For Fans of Sophie Mouse
When our daughter, Lanie, was gaining confidence as a new reader (ages 6-7), the series that fostered her love for reading was Sophie Mouse by Poppy Green. This series has 20 books (book #21 is coming in June 2024!) and is ideal for new readers. The characters have good attitudes and work together, and the stories are engaging. It's a rare find and is our favorite series on this list!
But if your child, like Lanie, has read the series multiple times, he or she might be looking for something new. The following books or series are similar in reading level to Sophie Mouse. If you're unable to find them at the Amazon links below, my favorite source for gently used books is BetterWorldBooks.com.
Happy reading!
Anne of Green Gables early chapter book series (5 books)
by Kallie George
These books are adaptations of Anne of Green Gables for early readers… and they are gorgeous! They are a perfect introduction to Anne for young readers, and the illustrations are lovely.
Good Dog series (11 books)
by Cam Higgins
For those who enjoy the Sophie Mouse series, this is comparable in text size and length. Bo is a lovable puppy, and the chapters are short, making this a perfect place for beginning readers to start.
Sydney & Taylor series (3 books)
by Jacqueline Davies
This series of three books about good friends—a skunk and a hedgehog—beautifully illustrates wholesome, sweet friendships. It's also full-color throughout, which keeps kids engaged.
Harley
by Star Livingstone
Harley is a young llama who is learning to be a pack animal, but is having a hard time. These are the funny true stories about a very stubborn, spirited llama.
Cobble Street Cousins series (6 books)
by Cynthia Rylant
This series is a bit more challenging to read than other recommendations on this list, but they are so engaging! Three girl cousins are staying with their aunt, and their time together is full of adventure.
The Blue Hill Meadows
by Cynthia Rylant
This is the story of Willie Meadow and his mother, father, and brother who live in peaceful Blue Hill, Virginia. These stories share various events that happen to them through the seasons. It's beautifully, gently written.
Thimbleberry Stories
by Cynthia Rylant
Nigel Chipmunk lives in a cozy little cottage on Thimbleberry Lane, and these are the stories of his adventures. The book feels old-fashioned and has beautiful illustrations throughout.
Kate Shelley & the Midnight Express
by Margaret K. Wetterer
This is based on the true story of a fifteen-year-old girl who bravely rushes into a storm to save the lives of two men and prevent the lives of hundreds of others from being lost. This is part of a series of 28 books of a similar reading level that are all based on historical events. If your child enjoys this one, it would be worth checking out more!
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie
by Peter & Connie Ripp
This is the exciting true story of Abbie Burgess, who in 1856 single-handedly kept the lighthouse lamps lit during a tremendous storm off the coast of Maine.
Calpurnia Tate: Girl Vet (6 book series)
by Jacqueline Davies
This historically-set chapter book series brings turn-of-the-century Texas to life as Callie and her family explore the natural world around them, inspiring the 11-year-old girl to learn about and help the wildlife right in her own backyard.
Lighthouse Family series (4 books)
by Cynthia Rylant
Cynthia Rylant is a master of beginning chapter books, and these stories of talking animals who live by the sea are peaceful and charming.
