The one thing I love about winter is that it forces us to be inside a little bit more. I do love sleding, ice skating, and playing in the snow; but I also love curling up with a good book next to the fire. Reading is important to me, and I am so glad that my children also share that passion. I am always on the lookout for great series books for my new and emergent readers.
I have rounded up 5 of my favourite series books for young readers. Have your kids read these? Do you have any that you would add to this list? I will have a few more posts in a couple weeks to include some that I may have missed. (This post contains some affiliate links).
The first book on the list is Gooney Bird by Lois Lowry. 
“Two-time Newbery Medalist Lois Lowry introduces a new girl in class who loves being the center of attention and tells the most entertaining “absolutely true” stories.
There’s never been anyone like Gooney Bird Greene at Watertower Elementary School. What other new kid comes to school wearing pajamas and cowboy boots one day and a polka-dot t-shirt and tutu on another? Gooney Bird has to sit right smack in the middle of the class because she likes to be in the middle of everything. She is the star of story time and keeps her teacher and classmates on the edge of their seats with her “absolutely true” stories. But what about her classmates? Do they have stories good enough to share?”
My kids absolutely loved these books. Even though they are about a girl Lois weaves the story in such a way that makes it enjoyable for children of both genders. Gooney is silly, smart and such a free spirit that all children will enjoy her stories.
This next series is my middle sons favourite. Stink by Megan McDonald chronicles the life of Stink Moody, who is Judy Moody’s little brother.
“In honor of Judy Moody’s younger “bother,” the creators of the award-winning series have put themselves in a very Stink-y mood (Ages 5-8).
Shrink, shrank, shrunk!
Every morning, Judy Moody measures Stink and it’s always the same: three feet, eight inches tall. Stink feels like even the class newt is growing faster than he is. Then, one day, the ruler reads — can it be? — three feet, seven and three quarters inches! Is Stink shrinking? He tries everything to look like he’s growing, but wearing up-and-down stripes and spiking his hair aren’t fooling anyone into thinking he’s taller. If only he could ask James Madison — Stink’s hero, and the shortest person ever to serve as President of the United States.
In Stink’s first solo adventure, his special style comes through loud and strong — enhanced by a series of comic strips, drawn by Stink himself, which are sprinkled throughout the book. From “The Adventures of Stink in SHRINK MONSTER” to “The Adventures of Stink in NEWT IN SHINING ARMOR,” these very funny, homespun sagas reflect the familiar voice of a kid who pictures himself with super powers to deal with the travails of everyday life — including the occasional teasing of a bossy big sister!”
“Lulu can’t understand people who don’t like animals – people like her teacher, Mrs Holiday. When Lulu tries to help Mrs Holiday to find her perfect pet, she is banned from bringing an animal to school ever again! Then Lulu rescues an abandoned duck egg. She’s going to have to take it to school to keep it safe.”
The Lulu series by Hilary McKay are a collection of beautiful stories about a little girl with a quick wit and a gentle heart. These are the kind of stories that you want your kids to read.
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth series by Jane O’Connor is perfect for those kids that loved Fancy Nancy. My oldest son fell in love with Fancy Nancy in preschool and enjoyed the older more grown up version as well.
“Kids who grew up with Jane O’Connor’s Fancy Nancy picture books can spend some quality time with their BFF because Nancy Clancy is now starring in her own chapter books!
Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth is the first in a series of delightful middle-grade mysteries. Sassy Fancy Nancy is now a detective. Told in the third-person narrative, when one of Nancy’s classmate’s most special possessions disappears from school, it’s up to her to save the day. With the help of her friend Bree, she follows the clues to an unexpected source.
Fans of Nancy Drew’s Clue Crew will be happy to see a new Nancy join the ranks of super sleuths.
Robin Preiss Glasser illustrates Nancy’s story with liveliness, wit, and fanciness.
Supports the Common Core State Standards”
Clementine by Sarah Pennypacker is one of my absolute favourites. 
It’s all about a little girl in the third grade who everyone thinks isn’t paying attention. She is paying attention alright, just not to the things people think she should be paying attention to.
This book is so much like my second son that sometimes I think the author snuck into our house and spied on my son – then changed the main character a girl so we wouldn’t get wise. (or ask for royalties).
“Clementine is having not so good of a week.
On Monday she’s sent to the principal’s office for cutting off Margaret’s hair.
Tuesday, Margaret’s mother is mad at her.
Wednesday, she’s sent to the principal again.
Thursday, Margaret stops speaking to her
Friday starts with yucky eggs and gets worse.
And by Saturday, even her mother is mad at her.
Okay, fine. Clementine is having a DISASTROUS week.”
I hope that your kids enjoy these books as much as mine do.
Happy Reading!
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