These books like Beverly Cleary feature wholesome stories of children engaged in fun without technology, gentle humor, and a matter-of-fact writing style. They are perfect for the same age group that would enjoy books like Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins.
Beverly Cleary's books have a hold on the hearts of many children as well as those of us who grew up with her characters. It's hard to express how much joy I've gotten from her books, both as a kid, and reading her chapter books to my boys. But what if you've read her ouvre and want more books like Cleary's?
Before writing this book list for kids who like Beverly Cleary, I had to double checkhow many of her books I'd read. I'm pleased to say, I've read almost every single one of her books! If that's not the case for you, I know you will want to check out more of her works before getting to the titles on this list!
However, if you do want more books in the vein of the old fashioned fun shared by Henry, Ramona, Beezus, Ribsy, Socks, Maggie, Ellen, Otis, Ralph, Emily... (should I go on?) I know you will enjoy these chapter books, too!
Extra Credit: Did you know that April 12, D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) Day is Beverly Cleary's birthday? D.E.A.R. appeared in the Ramona books and has been inspiring readers ever since!
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The Year of Billy Miller (series) by Kevin Henkes
The Year of Billy Miller is a pitch-perfect account of the year in the life of a second grader.Billy has a stay-at-home dad, school projects that present problems, sibling rivalry–in short, all the typical family and social situations that children must learn to navigate as they grow up. Billy handles it all with aplomb and good humor. There's something very gentle and "old-fashioned" but timeless about this book.
The Enormous Egg by Oliver Butterworth
Both my kids loved this book from the 1950s in which a chicken's egg hatches to reveal a baby triceratops. Nate Twitchell names his new pet Uncle Beazley. Caring for Uncle Beazley is not without its ups and down. The dino can't help but get into trouble until one day its time to take him to the NationalMuseuminWashington,D.C.If you have a child who you think is ready to listen to chapter book and he or she loves dinosaurs, try this charming, funny book on for size.
Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little (series)by Peggy Gifford
Find it: Amazon
We listened to this (and the sequel) on audiobook and my 7 year old spent much of the time laughing, especially during the periodic one word chapters. Moxy is supposed to read Stuart Little for her summer reading assignment, but she spends more time avoiding -- and justifying that avoidance -- than she does reading. Hilarious, and the text edition includes a very cleveruse of photographs to highlight Moxy's creative procrastination skills.
MORE: More hilarity on my list of 100 of the best funny chapter books for kids.
Julian's World (series) by Ann Cameron
When I first brought this book home from the library, Kiddo informed me that his 2nd grade teacher told the class these were some of her favorite books. I haven’t read them allbut I can see why.Imaginative Julian gets into mischief with his tall tales, but fortunately he has a loving, forgiving family.
The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren
These books are often overlooked for the more well known Pippi Longstockingby the same author. The chapters can also function as stand alone stories about a charming group a children and neighbors in Sweden's farmland. You might also it as an alternative to the Little House books.
MORE: Books for kids who like Little House on the Prairie
Clementine (series) by Sara Pennypacker
This is a wonderful book similar to early chapter book series like Ivy + Bean. Clementine is the perfect 21sh century heroine. She's super-spunky and determined to enjoy life despite constantly getting into scrapes. She's been compared to Ramona many times, but I think I like her even better (gasp!).
Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) (series) by Lisa Yee, illustrated by Dan Santat
Bobby Ellis-Chan struggles with the fact that he is not interested in football even though his dad is a retired professional. "The Freezer," as his dad is known, is now a stay-at-home dad and while the siblings have their usual back-and-forths, it is a functional, loving family. Bobby's family is bi-racial and his friends come from diverse backgrounds.
The Penderwicks (series) by Jeanne Birdsall
This series has all the old-school charm of books like Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, with characters as charming as those who live on Klickitat Street. The Penderwicks, a family of four girls and a single dad rent a house for summer vacation near the Arundel estate. They meet a musically talented boy who lives in the "big house" whose mother isn't so sure she approves of his new frieds. nearby. You'd be hard pressed to remember they exist in the same world as cell phones and Wiis.
