#Road2Reading Challenge: A Look at Some New Chapter Books

All journeys have a starting place.
This is a weekly place to find books and tools
that you may use with readers at the start of their reading journey.
Join in the conversation at #road2reading
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When Michele Knott and I decided to do the #Road2Reading Challenge, we were thinking of posting at least 3 times a month. Somehow we managed to make it through 4 weeks, and pushing onto a 5th weeks since January was generous and gave us a 5th Tuesday. We decided to both post some of the transitional chapter books that we were reading. 

Today, I decided to include four titles that will appeal to advanced readers in kindergarten up to about 8 year or 9 years old. 

Agnes and Clarabelle
by Adele Griffin & Courtney Sheinmel; Illustrated by Sara Palacios
Bloomsbury, January 17, 2017
Ages: 5 to 7

In this new series by Adele Griffin and Courtney Sheinmel, young readers will venture into a sweet story of friendship reminiscent of Frog & Toad.  Four stories collected together as separate chapters tell about common events like surprise birthday parties, new sneakers, pizza and beach days. 

Stinky Spike The Pirate Dog
by Peter Meisel; Illustrated by Paul Meisel
Bloomsbury, March 14, 2017
Ages: 5 to 7

Stinky Spike is the first book in another new early chapter book series published by Bloomsbury. With three chapters, larger print, and full color illustrations, young readers are taken along on an adventure with Stinky Spike The Pirate Dog. Unlike Agnes and Clarabelle, Stinky Spike's story is carried throughout the 3 chapters. 

Ugly Cat & Pablo
by Isabel Quintero; Illustrated by Tom Knight
Scholastic, April 25, 2017
Ages: 7 to 9

For the next level of reader, Isabel Quintero introduces children to Ugly Cat and his friend Pablo. In the advanced copy, the illustrations in the book are in grayscale and I don't believe this will change between now and the finished version in April. With ten chapters, and more complex storyline and even bilingual phrases and sentences, makes this book about an unusual friendship between a cat and a mouse the right book for students moving beyond simple early chapter books.

The Two and Only Kelly Twins
by Johanna Hurwitz: Illustrated by Tuesday Mourning
Candlewick Press (2013)
Ages: 6 to 8

The Two and Only Kelly Twins is not a new release. In fact, it was released about 4 years ago. However, the second book in this series featuring identical twin girls comes out in April. The original book has 6 chapters and would be a good transition book (based on reading levels not interest levels) between a series like Stinky Spike and Ugly Cat & Pedro

Double or Nothing With the Two and Only Kelly Twins by Johanna Hurwitz and illustrated by Tuesday Mourning is the follow-up book and releases in April 25, 2017. I will be doing a review of the new book the week of April 10th. If you would like to enter a giveaway for a copy of the new book, check out GoodReads here

As each of these books release in the next few months, look for them at your local indie bookstore.

So, what new or old early chapter book series do you like?

Don't forget to link up your reviews if you are joining in with the #Road2Reading Challenge: