Big Egg

Big Egg by Molly Coxe

This brightly colored, amusing book appeals to beginner readers because of it's fun artwork and witty story. A young one cannot resist helping Hen find a home for the gigantic egg she discovers in her nest. The monosyllabic text builds confidence and encourages the new reader to continue challenging themselves! -Aurora

My Secret Unicorn by Linda Chapman

This series is a somewhat novel twist on the "horsey-girl" genre in that the horse in question becomes a unicorn only his mistress can see. This series is proving to be very popular with our new readers and there isn't much for parents to object to-- don't let the cover throw you off. The books are of a higher quality than they look. -Rhiannon

Kyla May miss.behaves

introducing...an adorable and appealing new character! Written in "journal" form, this cute new series will definitely be a hit with your new reader. If your reader is a fan of "Amelia" or "Katie Kazoo" give this series a try!

Eloise and the Dinosaurs/Eloise's New Bonnet

While I am not a fan of classic childrens' books being turned into small cottage industries, I'm willing to make an exception for these "Eloise" books. The charm of the characters is really captured in this early-reader format and children who are new to learning do find comfort in familiar characters. These books do allow a new reader to experience a loved figure without the frustration of trying to read the picture book. -Rhiannon

Big Apple Barn ("Happy Go Lucky" and "Happy's Big Pan") by Kristen Earheart

This is a cute, new early-reading series that will appeal to that horse-crazy age. Narrated by "Happy", a friendly school horse, the series has shades of "Black Beauty" and might work as a tool to bridge that gap from picture books to full novels as a child's confidence in her reading ability grows. -Rhiannon

Harriet Bean and the League of Cheats

Harriet Bean and the League of Cheats is just one of the the books in the Harriet Bean series written by Alexander McCall Smith. Enter the world of horse racing and investigate the mysterious activites of the League of Cheats with Harriet and her two mind-reading detective aunts, Thessalonika and Japonica. All in all, a very light, fun to read, quirky mystery for those reading early chapter books. -Morrigan

Samantha Cardigan and the Genie's Revenge

Samantha Cardigan is called to the desert to help the Sheik's daughter. With her trusty companion, Rabbit, they devise a plan to get rid of the evil genie, and rescue Zara. Samantha's backpack contains many useful things that will help save Zara. She's a real MacGyver in training.Full of colorful illustrations and speech bubbles, this entry will be of interest to six to eight-year-olds. Part of the Red Banana collection of early chapter books. Xochiquetzal

26 Fairmount Avenue

Tomie dePaola has written and illustrated a series of autobiographical books, starting with 26 Fairmount Avenue. In a warm and funny way, this tells the story of his childhood experiences in Meriden, Connecticut. Growing up in the 1930's, with a large extended family, Tomie's first chapter book describes the building of their new home, and the trials and tribulations associated with that event. A charming look at the life of a talented writer and artist. It was a Newbery Honor book of 2000. Xochiquetzal

The Golly Sisters Go West

Rose and May-May, the Golly Sisters, are good at three things: singing, dancing, and fussing. In the first book of the wacky Golly Sisters series by Betsy Byars, readers are introduced to this comedic, always entertaining pair. Rose and May-May load their covered wagon heading west with their traveling song and dance show. The sisters have an appealing can-do adventurous spirit, willing to try most anything, including dancing with a horse. The story is an example of how to work together even when you don’t always get along. Young readers will surely enjoy this and the other two books in the series, The Golly Sisters Ride Again and Hooray for the Golly Sisters. ~ Califia

A Haunted House in Starvation Lake

Shy, fourth-grader Dawn wants to stay in Starvation Lake. Her parents can't afford to buy a house,but there is a "haunted" one that's been empty for quite some time. Can Dawn and her new friends make this place habitable? Fourth entry in this easy chapter book about the Starvation Lake Elementary School students. A gentle story about a community effort to help a family in need. - Xochiquetzal