10 Fantastic Early Readers and Chapter Books for Emerging Reads

by SLJ Reviews
Jan 06, 2026 | Filed in News & Features

With the latest offerings from Kate DiCamillo, Atinuke, and Cynthia Rylant, humor abounds in these transitional books.

ATINUKE. You’re Amazing, Anna Hibiscus! illus. by Lauren Tobia. Candlewick.

BARROWS, Annie. Stella & Marigold: Mermaids and Mix-Ups. illus. by Sophie Blackall. Chronicle.

BEATY, Andrea. Billie Jean Peet, Athlete. illus. by David Roberts. Abrams.

DICAMILLO, Kate. Lost Evangeline. illus. by Sophie Blackall. Candlewick.

LYONS, Kelly Starling. Ty’s Travels: Super Ty! illus. by Niña Mata. HarperCollins.

REYNOLDS, Aaron. Troubling Tonsils! illus. by Peter Brown. S. & S.

RYLANT, Cynthia. Hornbeam By and Large. illus. by Arthur Howard. S. & S./Beach Lane.

RYLANT, Cynthia. Owlets and Tarts. illus. by Janna Mattia. S. & S./Simon Spotlight.

SKENE, Pat Lamondin. One Beaded Earring. illus. by Natalie Laurin. Orca.

THOMAS, Kiah. Lone Wolf on Vacation. illus. by K-Fai Steele. Holiday House/Neal Porter.

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