Beyond Magic Tree House: Transitional Reading Magic

Skinny, short or beginning chapter books—or as we called them in library school, "transitional chapter books"—are essential to bridging that gap between early readers and the next level. Many of them come in popular and well-loved series like Ivy and Bean and Magic Tree House. However, there are a wealth of these wonderful books published that stand alone. Here are a few my family book club recently enjoyed:

Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe blends horror and humor equally when the Monroe family discovers an unusual rabbit at a screening of Dracula. As Chester the cat tries to prove Bunnicula is a vampire, hijinks ensue and dynamics between family members and pets are explored in a sweetly spooky and simple narrative.

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett endures as a classic children's fantasy. It's amazing how many adventures and animal personalities Gannett manages to sketch out so concisely as she recounts Elmer Elevator's rescue of a dragon from Wild Island. Told in short, engaging anecdotes, the book is also heavily illustrated with charming grease crayon drawings by Ruth Chisman Gannett that will capture young readers' imaginations.

Alvin Ho by Lenore Look: For a skinny chapter book, there is a wealth of great discussion material in Alvin Ho. Selective mutism, bullying and the family dynamics of a Chinese-American boy dealing with anxiety are all handled delicately, and with a heap of humor.