18 Illustrated Chapter Book Series To Engage Early Readers

by Jennifer Ridgway

Photography by Seana Williamson

As my twins’ literacy and comprehension skills have grown, we’ve searched for ways to keep them engaged with books that are age-appropriate yet slightly more advanced. One of the best options we’ve found for them is early chapter books with full-color illustrations, a format that provides a nice bridge between picture books and chapter books. With a picture on nearly every page, these books feel similar to what little kids are used to seeing in picture books, but their vocabulary is slightly more advanced and their storylines are longer. Here are some great early chapter book series, featuring fun illustrations, that have kept us entertained at home.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2021.