Ways to Make Sunshine (series) by Renée Watson
Heroine Ryan Hart is absolutely delightful. She is the first one to see the silver lining in any situation, and she always tries to see the best in people. But that doesn't mean everything always goes according to plan. Dad loses his job at the post office and the family has to make some big changes, not to mention her sometimes bossy older brother! A great choice for kids who love contemporary realism.
Dog Diaries: Secret Writings of the WOOF Society by Betsy Byers, Betsy Duffey, and Laurie Myers illustrated by Erik Brooks
Find it: Amazon
This is a wonderful book for kids who like Ribsy by Beverly Cleary. A group of dogs from all over the globe gather together practicetheir doggie storytelling skills. Or if you prefer felines, try the companion book, Cat Diaries: Secret Writings of the MEOW Society.
Betsy-Tacy (series) by Maud Hart Lovelace
Not just for girls! I read the first book to my son when he was home sick from school and he enjoyed these old fashioned tales of a pair, and then a trio, of girls having screen-free adventures.Maud Hart Lovelace's books were some of my favorites as a kid, so of course I loved reading them aloud to my son.
Alvin Ho (series) by Leonore Look
Alvin suffers from anxiety over many things and this leads him to become mute at school. Nevertheless, his family life, antics and tales of how he navigates "scary things" never fail to charm. This series makes a great book set for readers who enjoy character driven stories with a lot of humor.
Emil's Clever Pig (series) by Astrid Lindgren
Find it: Amazon
Here's a rascal your kids will love. The author of Pippi Longstocking also wrote several books about Emil, a young boy who lives on a farm with his parents, baby sister, a farm hand and housemaid. Much to the delight of my then-6 year old, who loves books about well-meaning troublemakers, Emil's grand sense of adventure and his natural goodwill gets him into all sorts of scrapes, but it is impossible to think badly of a boy who wants to help others so much. Also great is Lotta on Troublemaker Street. Lotta has a lot in common with Ramona!
MORE: Beverly Cleary's books, along with these selections are great for advanced young readers.
The Moffats (series) by Eleanor Estes
If you are looking for a gentle, humorous, classic book you can't go wrong with a book by Eleanor Estes. The Moffat family lives in the town of Cranberry and the Moffat children do things like get stuck in bread boxes, hop on trains and enjoy life around them without the aid of an iPad. There are several books in the series including, The Middle Moffat, Rufus M., and The Moffat Museum.
Knight of the Cape (Definitely Dominguita series) by Terry Catasus Jennings, illustrated by Fátima Anaya
This is a great chapter book series with an indomitable, book-loving heroine. In the first book of the series, Dominguita's abuela has just moved away and Dom loves reading Don Quixote, abuela's favorite book. It makes her feel closer to abuela. Dom attempt to set out on some knightly adventures of her own and prove to the class bully that girls can be knights.
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm
11-year-old "Turtle" moves in with her extended family in this lovely gem of a book set in 1930s Florida Keys. Turtle’s time running around the neighborhood, meeting new people and having pirate adventures with her boy cousins make for a charming and funny story with old-fashioned overtones.
Just Harriet by Elena K. Arnold
Third grader Harriet is the heroine of her own classic summer story. Harriet is off to spend the summer at her grandmother's Bed and Breakfast. Also staying at the B & B is an ornithologist whom Harriet befriends and learns from. After Harriet discovers an ornate old key while cleaning out her grandmother's shed, she is determined to locate the lock it opens. A secret door in a walled garden, a mysterious neighbor and self-discovery round out this compelling summer mystery.
Revver the Speedway Squirrel (series) by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Find it: Amazon
Did your kids love The Mouse and the Motorcycle? Then introduce them to Revver! Revver is a curious and ambitious squirrel who would be great friends with Beverly Cleary's Ralph S. Mouse. The Revver series is very funny, with lots of accidental chaos and action.
Dog Days: The Carver Chronicles (series)by Karen English
Third-grader Gavin, is starting a new school. When he and his friends get into trouble his punishment is to take care of his aunt's annoying little Pomeranian. The bow-bedecked dog is seriously interfering with his attempt to prove himself "cool"!
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