Fun Easy Reader Chapter Books

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Do you have an emerging reader who wants to try chapter books? Today we are sharing two new easy reader chapter books that will entertain the new readers. The first is Penelope Positano Sees It All by Katie Cotugno and illustrated by Amy Jindra Hodgson. It is recommended for ages 6 to 9. 

About the Book:

From bestselling author Katie Cotugno and illustrator Amy Jindra Hodgson comes a charming new chapter-book series about a plucky seven-year-old who can see things other people miss, perfect for fans of Ivy & Bean

For two hours every day, seven-year-old Penelope Positano wears an eye patch. Her eye muscles don’t quite match, and wearing the patch on her strong eye helps her less-strong eye catch up. And whenever she wears her eye patch, Penelope notices things that other people overlook.

The Positanos are getting a dog, and it’s Penelope’s job to find the perfect pup for her family. Her mom thinks they should pick the most obedient dog, and her dad wants the dog that likes his music the best, but Penelope’s not sure. Her best friend Gus said she would know which dog was meant to be hers, but the more Penelope looks, the more she worries that her dog isn’t out there.

It’s only with the encouragement of her grandma—and the help of her trusty eye patch—that Penelope realizes the perfect dog might be closer than she thinks.

From Me:

Penelope wants a dog and when her parents finally decide to let her adopt one she worries about finding the right dog. People keeping telling her she will know the right dog when she meets him/her. Her mother wants her to get an obedient dog and her father wants one that enjoys his music. The first two trips to the shelter leave Penelope empty handed and discouraged. When her grandmother takes her to the shelter while Penelope is wearing her eye patch, Penelope takes another look at a dog she dismissed the past two times and realizes he is her dog.

I love the fact that Wedgehead, Penelope's dog, scared her during her first visit. (See sample page above.) The second visit was slightly better but he really didn't like her father's trumpet music. When her grandmother brings her with no expectations on the dog Penelope is able to look at Wedgehead in a new way both with her patch on and without the pressure of other people's ideas of what the dog should be. She discovers that Wedgehead is perfect for her and really enjoys him. The family also learns quickly to love him. It is a fun book and perfect for readers who want a little more to read than a picture book but are not ready for middle grade books yet!

Our next book is a magical book about friendship. It is actually an early reader graphic novel. The book is Once Upon a Tail by Audrey Perrott and illustrated by Charlene Chua. It is also recommended for ages 6 to 9. It is the first book in the Once Upon a Tail Series.

About the Book:

Full of heart and humor, this early reader graphic novel series stars two best friends in a fantastical medieval setting, perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly and Peter & Ernesto

Wallace is a knightly horse who loves rules. Poppy is a free-spirit dragon who loves adventure.

These two unlikely pals disagree on most everything—but still manage to have a lot of fun-filled shenanigans together in the Land of La-Dee-Dah.

Told in three short and silly stories with subtle social-emotional themes, this young graphic novel follows the everyday adventures of two best buds as they step out of their comfort zones, discover hidden powers, and eat a LOT of banana pudding. With a high-interest fantasy setting, accessible reading level, and kid-perfect humor, this series is designed for emerging and reluctant readers alike.

From Me:

These sweet book has two unlikely friends who have a lot of fun together. They question some of the stereotypes that there are about dragons and horses. They look for their own superpowers to be superheroes and want to try new foods. It has a special message for being true to oneself and trying new things. Wallace does not like banana pudding in the end even though it is all Poppy likes to eat. 

Their adventures are full of humor which will have young readers laughing. I also see many reluctant and emerging readers enjoying having a graphic novel to read. The illustrations add to the story and the larger boxes on the pages make it easier to read for the new readers. The animals are entertaining and share some true traits but also some that are just for fun. I also love the question of the norm on different topics and the lists of things that a horse or dragon are supposed to do or eat. They wonder who wrote them and why they have to stick to hem. It is a fun book that will get kids interested in reading!