24 Apr Best Early Reader Book Series for Kids Aged 6–8
Funny and Engaging Early Reader Books to Build Kids’ Vocabulary
Early Reader books—sometimes called Junior Fiction—sit between picture books and more advanced chapter books. Aimed at children aged 6 to 8, these books feature more complex plots, rich vocabulary to support reading growth, and plenty of quirky illustrations to keep young readers engaged.
They differ from graphic novels, which are more like comics with speech bubbles or narration panels. While both formats are great for encouraging reluctant readers, Early Readers typically come in chapter-book format and often form part of a series.
A child’s first Early Reader might have just 150–200 pages, but as their reading skills grow, so does the complexity, eventually reaching 300 to 400 pages with fewer illustrations.
This is a booming area in children’s publishing, with loads of great series designed to help kids fall in love with reading. Most are under $20, making them affordable for parents and carers.
The books listed below are all part of a series (or launching one) and share common traits: madcap storylines, playful illustrations, and clever use of language—all designed to boost confidence and build strong reading habits.
Frog Squad -Bungle in the Jungle (book #2 in the series)
Frog Squad -Sink or Swim (book #3 in the series)
by Kate and Jol Temple, illus. by Shiloh Gordon, pub by Harper Collins p/b RRP $16.99 ages 6+ (142 Pages)
Bling Jollygood (The Fairly Secret Files)
by Nick Bland, pub by Harper Collins p/b RRP $16.99 ages7+ (128 pages)
Fluff the Unstoppable (book #3 in the series)
by Matt Stanton, pub by Harper Collins p/b RRP $16.99 ages7+ (185 pages)
A prolific writer of books for kids, Matt has brought to us The Odds (3 in the series), Funny Kid (13 in the series), Bored (3 in the series) and now Fluff.
The Marvellous Submarine (book #1 in the series)
by Clayton Zane Comber and Connor McCammon, pub by Harper Collins p/b RRP $17.99 ages 7+ (225 pages)
Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science (book #1 in the series)
by Kate McKinnon, pub by Harper Collins p/b RRP $17.99 ages 9+ (240 pages)
The Too-Tall Tales of Alma T. Best- Out of Bounds (book #1 in the series)
by Katherine Collette, pub by Harper Collins p/b RRP $17.99 ages 9+ (331 pages)
Other series you can look for:
~ See Penguin Books and their 10 best series for Early Readers
~ Oopsie Daisy (Ebb and Flo series of books and videos on YouTube Kids)
by Laura Bunting pub. Hardy Grant Children’s, p/b RRP $11.99 ages 4+
~ Class Party (Vol. 1 & 2). A compilation of 10 books (368 pages) from the School of Monsters series of 22 books
by Sally Rippon, pub. Hardy Grant Children’s, p/b RRP $11.99 ages +
~ Real Pigeons (Series of 12; Nickelodeon animated movie)
by Andrew McDonald, illus. Ben Wood, pub. Hardy Grant, p/b $varies, ages 6+
