If you loved Ivy & Bean, try these...

Moving from beginning readers into longer chapter books is exciting, but finding books that appeal to your child, especially boys, without overwhelming them can be a challenge. Then you find books your child LOVES, but that author just doesn’t keep up with your child’s voracious reading appetite. I’m thinking about the Ivy & Bean series. One can read ten books pretty quickly. Fortunately, we can introduce some equally engaging stories. Unfortunately, they are written for girls, not boys. I don’t understand why publishers seem to think girls read more than boys.

Anyway, if you like Ivy & Bean, then try the following series.

Ling & Ting by Grace Lin. Ling & Ting are identical twins that people think are exactly the same. In each book, the sisters prove they are different. Enjoy Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same and Ling & Ting Share a Birthday.

British author Hilary McKay has created an endearing character in Lulu. A lover of animals, each of the titles – three so far – finds Lulu helping either a duck, dog, or cat find a new home. The black & white illustrations intersperse throughout the book make it a winner for those reading longer stories.

New to our shelves is the series about Heidi Heckelbeck written by Wanda Coven. Heidi has been homeschooled, but goes to public school in second grade. Each book in the series – eight so far – addresses a particular problem that will resonate with young readers. For example, in book one, Heidi Heckelbeck has a Secret; Heidi must learn how to deal with bully, Melanie Maplethorpe.

We have plenty of other suggestions to keep your child interested in
reading.