Chapter books before they can read them?

Okay, confession time: I’ve worked in the children’s book industry for over 20 years and have been teaching for over 15, yet somehow this idea never occurred to me until my nephew’s first grade teacher suggested it. Ready for the big reveal?

Read chapter books to kids before they’re actually able to read them themselves.

That’s it. That’s the hack. And it is magical.

My sister started reading chapter books (and sometimes playing chapter audiobooks) to my nephew, who’s still very much a beginning reader. And suddenly? He is ALL IN. He loves following characters across days of reading, he loves the “what’s going to happen next?” anticipation, and he loves the idea that books can take him on a big journey instead of wrapping up neatly every few minutes.

It makes so much sense, doesn’t it? We hype up kids for sports before they can play in a league. We let them bang around on pianos long before they can read music. Why wouldn’t we give them a taste of chapter books before they’re able to tackle the words on their own? It’s not about rushing their reading level—it’s about opening the door early and letting them peek inside at what’s waiting.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few crowd-pleasing read-aloud chapter books that work beautifully for younger listeners:

• Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo (hilarious pig antics + buttered toast)

• The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne (short, adventurous, and time-travel-y)

• Zoey and Sassafras series by Asia Citro (science + magic + adorable cat = perfect combo)

• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (sweet, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. We've also got a free novel study of this available, if you're interested!)

Or grab a fun audiobook and let someone else do the dramatic voices!

I’m honestly kicking myself that I didn’t think of this sooner—but I’m extra glad I get to share it with you.

Here’s to chapter-book adventures—no matter your age or reading level!