The Mad Mad Mad Treasure Hunt – by McDonald and Reynolds

This is a perfect read for joined brother-sister story time, kids 5-9, anyone who loves pirates and laughter. It is a clever story about Judy and Stink Moody and their treasure hunt on the Ocracoke Island, home of Blackbeard. The story is fun, smart and engaging throughout. It makes a great summer read and now we are off to other Judy Moody and Stink stories !

Best First Chapter Books

Students in first and second grade are eager to start reading chapter books. They had years of picture book readings, and while they still love picture books and benefit greatly from it, children want to make the next step into more “grown up” reading. In every class, there is a couple of children who are for whatever reason at the higher level in reading than the rest of the class and they are the ones reading chapter books without any help. Some children just “break the code” of reading earlier. They learn how to read the words, which does not mean that they know what words mean.

Anyhow, I found that the transition into chapter books is often stressful to children. They have the will to read it, but once they encounter too many unknown and hard to pronounce words, they often give up.

At the same time, a page full of words can be an overwhelming site, which is why “transitional” chapter books make an ideal next reading step. They offer more text than picture books while pictures are still present to compliment the text. Stories are easy to understand and children feel more comfortable to reread them and build reading fluency and reading comprehension.

Here are some great First Chapter Books …

“Cowgirl kate and Cocoa” by Erica Silverman and Betsy Lewin

“Danny and the Dinosaur” by Syd Hoff

“Frog and Toad are Friends” by Arnold Lobel

“Houndsley and Catina” by James Howe

“Henry and Mudge and the Tall Tree House” by Cynthia Rylant

“Nate the Great” by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

“Good Dog, Aggie” by Lori Ries and Frank W. Dormer

Pirates Past Noon- Magic Tree House

Pirates Past Noon- Osborne Magic Tree House Series-

“Pirates Past Noon” is one of the best first chapter books for boys and girls 4-9. Jack and Annie find themselves in the time of Pirates and hidden treasures. It’s an adventure and a sure enjoyment. It’s also an easy read for new readers who are eager to read their own chapter book.

Happy Reading!