I think long after my kids are grown, I’ll still have a soft spot for beginning chapter books. They’re so full of magic and pure joy. I have many more I could recommend, but I think these seven are the perfect ones to start with. I’ll put a (RA) next to books I think would be best as read-alouds and an (I) for books that could be read independently. Some will be both!

(RA) Mr. Popper’s Penguins: Is it even a read-alound list if this doesn’t make the cut? An oldie-but-goodie. Some of the language in this book is a bit dated, so it’s best to read this aloud in order to explain some of the context. The gist is that a man who loves the Antarctic is shipped a penguin and adventure ensues.

(RA) The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Such a heartfelt story, if you haven’t read this one yet, please try it out! It’s perfect to start at the beginning of December, and a quick read. I think it’s best to read aloud so you can talk through some of the underlying subjects (bullying, poverty, Christianity). A small town is holding a Christmas pageant and the town outcasts/bullies/family of children decide to participate and take it over.

(RA or I) Heidi: Not only is this considered classic literature, it’s just a good story. It held up with my kids and they begged to hear more each day at breakfast. It follows the story of a girl in the Swiss Alps who is sent to live with her grandfather. It’s very sweet and cozy.

(RA or I) Little House in the Big Woods: This will never not be a comfort read for me. Laura feels like a friend I’ve known all my life, and the historical benefit of this book and series is invaluable. If you don’t know, its the true story of a girl living in the latter part of the 1800’s in a log cabin with her loving family.

(RA or I)The Boxcar Children: If you have sensitive kids, it might be best to read this one aloud so you can talk about what it means to be an orphan, homelessness, and responsibility. It’s worth reading and has such a happy ending. This book tells the story of four siblings who are orphaned and homeless. They find an abandoned boxcar in the woods and make a home.

(RA or I)The Heartwood Hotel: This would be a great independent read, but I so enjoyed reading it aloud to my kids. It’s part of a four-book series and follows a mouse named Mona who becomes the maid to a big tree-hotel for all kinds of animals. The found family aspect of this story is incredibly touching.

(I) The Sophie Mouse book series: There are something like twenty books in this series, and they’re best for beginning readers. They follow a small mouse named Sophie, who is kind and thoughtful and has small, low-stakes adventures.