7 Great Read-Aloud Book Series for Young Children Outgrowing Picture Books

The Magic School Bus chapter book Series, by Anne Capeci and Bruce Degen
The ever-popular Ms. Frizzle leads the way in this chapter book series perfect for introducing kids to longer books and more complex adventures. They are fun to read aloud because there is always something crazy going on to discuss, like when the class flies straight into a tornado or shrinks to the size of germs. Educational and fun, too!

The Junie B. Jones series, by Barbara Park
These are so hilarious and super fun to read aloud. Kids will laugh and laugh at Junie B., and so will you. Perfect for young elementary kids, especially kindergarteners and first graders, these books by Barbara Park are a must-have for bedtime. Everyone falls in love with Junie B.

The Bad Kitty series, by Nick Bruel
Poor Bad Kitty. She always seems to be in a mess. Whether she’s going to the vet, having a birthday party, or getting a bath, young readers will delight in her entertaining misadventures and the illustrations that go along with them. Be sure to pick these up for your kiddos.

The Mercy Watson series, by Kate DiCamillo
What’s not funny about a pig named Mercy whose owners let her eat warm, buttered toast and sleep in their bed? The amusing illustrations pair perfectly with the text, keeping readers engaged and laughing out loud. From dressing up for Halloween to riding in a convertible, Mercy Watson is living her best life.

The Princess in Black series, by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Every kid will love this princess’s mighty girl power as she defeats monsters left and right. After all, there is no rest when the monster alarm rings! This fun chapter book series will capture your young reader’s attention through both the adventures and the illustrations.

The Dog Man series, by Dav Pilkey
The creator of the popular Captain Underpants series brings us the hilarious Dog Man series, in which Dog Man must put up with the pesky Petey the Cat. The illustrations coupled with the zany story lines will hook young readers you are trying to entertain with a read-aloud.

The Magic Treehouse series, by Mary Pope Osborne
Tried and true, the Magic Treehouse series is an ideal next step for kids. It has so many adventurous tales that readers won’t grow tired of hearing about as they ponder just where the magic treehouse will go next. Whether it features pirates, ninjas, and polar bears, or buffaloes, gorillas, and earthquakes, author Mary Pope Osborne can spin an epic yarn for young readers. Your kids will clamor for the next one—and with dozens of books in this series, they’ll be kept busy for quite some time.