It’s finally happened. The moment I’ve been dreaming of since I became a mom. The moment when my daughter would become a lover of stories, when she would choose to pick up a book without prompting and having to read just “one more page”.
Our 8-year-old has become a full-on bookworm this year. She devours chapter books, graphic novels, and anything with dragons, magic, or clever animal characters. Her bookshelf is overflowing, and honestly, I love it.
These are her top book series recommendations. Books she’s read again and again, laughed out loud at, and begged to borrow from the library. I’ve included a space for her own words about what she loved most in each one (because who better to review them than the reader herself?).
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The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
A hilarious graphic novel series where a crew of “bad guys” (a wolf, a shark, a snake, and a piranha) decide to become heroes and it doesn’t always go as planned. It’s full of action and silliness. Perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who loves a fast, funny story. Plus, it’s great for kids who enjoyed the movies!
Why she loved it:
“It’s super funny!”
Wind Riders by Jen Marlin
Adventure, travel, and a magical sailboat that can go anywhere? What’s not to love! This beautifully illustrated early chapter series follows Max and Sofia as they journey to new places and help animals along the way.
Why she loved it:
“There are cool creatures and they help animals.”
Dragon Masters by Tracey West
A perfect early fantasy series for kids ready to move beyond beginner readers. Each book introduces a new dragon, a new master, and a new bit of magic. There are 30 books currently in the series so this one will keep them busy for a while.
Why she loved it:
“The dragons are cool and they different powers and stuff. “
Magic Tree House (Original + Graphic Novels) by Mary Pope Osborne
This classic series has stood the test of time for a reason. Two siblings, a magical treehouse, and a trip through time in every book. The new graphic novel versions are great for visual learners or kids who prefer more illustrations. My daughter prefers graphic novels but also has enjoyed the original series.
Why she loved it:
“There’s a bunch of cool creatures and worlds. The dino one is my favourite. “
Little Goddess Girls by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams
Greek mythology meets friendship and fun in this magical early chapter series. It’s set at Mount Olympus Academy, where young goddesses learn lessons about kindness, courage, and teamwork.
Why she loved it:
“There’s a magical kitten that grants wishes!”
Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel
A long-running favorite for kids who like silly humor and mischievous animals. Bad Kitty doesn’t always behave — but she’s always entertaining. The mix of text and illustrations makes it great for new chapter book readers.
Why she loved it:
“Bad Kitty is so funny when they try to give her a bath.”
Narwhal and Jelly by Ben Clanton
Narwhal is the happy-go-lucky dreamer, and Jelly is the skeptical jellyfish. Together they have the cutest underwater adventures and teach gentle lessons about friendship. My 4-year-old also loves these as read-alouds.
Why she loved it:
“They’re also funny. Narwhal gets into mischief in every one. Silly Narwhal.”
Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly by Jordan Quinn
Set in the same world as The Kingdom of Wrenly, this spin-off focuses on dragons and their world. It’s colorful, full of adventure and a great step up from early readers without being too hard.
Why she loved it:
“It’s really good. There’s a curse and they have to stop it.”
Warriors (Graphic Novels) by Erin Hunter
For animal lovers who crave a little more depth and adventure, the Warriors graphic novels are a hit. Wild cats, clans, loyalty, bravery. It’s the perfect blend of fantasy and nature.
Why she loved it:
“There are two clans that are mean to Thunder clan. I like it. It’s about like wars and adventure.”
If your child is between 7 and 9 and starting to crave series with characters they can really connect with, this list is a great place to start. Whether it’s dragons, cats, or narwhals, each of these stories has something special that keeps kids turning pages.
What’s your child reading right now? We’re always looking for new book recommendations!