Easy and Early Chapter Books
Each year Evanston Public Library decides on the 101 Great Books for Kids. This list is ideal for new readers of every level. Choose from friendship tales, a mystery, a camping tale, and more!
27. Ava Lin, Best Friend! by Vicky Fang
It’s the first day of first grade and Ava Lin is determined to get herself a best friend for the very first time. Small stories about a girl with a big personality in a very funny package. Call Number: JChapter Fang.V
28. Bat, Cat & Rat: The Cozy Home / Vacation by Ame Dyckman and Mark Teague
Bat, Cat & Rat all decide to move into a cozy house together. But can three such different animals get along? Funny stories of jokes, jobs, and vacations. Call Number: JBegin Dyckm.A
29. Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer, ill. Steve McCarthy
Every little banshee (or bansheenie) connects itself to a human so that it can warn it when it’ll die. But when Beanie fails to connect to her girl, she finds herself in the role of protector. A sweet, strange Irish tale. Call Number: JChapter Colfe.E
30. The Best Worst Camp Out Ever by Joe Cepeda
A cacophony of calamities almost ruins an ideal camping trip for father and son. Perfect for fans (and foes) of camping everywhere! Call Number: JEasy Ceped.J
31. John the Skeleton by Triinu, ill. Marja-Liisa Plats, translated by Adam Cullen
Most skeletons don’t get a chance to retire after being on display in classrooms, but John’s a special case. Small, sweet stories about the people who adopt him and how he touches their lives. Call Number: JChapter Laan.T
32. Lone Wolf Goes to School by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
Chronically grumpy Wolf would rather go to the movies, beach, or mountains by himself but doggone humans ALWAYS want to be friends with him! The solution? It’s not what you may think. Call Number: JEasy Thoma.K
33. Loose Threads by Isol, translated by Lawrence Schimel
When Leilah decides to sew up the holes in her world single-handedly, she has no idea of the consequences of her actions. A beautifully illustrated combination of needlework and hand-drawn characters. Call Number: JEasy Isol
34. Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary by Jean-Luc Fromental & Joëlle Jolivet, translated by Jill Phythian
Miss Cat is desperate for her next case, so when a sad man comes in looking for his kidnapped canary, she’s willing to look into it. But is there more to this feathered fiend than meets the eye? Call Number: JChapter Frome.J
35. A New Car for Pickle by Sylvie Kantorivitz
Oh no! Pickle was just about to go to Clover Farm to get some delicious strawberries and cream when his car broke down. Will he find the perfect replacement? Call Number: JEasy Kanto.S
Find the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.
Committee Members: Patrizia Alm, Karina Andrus, Stephen Barnes, Betsy Bird, Lisa Dallas, Kyria Dickerson, Betsy Haberl, Jessica Iverson, Kennedy Joseph, Taylor Keahey, Leigh Kennelly, Martha Meyer, Jeny Mills, Olivia Mo, Katrina Moravec, Bill Ohms, Bridget Petrites, Julie Rand, Jennifer Shreve, Robin Sindelar, Elizabeth English Steimle, Kasandra Trejo, Lulu Tripp, Michael Warren, and Brian Wilson