) is a great choice for kids looking for funny, silly stories with unforgettable characters. In this volume, Leroy has everything he needs to follow his dream of being a cowboy like in the movies... except a horse. And when he gets a horse, she's not exactly what he had pictured. 

Lola Levine is Not Mean by Monica Brown (Little, Brown, 2015). Lola Levine is a great choice for young readers who like spirited characters like Ramona Quimby or Clementine. Lola's heart is in the right place, but things don't always happen like she meant. Like at the school soccer game when she accidentally injures one of her classmates. Except no one believes it was an accident. They think Lola's a mean girl and she'll have to figure out how to prove them wrong. Half Jewish, half Peruvian Lola has determination to spare and you can bet she'll figure it out. 

Scary Tales series by James Preller (Feiwel & Friends). This is the series if you have any young fans of seriously scary stories to buy for. From the design of the books with their graying pages and creepy illustrations, to the subject matter dealing with haunted houses, wolves at the door, and creepy dolls, these books set the scene and deliver the chills. Don't buy these for kids who claim to want "scary stories" when you know they'll have nightmares later. But for those kids you know can handle it, you'll be the coolest gift-giver ever. 

The World According to Humphrey by Betty Birney (Puffin, 2005). What's better than a classroom series narrated by the class pet? Humphrey the hamster loves the students in his class and he looks out for them in a lot of ways, even finding true love for the school janitor. This is another series that will be a serious hit for young animal lovers. If you have readers who aren't quite ready for 144 pages, there's also a Humphrey series for younger readers called Humphrey's Tiny Tales. 

If you're shopping for early chapter book readers, there are lots of great choices here. These are great for kids starting to read chapter books on their own or for families reading chapter books out loud together. 

Diverse Chapter Books

Diversity has been on my mind lately, and that's not going to stop. My staff and I have made it part of our departmental goals to include diverse material in our programming, including our many booktalks to school groups. It has been a challenge finding diverse chapter books to include for our younger patrons, but my staff and I have made a special effort to seek them out. Recently, a writer on Book Riot asked "What do I read to my 3-year-old that isn't just straight white people?" It's a legitimate question and one that I definitely was asking last year as I was starting third grade booktalks for the first time. Over the past year, my staff and I have come up with a list of diverse early chapter books, which I would like to share with you today!

I know there are series and titles that I'm missing and I would LOVE for you to add your suggestions in the comments!!

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look (and sequels). Alvin Ho is sure that he has what it takes to be a hero - he comes from a long line of Chinese farmer-warriors, after all - but first he'll have to conquer his fear of, well, everything.

Calvin Coconut: Trouble Magnet by Graham Salisbury (and sequels). Calvin doesn't go looking for trouble, but somehow trouble always finds him, including a run-in with the school bully on the very first day of fourth grade.

Dog Days by Karen English (The Carver Chronicles series). When Gavin accidentally breaks his sister's snow-globe, he has to earn the money to pay her back by walking dogs.

EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken by Sally Warner (and sequels). When EllRay is getting picked on at school, every way he tries to deal with it gets him in trouble! Can he be good for one whole week to earn a trip to Disneyland?

Emma is on the Air: Big News by Ida Siegal (Emma is On the Air series). When Emma sees a glamorous news reporter on TV, she knows that's what she wants to do. But first, she'll need some news. When a kid finds a worm in his hamburger from the school cafeteria, Emma is right there to report it.

Freddie Ramos Takes Off  by Jacqueline Jules (Zapato Power series). Freddie finds a pair of new shoes delivered to his apartment and when he puts them on he can run super fast. Will his new power help him be a hero like his dad?

Katie Woo series by Fran Manushkin. Katie has adventures with her friends in the many books in this series.

Keena Ford and the Second Grade Mixup by Melissa Thomson (and sequels). Keena Ford always seems to be finding trouble, even though she's never looking for it. When a birthday mixup happens in her new second grade class, can Keena make things right?

Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same by Grace Lin (and sequels). Ling and Ting are twins and they share a lot of things in common, but they are NOT exactly the same!

Little Rhino: My New Team by Ryan Howard and Krystle Howard (Little Rhino series). Little Rhino is so excited to join his first baseball team, but will a team bully ruin it for him?

Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay (and sequels). Everyone can tell you that Lulu LOVES animals, but her teacher does not. When Lulu rescues an abandoned duck egg from the park, she's worried that it might choose to hatch in the middle of class, getting Lulu into BIG TROUBLE.

Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes (and sequels). Dyamonde Daniel is the new kid at school and she really wants to make a best friend. But the only other kid who doesn't already have a best friend happens to be the grumpiest person Dyamonde has ever met.

Sofia Martinez: Picture Perfect by Jacqueline Jules (Sofia Martinez series). Sofia is sick of blending in with her two older sisters. What can she do to make herself stand out? This very beginning chapter book series includes some Spanish words, which are defined in the back of the book.

The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng (and sequels). Anna Wang is having a hard year. Her friends are suddenly friends with a kind of mean kid in their class and most of the time Anna would rather read her new library book than hang out with them.

The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin (and sequels). The Year of the Dog is a good year for finding yourself, and that is exactly what Pacy Lin sets out to do. But where to start?

This list is a start, but I would love to hear what other diverse chapter books you would suggest. Please leave titles and series in the comments!