The Best Beginner and Chapter Books of 2020


A list of the best beginner and chapter books for kids.
The Children’s Book Review

We’re so glad you weren’t holding your breath for this list—well, hopefully, you weren’t! With a little more normalcy in life, we’ve found the time to share our list of picks for the best beginner and chapter books of 2020! Yes, that’s right, 2020. There is nothing like catching a new reader’s attention than with an engaging, entertaining, and funny book. If you haven’t already had the chance to read these books, we highly recommend that you do.

You’ll notice some familiar and popular authors and illustrators among the creators. We think you’re going to love this batch of fresh stories perfect for the beginner reader and chapter book lovers.

See the Cat: Book Cover

Written by David LaRochelle

Illustrated by Mike Mohnoutka

Ages: 4-8 | 64 Pages

Publisher: Candlewick | ISBN-13: 9781536204278

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Mindy Kim: Book Cover

Written by Lyla Lee

Illustrated by Dung Ho

Ages: 6-9 | 96 Pages

Publisher: Aladdin | ISBN-13: 9781534440098

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Stella Endicott: Book Cover

Written by Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Ages: 6-9 | 96 Pages

Publisher: Candlewick | ISBN-13: 9781536201802

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Written by Ryan T. Higgins and Mo Willems

Ages: 4-8 | 64 Pages

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children | ISBN-13: 9781368045735

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Planet Omar: Book Cover

Written by Zanib Mian

Illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik

Ages: 7-10 | 224 Pages

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 9780593109212

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Second Dad Summer: Book Cover

Written by Benjamin Klas

Illustrated by Brian Holden

Ages: 7-11 | 224 Pages

Publisher: One Elm Books | ISBN-13: 9781947159242

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For more of the best new beginner chapter books, follow along with our articles tagged with Beginner Readers, Books for Ages 4-8, and Books for Ages 9-12.

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February 3, 2022 at 12:35AM Bianca Schulze