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...
The busy tree
Ward, Jennifer
Paper Book
Spectacular illustrations rendered in oil paint, and a rhyming text that describes a tree's activities from its roots to its branches, introduce young readers to the amazing activities that go on in a tree. Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web,...
The case of the weird blue chicken
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...
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...
Eve of the Emperor penguin
Osborne, Mary Pope.
Paper Book
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 penguins know for sure...Jack and Annie are about to find out! Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid...
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,...
Flying cars : the true story
Paper Book
Set imaginations soaring with the only book for young readers that explores the history--and potential future--of cars that can fly!   As soon as there were planes and automobiles, visionary engineers and inventors did their best to combine the two to create flying cars....
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,...
Lost treasure of the emerald eye
Stilton, Geronimo.
Paper Book
Re-enter the world of Geronimo Stilton, where another funny adventure is always right around the corner. Each book is a fast-paced adventure with lively art and a unique format kids 7-10 will loveWho Is Geronimo Stilton?That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure....
Marion takes a break
Barkley, Callie.
Paper Book
When an injury slows her down, Marion counts on The Critter Club to help her realize what's most important. From violin lessons to training for an upcoming horse competition, Marion is scheduled to the max. Even though she always makes time for her duties at The Critter Club, she...
Rain forest relay
Earhart, Kristin.
Paper Book
On a once-in-a-lifetime race through the animal kingdom, it takes smarts, strength, and skill to win!When Russell entered the race, he knew it was going to be a wild ride. Especially the first race course! He'd been studying up on the Amazon's animals and culture forever. But nothing could...
Rescue on the Oregon Trail
Messner, Kate.
Paper Book
Meet Ranger! He's a time-traveling golden retriever who has a nose for trouble . . . and always saves the day!Ranger has been trained as a search-and-rescue dog, but can't officially pass the test because he's always getting distracted by squirrels during exercises. One day, he finds a mysterious...
Ricky Ricotta's mighty robot
Pilkey, Dav
Paper Book
From Dav Pilkey, the worldwide bestselling author-illustrator of Dog Man, and award-winning illustrator Dan Santat comes an out-of-this-world friendship adventure in full color! Meet Ricky Ricotta, a little mouse with a big problem! Ricky Ricotta lives in Squeakyville with his mom...
The trouble with chickens : a J.J. Tully mystery
Cronin, Doreen.
Paper Book
From the bestselling, award-winning author-illustrator team of Doreen Cronin and Kevin Cornell comes the first book in a heavily illustrated, hilarious chapter book series about the adventures of a dog detective. Perfect for fans of Sara Pennypacker's Clementine series and Jarrett J. Krosoczka's...
Wow, Canada! : exploring this land from coast to coast to coast
Bowers, Vivien
Paper Book
What could be more fun than a cross-country car trip with your parents and your younger sister? Twelve-year-old Guy can think of lots of things, but even he's won over with this adventure. His family's surprise-filled travels take them from one end of Canada to the other, even up to Nunavut, the...

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