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
L
Lambton County Library Summer Reading Challenge 2025
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Amelia Bedelia means business
Parish, Herman.
Paper Book
With Amelia Bedelia, anything can happen! Amelia Bedelia wants a new bike--a shiny, fast one just like Suzanne's. Amelia Bedelia's mom says that a bike like that is expensive and will cost an arm and a leg. Amelia Bedelia can't give away one of her arms and one of her legs!...
The animal body book : an insider's guide to the world of animal anatomy
French, Jess.
Paper Book
Join children's author and vet Dr Jess French and explore how animal bodies work, and the amazing things they can do. The Animal Body Book is a friendly introduction to animal anatomy, perfect for any child fascinated by animals or budding veterinarians. With...
Anne arrives : inspired by Anne of Green Gables
George, K.
Paper Book
The charming first book in a new early-reader series, starring the spirited -- and outspoken -- Anne Shirley as she first arrives at Green Gables. Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert need help on their farm, so they've adopted what they hope will be a sturdy, helpful boy. Instead,...
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...
Becoming bionic, and other ways science is making us super
Camlot, Heather.
Paper Book
Take a tour of the science of superpowers and see how science fiction is becoming science fact If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Fly like Shazam? Turn invisible like Violet Parr? Or maybe have the super strength of the Hulk? Believe it or not, many of the extraordinary...
Better together
George, K.
Paper Book
Courage, kindness, and adventure abounds in this charming, illustrated chapter book series about a mouse discovering the true meaning of home.  Spring has come to Fernwood Forest, and the Heartwood Hotel is all a-bustle. With Mr. Heartwood off on vacation, it's...
A boy called Bat
Arnold, Elana K.
Paper Book
The first book in a funny, heartfelt, and irresistible young middle grade series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum. 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...
Science comics. the ultimate thinking machine / The brain
Woollcott, Tory
Paper Book
With Science Comics, you can explore the depths of the ocean, the farthest reaches of space, and everything in between! These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects. In this volume, Fahama has been kidnapped by a mad scientist and his...
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,...
Science comics. engines that move you / Cars
Zettwoch, Dan
Paper Book
In Dan Zettwoch's Science Comics: Cars, you'll learn where cars came from and how they work. When you pop the hood, what are you looking at? How does gasoline--or electric batteries, or even steam--make a car move? Rev up your motor and take look at the combustible history of the...
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, "easy to read" (Booklist) chapter book from the bestselling author of Click, Clack, Moo<...
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...
Coding with Scratch : a step-by-step guide to coding through 20 apps
Basher, Simon.
Paper Book
Written by the founders of Silicon Valley's the CoderSchool, Basher's Coding With Scratch is a really useful step-by-step guide to basic programming that's packed with quirky, colorful characters--from Variable and If/Then to Loop and Function--who will teach you how to make your very own...
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....
Cornbread & Poppy
Cordell, Matthew
Paper Book
An IndieBound Bestseller * An Amazon Best Book of the Year * A 2022 Kirkus Best Children's Book ★ "A rewarding choice for young readers."--Booklist, starred review ★"Cornbread and Poppy are endearing...
Dory Fantasmagory
Hanlon, Abby.
Paper Book
Move over, Junie B. Jones and Ivy & Bean! Here comes a lovably energetic little sister with a BIG personality--and an imagination to match! As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But...
Dragons and marshmallows
Citro, Asia
Paper Book
With magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure -- the brand new series Zoey and Sassafras has something for everyone! Easy-to-read language and illustrations on nearly every page make this series perfect for a wide range of ages. In the first book of this series, Zoey...
Dragons in a bag
Elliott, Zetta.
Paper Book
The dragon's out of the bag in this diverse, young urban fantasy from an award-winning author! When Jaxon is sent to spend the day with a mean old lady his mother calls Ma, he finds out she's not his grandmother--but she is a witch! She needs his help delivering...
Draw with Art for Kids Hub cute & funny foods : 30 step-by-step drawing projects inside!
Jensen, Rob
Paper Book
Join the Art for Kids Hub family in their first-ever book series as they share super-fun, food-themed drawing activities. Draw with Art for Kids Hub: Cute and Funny Foods brings the best of Art for Kids Hub to the printed page! Featuring popular hits from the...
Ellie, engineer
Pearce, Jackson.
Paper Book
"Look out, Junie B. Jones! Ellie the engineer is thinking, making, creating, and showing enthusiasm and brilliance with her creations!" -School Library Connection A charming, hilarious illustrated middle grade about a girl who is an engineer--no, not the kind on a...
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.
Paper Book
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...
Fake snakes and weird wizards
Winkler, Henry
Paper Book
Hank's sister Emily wants Ralph's Reptile Show to perform at her birthday party more than anything, but Ralph is booked solid. So Hank comes up with a plan: he'll disguise himself as a magician called The Westside Wizard and pull a snake from thin air! But when Hank's true identity is revealed...
