Librarians responding to our 2024 Transitional Books Survey had a lot to say about their favorite series. Here's why these standouts appeal to them. 

“Fly Guy” by Tedd Arnold (Scholastic): “It interests boys, is funny, and the nonfiction titles have great pictures and info.”

“Biscuit” by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (HarperCollins): “Everyone loves a good dog story, and the vocab, font size, and supporting illustrations are perfect for beginners.”

“Mercy Watson” by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick): “The series has a “silly, sweet, old-timey nostalgia feel.”

“Yasmin” by Saadia Faruqi and Hatem Aly (Capstone/Picture Window Bks.): “I love the ‘Yasmin’ series. It’s accessible and engaging for a range of ages. Faruqi has books in the young readers and middle grade fic section—readers can grow with a familiar name.”

“Press Start!” by Thomas Flintham (Scholastic): “It looks like a video game so it’s easy to sell.”

“The Princess in Black” by Shannon and Dean Hale, illus. by LeUyen Pham (Candlewick): “This is one of my favorite early chapter series to recommend because it’s fun, it’s full of adventure, and it has all-gender appeal.”

“Bob Books” by Bobby Lynn and John R. Maslen (Scholastic): “A fantastic way to teach kids to read. Very effective and charming.”

“Magic Tree House” by Mary Pope Osborne (PRH): “It’s been around a long time but hasn’t lost its appeal with our readers.”

Nat Geo Kids: “They fly off the shelf just because of the real photos and have exciting titles kids want to read.”

“Dog Man” by Dav Pilkey (Graphix): “An easy-to-read, engaging story with vibrant pictures. They are thick enough to be a status symbol—‘I read this whole thing by myself!’”

“Charlie and Mouse” by Laurel Snyder and Emily Hughes (Chronicle): “Sweet, heartfelt stories about siblings having adventures together; accessible to new readers, but fun for grown-ups. Great art.”

“Elephant & Piggie” by Mo Willems (Disney): “Willems is a comic genius with his illustrations, the font is large, and everyone loves Elephant and Piggie.”

Marlaina Cockcroft is a writer and editor with a passion for children’s books.