We regularly get requests to suggest chapter books suitable for newly independent readers. We know that, once children have the confidence to move from school texts and reading scheme stories to reading for pleasure, there's a golden opportunity to instil a love of reading.

The books in this collection are perfect to get kids hooked on reading. The chapters are short, the stories are bouncy and fun, and every page is illustrated with lively artwork. We have gathered together our favourite recently published chapter books from magical/fantasy stories, tales for animal lovers, exciting, page-turning adventures or books to make them laugh out loud. Many of the titles below are also part of a series which is a great way to get kids into the reading habit, and nurture an enthusiasm for reading. 

Harriet Muncaster's gorgeously packaged stories are a brilliant stepping stone for young readers. Isadora Moon is half vampire, half fairy, and totally lovable - and her adventures now number over twenty. Each fun story is told over short chapters and beautifully illustrated in a black and pink colour scheme. Once young readers have devoured the Isadora Moon series they can move on to Emerald the Mermaid and Mirabelle (half witch, half fairy and very naughty!), both popular characters in Isadora Moon which now have a series of their own. If vampires, fairies and mermaids don't appeal, how about a really cool werewolf? Rudy the young werewolf and his friends, Femi the mummy and Edie the ghost, are sure to win lots of fans amongst young readers. Passionate skateboarders, their adventures are lively and engaging, a cast of supernatural neighbours adding a spookily delicious and distinct flavour. Written by Paul Westmoreland and illustrated by George Ermos, there are now five Rudy books - and counting.

Step into the magical world of Maggie Sparks, a fun and feisty series about a mischievous little witch, written by Steve Smallman. With bitesize chapters providing a satisfying reading experience, plus a bedazzlement of energetic illustrations by Esther Hernando, the Maggie Sparks series is a brilliant bridge between picture books and longer novels. The books move at a good pace for young children, with short, well-paced sentences and lots of DINGS, POPS and YUMS to encourage maximum reading enjoyment!

Holly Webb writes gentle, warm-hearted adventures that young readers absolutely adore. If your young readers love cute kittens and adorable puppies they have 24 books in her Animal Stories series to enjoy. Puppies also feature in the News Hounds, a fabulously entertaining first reader with full-colour illustrations adding to the fun factor. They are also a dream to read aloud, with characterful narration, a lively sense of adventure, and short chapters that’ll leave 5+ year-olds longing for more. You can find further doggy adventures for young readers with Captain Pug.

Adventuremice is the fantastic new series from the dream team of Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre, aimed directly at newly independent young readers. Beautifully produced in full colour, which showcases the brilliantly characterful illustrations and all the detail of the maps and plans and with a small format just suited to smaller hands, it is the perfect package. And it is very funny.

For young readers who prefer a bit of science fiction, The Space Blasters are funny, fast-moving, inventive adventures, and the authors Katie Tsang & Kevin Tsang cleverly weave STEM information into the story too.  

And full of super-lively illustrations and divided into short, action-packed chapters, Marv and the Pool of Peril by Alex Falase-Koya and Paula Bowles is a perfect first reader. Marv's super-hero adventures are great fun, but also share a message of the importance of confidence, self-belief and friendship that will chime with all youngsters.

For further choice, take a look at our collection of Little Gems published by Barrington Stoke, perfectly pitched to 5-8 year old solo readers and written by some of the most talented children's authors today. These books are also suited to 7+ dyslexic readers or those needing a little more support on their reading journey. 

Grab the opportunity whilst they’re keen, and nurture a lifelong love of reading. We have expert reviews for all of the books below and you can download an extract to browse before you buy. With every book purchased at LoveReading, 25% of the cover price will be given to a school of your choice to buy more books - and to share that book love.