The Chicken Squad
Cronin, Doreen.
Paper Book
Now an animated series on Disney Junior! They might be chicks, but they sure aren't chicken, and they're on a mission. And on this, their first (mis)adventure "in this delightful spinoff of the J.J. Tully series" (Kirkus Reviews), the Chicken Squad launches a...
The great big paw print
Green, Poppy.
Paper Book
Sophie Mouse discovers a giant paw print in Pine Needle Grove--and follows it right into a bear's den--in the ninth charming book of The Adventures of Sophie Mouse series! While Sophie and her friends are exploring Sassafras Alley, they come across a huge paw print. They have...
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
"DiCamillo effortlessly slips back into the comfortable rhythms of Mercy's world, infusing every chapter with subdued wit, warmth, and heart." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) Yippie-i-oh! Saddle up for the first in a spin-off series starring favorite...
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....
The mini mistake
Glass, Calliope
Paper Book
Sparkleton accidentally shrinks his friends before the big talent show in the third book of this full-color early chapter book series about a wishful unicorn who will do anything to get  wish-granting powers--except his homework. It's a magical mess-up! Sparkleton has a...
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,...
The mystery of the painted fan
Trinh, Linda
Paper Book
The third book in the early chapter book series The Nguyen Kids features the youngest sibling, Jacob, and continues the series' exploration of social justice themes, specifically gender expression and identity, with a supernatural twist. BOOK 3: THE MYSTERY OF THE PAINTED FAN  ...
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 sidekick, Jelly.
Once upon a Tim
Gibbs, Stuart
Paper Book
Join New York Times bestselling author Stuart Gibbs in this first book in a hilarious, highly illustrated new middle grade series about a peasant boy who wants to be a knight, perfect for fans of Max & the Midknights. Tim is just a peasant, but he dreams big. He wants more...
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...
Princess Cora and the crocodile
Schlitz, Laura Amy
Paper Book
A Newbery Medalist and a Caldecott Medalist join forces to give an overscheduled princess a day off -- and a deliciously wicked crocodile a day on. Princess Cora is sick of boring lessons. She's sick of running in circles around the dungeon gym. She's sick, sick, sick of...
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...
Salma makes a home
Ramadan, Danny
Paper Book
Charming, creative Salma takes on big feelings with even bigger ideas as she navigates life in a new country, Syrian identity, family changes and new friendships in this engaging and heartfelt early chapter book series. After a year, eleven months, and six days apart, Salma's dad is...
The school is alive!
Chabert, Jack.
Paper Book
Eerie Elementary is one scary school!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence...
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,...
Shooting stars
Sylvester, Kevin.
Paper Book
A very special group of kids must save the world with -- what else? -- HOCKEY! Meet six kids a lot like you. Except . . . . . . Benny, Jenny, Karl, Starlight, DJ and Mo got zapped in an evil plot gone wrong -- and became the super-est team the world has ever seen. Lucky thing...
The skull : a Tyrolean folktale
Klassen, Jon.
Paper Book
A Governor General's Literary Award Finalist A #1 New York Times bestseller! Caldecott Medalist and New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Jon Klassen delivers a deliciously macabre treat for folktale fans. Jon Klassen's signature wry...
Skunk and Badger
Timberlake, Amy.
Paper Book
The first title in a warm and witty illustrated chapter-book series from Newbery Honor-winner Amy Timberlake and superstar illustrator Jon Klassen, about a pair of unlikely animal friends Analytical and set in his ways, Badger is taken aback when jolly, easygoing Skunk rings the doorbell...
Snap of the super-goop
Cummings, Troy.
Paper Book
The latest book in this best-selling series is filled with eye-popping twists and turns!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...
Stealing the sword!
Mass, Wendy
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling author Wendy Mass's action-packed early chapter book series is perfect for newly independent readers!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...
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.
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis tackles the historic grizzly bear attacks in Glacier National Park in this latest installment of the groundbreaking I Survived series. No grizzly has ever killed a human in Glacier before . . . until tonight. Eleven-year-old Melody...
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...
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...
Waylon! : one awesome thing
Pennypacker, Sara
Paper Book
From the creators of the New York Times bestselling series Clementine comes another chapter book collection that will keep readers engaged and laughing until the very last page. Waylon has lots of ideas for making life more awesome...
Why? Weather : Brilliant Answers to Baffling Questions
DK.
Paper Book
This exciting reference book uncovers everything you need to know about weather in an engaging question-and-answer format. Explore the intriguing answers to more than 200 questions about weather and learn all about the real-time impacts of the climate crisis in this absorbing...
Willa the wisp
Auxier, Jonathan.
Paper Book
The first book in a magical chapter-book adventure series by the Governor General Award-winning author of Sweep. Auggie Pound is eight years old and has the greatest job of all time: he cares for all the animals in the Fabled Stables. The Fabled Stables house the rarest...

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