Once my kids have mastered learning to read simple books on their own, jumping into beginning chapter books feels like such an accomplishment for them. They think it is so cool to say, “Mom, I just read two chapters!” or “Wow, this book has twelve chapters in it!” Never mind that the chapters might be three pages long with large print. Reading “chapter books” is a really big deal for kids and a wonderful way to transition them toward bigger chapter books.
Didn’t know how many knew, but you can read Ramona and Beezus free on beaverlycleary.com
Good start to the series if your kids haven’t read them yet :)
Most every library has multiple copies of Beverly Cleary books, too.
Great list, Laura. So, I have a question… How do you encourage your kids to read even BIGGER chapter books after they’ve mastered these early readers? My daughter was doing really well during 1st grade, reading the ‘How to Train your Dragon’ books and even Harry Potter but now she refuses to read even some of the smaller chapter books. It’s not that she can’t, she just won’t. I guess she burned herself out, but I’m not sure what to do other than let her read what she wants so that reading is still fun and not “work” in her mind. Any suggestions?
My wife would be very interested in reading this article. I’ll share it with her!
I LOVED Beverly Cleary’s books. I read nearly everything that she wrote….love it!
I took my top three kiddos to see the Beezus and Ramona movie and it was AWESOME!!!! I am NOT a movie person but I truly enjoyed every second of Beezus and Ramona :)
Loved your article. We are finishing “A Hundred Dresses” this weekend and I needed a suggestion on what to read next. Thanks for the ideas :)