Beginner Chapter Books (Grade 3 - 4)

Kids that are beginning to more confidently read longer books on their own are more likely to read a book if they choose the book themselves. This list of books has a wide variety of topics to engage any reader. Fiction or non-fiction, graphic novels or traditional books are all great ways for kids to read, so let them choose their own their own this summer whether from this list or from the shelf.

Updated May 29, 2025
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Lambton County Library Summer Reading Challenge 2025
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Amelia Bedelia means business
Parish, Herman.
Paper Book
Amelia Bedelia makes her chapter book debut! In Amelia Bedelia Means Business, a New York Times bestseller and the first book in the new chapter book series, young Amelia Bedelia will do almost anything for a shiny new bicycle.  Amelia Bedelia's parents say...
Bad Kitty meets the baby
Bruel, Nick.
Paper Book
Kitty's owners are home with a big surprise for Kitty. But what is it? Kitty, reeling in horror, thinks it's a . . . dog. The neighbor cats are convinced it's a cat. But we all know that it's really a BABY! With Nick Bruel's trademark mix of antic humor (this time involving a Kitty...
A boy called Bat
Arnold, Elana K.
Paper Book
For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life tends to be full of surprises--some of them good, some not so good. Today, though, is a good-surprise day. Bat's mom, a veterinarian, has brought home a stray baby skunk, which she needs to take care of until she can hand him over to a...
The case of the weird blue chicken : the next misadventure
Cronin, Doreen.
Paper Book
Now an animated series on Disney Junior! The Chicken Squad is back for their second (mis)adventure, and this time they're solving the mystery of a kidnapped...HOUSE? A hilarious chapter book from the bestselling author of Click, Clack, Moo and The Trouble with...
Clementine
Pennypacker, Sara
Paper Book
This delightful New York Times bestselling chapter book series, from the award-winning author of Pax, is a modern classic that has been keeping readers engaged and laughing as they follow the hijinks of Clementine, a clever and quirky third grader...
The complete cookbook for young chefs
Paper Book
The #1 New York Times Best Seller and IACP Award Winner! Want to bake the most-awesome-ever cupcakes? Or surprise your family with breakfast tacos on Sunday morning? Looking for a quick snack after school? Or maybe something special for a sleepover? It's all here. Learn...
Dory Fantasmagory
Hanlon, Abby.
Paper Book
NATIONAL BESTSELLER * In the start of this bestselling, laugh-out-loud chapter book series, an imaginative little rascal with a big personality attempts to win over her siblings the only way she knows how. Perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Ivy & Bean! "Some...
Dragons and marshmallows
Lindsay, Marion.
Paper Book
A New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2017 Selection. A Mighty Girl Book of the Year. Illinois Monarch Award Nominee 2018-2019. Florida SSYRA Book Award Nominee 2018-2019. Washington OTTER Award Nominee 2018-2019. With magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure -- the brand new series...
The epic guide to Dragon Masters
West, Tracey
Paper Book
Calling all Dragon Masters! This is the guidebook that no Dragon Master should be without -- featuring full-color artwork on every page!Kids love reading all about the Dragon Masters' adventures in Tracey West's New York Times bestselling Dragon Masters early chapter book series. Now...
Eve of the Emperor penguin
Osborne, Mary Pope.
Ebook
The #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system! Jack and Annie arrive on the one continent they haven't visited before: Antarctica! What can they hope to learn about happiness in such a barren place? Only...
The first misadventure
Cronin, Doreen.
Paper Book
Now an animated series on Disney Junior! They're darling. They're daring. They know their shapes! They're chicks on a mission--and on this, their first (mis)adventure, the Chicken Squad launches a galactic backyard expedition. Meet the Chicken Squad: Dirt,...
How Technology Works : From Monster Trucks to Mars Rovers
DK.
Paper Book
Get inside the machinery of the modern world and understand the science that makes it all work with this all-in-one encyclopedia. Make technology fun, fascinating, and accessible with this inspiring guide for children aged 9+ that explains the machinery of everyday life. ...
Leroy Ninker saddles up
DiCamillo, Kate.
Paper Book
Yippie-i-oh! Saddle up for the first in a spin-off series starring favorite characters from Kate DiCamillo's New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books. Leroy Ninker has a hat, a lasso, and boots. What he doesn't have is a horse -- until he meets Maybelline,...
My book of horses and ponies
Maxwell, Abi.
Paper Book
An exciting first guide to the magnificent world of horses. Learn all about horses, from how to care for them to how to ride one, in this informative children's guide to horse and pony care. Covering favorite breeds, from Shire horse to Shetland pony, what kit to use,...
Narwhal : unicorn of the sea
Clanton, Ben
Paper Book
"The most lovable duo since Frog and Toad." --Dav Pilkey, bestselling creator of Dog Man and Captain Underpants The funny and adorable New York Times bestselling kids graphic novel series starring happy-go-lucky, waffle-loving Narwhal and somewhat cynical...
Plagues and pandemics
Messner, Kate.
Paper Book
Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about history's pandemics, from the Black Death to COVID-19. Perfect for fans of I Survived! and Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales. During the Black Death in the 14th century, plague doctors wore creepy beaked masks filled...
The shadow returns
Charman, Katrina.
Paper Book
Tag's greatest enemy has returned to Perodia! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page,...
The skull : a Tyrolean folktale
Klassen, Jon.
Audiobook
The story of Diva and Flea
Willems, Mo.
Paper Book
Diva, a small yet brave dog, and Flea, a curious streetwise cat, develop an unexpected friendship in this unforgettable tale of discovery. For as long as she could remember, Diva lived at 11 avenue Le Play in Paris, France. For as long as he could remember, Flea also lived in Paris,...
I survived the attack of the grizzlies, 1967
Tarshis, Lauren.
Ebook
Tater tales. 2, The king of the world!
Clanton, Ben
Paper Book
A mutant potato learns that with great power comes great re-spud-sibility in this second installment of the hilariously silly graphic chapter book series from the bestselling creator of the Narwhal and Jelly books. Rot is ready for another adventure and this time he's going...
Willa the wisp
Auxier, Jonathan.
Paper Book
The Fabled Stables are home to oneofakind creatures. Creatures like the Gargantula, the Yawning Abyss, the Bizzybees, and Auggie. Auggie is the only human boy on the island, and he takes care of all the other creatures. Sometimes, the Stables make space for new arrivals. When this happens,...

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