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As our kids grow, so do their reading needs—and finding the right books can make all the difference in sparking a love for reading. For families with 1st and 2nd graders, this is such a fun stage: kids are starting to branch out from picture books and explore early chapter books, while still loving sweet, meaningful bedtime stories.
Here are some of our family favorites right now that have been a hit with both our preschooler and our 1st grader:
Rebecca Elliott’s Early Chapter Book Series
Rebecca Elliott has created two wonderful series that are perfect for young readers just starting to get into chapter books. They’re colorful, engaging, and easy to follow, making them an ideal “first step” into independent reading.
- Owl Diaries – This series follows Eva the owl as she writes in her diary about her school adventures, friendships, and everyday challenges. The stories are written in short, diary-style entries with fun illustrations that keep kids turning the pages.
- Unicorn Diaries – If your child loves magical creatures, this series is a must! With gentle humor, colorful artwork, and positive lessons about friendship and kindness, these books are a great confidence booster for new readers.
Our 1st grader loves reading these, and our preschooler enjoys listening in as well—making them a fun choice for siblings to share together.
Link to Owl Diaries Box Set Link to Unicorn Diaries Box Set
Emma Dodd’s Beautiful Bedtime Books
While our oldest is moving into chapter books, we still love winding down the day with meaningful picture books. Emma Dodd is one of our go-to authors because her stories are simple, heartfelt, and carry beautiful messages that encourage love, kindness, and resilience.
A few of our favorites:
- Wish – A gentle story about hopes and dreams for a little one.
- Together – A celebration of spending time with the people you love most.
- Dream Big – A reminder for kids to be brave, bold, and believe in themselves.
- Always – A sweet story about unconditional love.
These books are perfect for preschoolers through early elementary, but honestly, the messages resonate with all ages (including parents!). They’re especially lovely reminders for kids starting a new school year—helping them feel confident, loved, and ready to take on new adventures.
And beyond bedtime, Emma Dodd’s books also make wonderful gifts—they’re especially sweet for a baby shower, welcoming a new baby, or celebrating a 1st birthday.
Link to Wish Link to Together Link to Dream Big
Why We Love These Books
What we love most about these choices is how they meet kids where they are:
- For early readers – Owl Diaries and Unicorn Diaries make reading fun, approachable, and confidence-building.
- For family reading time – Emma Dodd’s books help us slow down, connect, and share positive affirmations at bedtime.
- For gifting – Emma Dodd’s stories are timeless keepsakes that make thoughtful, meaningful gifts.
Together, they’re a great mix of independent reading practice and meaningful family moments.
If you’re looking to build your child’s bookshelf this school year, we can’t recommend these enough!
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