Of course it is always hard to narrow things down to a few good books—there are so many. We think that these are all wonderful chapter books to read to your children.  A few of them are also fine for older children to read to themselves, but we think they are perfect for sharing.  We wouldn’t want YOU to miss out on a chance to revisit an old favorite or embark a new adventure.

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Mr. Popper’s Penguins, by Richard Atwater.  One day Mr. Popper, a house painter who loves reading about polar explorations, gets a surprise package form Admiral Drake. Pretty soon this one penguin turns into twelve and the Poppers find themselves in the middle of many hilarious adventures.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, by Judy Blume.  This is the first in a very funny series about Peter and his exhasperating younger brother “Fudge.”

No Flying in the House, by Betty Brock. This is one of our favorites from childhood! Kids will be enchanted by the magical adventures of little Arabella Tippens. There are many unusual things about Arabella: she has a tiny talking dog for a guardian, she can kiss her elbow, and she can…..well, you guessed it!.

The Stories Julian Tells, by Ann Cameron  This is a wonderful collection of light, funny  stories about Julian, his younger brother Hughey and their warm, funny family

The Family Under the Bridge, by Natalie Savage Carlson. This is the delightfully warm and enjoyable story of an old Parisian tramp named Armand, who just wanted to live by himself. That is until he meets the children who live under the bridge along the Seine. Soon he has a family that he loves, and one for whom he would have to find a better home.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle, by Beverly Cleary. A reckless young mouse named Ralph makes friends with a boy in room 215 of the Mountain View Inn and discovers the joys of motorcycling! We love all the books by Beverly Cleary. Don’t miss the more realistic, but just as funny adventures of Ramona, Beezus and Henry Huggins as well.

Frindle, by Andrew Clements.  Nicholas is a bright boy who likes to make trouble at school, creatively. He decides to torment his fifth-grade English teacher, Mrs. Granger by getting everyone in the class to replace the word “pen” with “frindle,” and he unleashes pandemonium in his town.

Matilda, by Roald Dahl. Of course we love all the books by Roald Dahl, but have to admit that we are partial to the story of Madilta, who loves to read. Matilda learns to use her untapped mental powers to rid the school of the evil headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, and restore her sweet, understanding teacher, Miss Honey, to financial security.  Don’t forget about James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The Hundred Dresses, by Eleanor Estes. This is a classic about a Polish girl who becomes a target for teasing by her classmates. It is told from the point of view of Maddie, a little girl who is not the ringleader, but gets caught up in the teasing. Through Maddie’s eyes, the reader can see how everyone is affected by the cruelty. It is just as effective today as it was in 1944.

My Father’s Dragon, by Ruth Stiles Gannett. This is the perfect chapter book to read to Kindergartners.  However, any age would love to hear all about the adventures of Elmer Elevator and how he journeys far away to Wild Island to rescue a poor baby dragon.  This is also a good choice for older, independent readers.

The Puppy Sister, by S.E. Hinton.  Nick was really hoping for a sister, not a puppy.  The new puppy is also wishing to be a real girl.  Will each of their dreams come true?

The Trolls, by Polly Horvath.  This is one of our favorite newer books.  Aunt Sally, the Mary Poppins-like relative of the Anderson family, comes to stay with the Anderson children while their parents are away.  The book contains the stories Aunt Sally tells the children about their father and herself when they were little.  She claims that they are all true—even the one about the trolls.  You will have to decide for yourself!

Babe: The Gallant Pig, by Dick King-Smith. Read it even if you’ve seen the movie! It is the story of an engaging pig with impeccable manners that becomes a champion sheepherder. Dick King-Smith is the master of animal and the author of many other wonderful chapter books.

Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, by Betty MacDonald. Mrs. Piggle Wiggle loves children, lives in an upside down house and can cure any child of bad manners and nasty habits. Some of the situations in this series of books are a little dated, but kids never tire of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle’s innovative and funny cures.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of N.I.H.M., by Robert O’Brien. Threatened with the loss of home and family, Mrs. Frisby, a widowed field mouse, finds help from a colony of super-intelligent rat escapees from the NIMH labs (the National Instate of Mental Health), who have formed a unique rat society. This is a fantastic, scientific, suspenseful tale that might be best for older listeners.

Cricket in Times Square, by George Selden. Chester, a musically talented country cricket from Connecticut, is accidentally transported to the 42ndStreet Subway Station. There, he finds shelter in a newsstand and makes friends with Mario, a young boy, Tucker, a streetwise Mouse and Harry the Cat. This is the perfect animal adventure for city children. You can read more about Chester, Harry and Tucker in three sequels.

All of a Kind Family, by Sydney Taylor. This is the first book in a series about this large Jewish family of girls growing up in the Lower East Side just before World War I. The girls get into mischief and have adventures in everyday life. We love the details about everyday life in New York and the rich descriptions of each holiday.

Many Moons, by James Thurber. When pampered Princess Leonore insists that she must have the moon in order to recover from the illness that has incapacitated her, she plunges the court into a frenetic search for a solution. This long picture book could be read in one sitting.

Mary Poppins, by P.L. Travers.  Return to the original for these fun tales about the famous English Nanny who turns everyday events into outrageous adventures.

The Trumpet of the Swan, by E.B. White. If you loved Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little you will love this tale of Louis, a trumpeter swan with no sound. He befriends a little boy and goes off on a journey to find his voice A true classic!

The Little House series, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  We love these classics for their wonderfully detailed descriptions of pioneer life.  Boys and girls alike will like the adventure and humor throughout the books.  Make sure to try Farmer Boy as well, especially for reluctant boys.

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