Joy Huebert
Page turners
Children are so excited when they can read on their own. Here are some favourite chapter book series for first and second grades.
Amelia Bedelia, by Peggy Parish – Ever since Amelia Bedelia made her debut almost 30 years ago, young readers have been laughing out loud at the antics of this literal-minded but charming housekeeper.
Poppleton, by Cynthia Rylant – Poppleton is the new pig in town with many hilarious adventures, both friendly and fun.
Princess Posey, by Stephanie Greene – The beguiling princess Posey has humorous adventures with friends and family.
The Critter Club, by Callie Barkley – With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, The Critter Club chapter books are perfect for beginner readers.
Rainbow Fairies, by Daisy Meadows – Meet the Rainbow Fairies in their early reader debut! These seven colourful sisters call Fairyland their home, and they would love to show you around. See the toadstool houses gleaming red and white, the river bubbling bright and blue, and the pink shining fairy palace, floating on the highest hill.
Flat Stanley, by Jeff Brown – Stanley Lambchop is an ordinary boy, until he is flattened by a falling bulletin board. Suddenly, as a two dimensional boy, he solves many crimes and goes on exciting adventures. A flat boy can do almost anything!
Heidi Heckelbeck, by Wanda Coven – Heidi is a second-grade witch who uses her Magic Book of Spells to solve many situations.
Nate the Great, by Marjorie Sharmat – Beginning readers are introduced to the detective mystery genre in these chapter books. Kids can problem-solve with Nate, using logical thinking to solve mysteries.
Stink, The Incredibly Shrinking Kid, by Megan McDonald – In Stink’s first solo adventure, his style comes through loud and strong, enhanced by a series of comic strips, drawn by Stink himself, and sprinkled throughout the book. These funny, homespun sagas reflect the familiar voice of a kid who pictures himself with super powers to deal with the travails of life – including the occasional teasing of a bossy big sister! The pesky little brother in McDonald’s Judy Moody series gets his own book here.
Junie B. Jones, by Barbara Park – Barbara Park’s New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones is a classroom favourite and has been keeping kids laughing – and reading – for more than 20 years.
Joy Huebert is the public services librarian at the Oak Bay branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library. She writes twice a month on book choices for you and adult readers.
