Weekend Reads round-up, 27 September 2026, part four: first chapter books

Princess Minna: The unicorn mix-up.

Written by Kirsty Applebaum.

Illustrated by Sahar Haghgoo.

Nosy Crow, 2022.

First chapter book.

A great book for princess-unicorn fans who want to grow their reading practice.

Possible read-alikes:

• Sparkleton series by Calliope Glass and Hollie Mengert.
• Iris and Luna series by Aurora Quirón, Isabel Escalante, and Chezalbi.
• The princess in black series by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham.
• Princess and unicorn series by Kyla May and Zanni Louise.
• Mirabelle series by Harriet Muncaster.
• Polly Diamond series by Alice Kuiper and Diana Toledano.
• Fairies welcome series by Bea Jackson.
• School of monsters series by Sally Rippin and Chris Kennett. 

Starla Jean: which came first: the chicken or the friendship?

Written by Elana K. Arnold.

Illustrated by A.N. Kang.

Roaring Brook Press, 2021.

First chapter book.

This is such a wonderful book. It has been read and enjoyed by many in my family – none in the targeted age range - from 10 years old to 67 years old.

Possible read-alikes:

• Mr. Putter & Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant and Arthur Howard.
• Mr Duckins' chickens written by Mick Elliott.
• Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi and Hatem Aly.
• Diary of a pug series by Kyla May.
• Owl diaries series by Rebecca Elliott.
• The Great Mathemachicken series by Nancy Krulik and Charlie Alder.
• Penny & Luck series by Claire Karwowski and Siân Roberts. 

Stella & Marigold.

Written by Annie Barrows.

Illustrated by Sophie Blackall.

Chronicle Books, 2024.

First chapter book.

Two sisters. Longer chapters here, that read almost as stand-alone stories.

Possible read-alikes:

• Ivy + Bean take series by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall.
• Ella and Olivia series by Yvette Poshoglian and Gisela Bohórquez.
• Neecy and Nay Nay series by Simone Dankenbring, Syrone Harvey and Maya Henderson.
• Henry series by Jenn Bailey and Mika Song.
• My happy life series by Rose Lagercrantz and illustrated by Eva Eriksson; translated by Julia Marshall.
• Bille B. Brown series by Sally Rippin and Aki Fukuoka.

 

The Fabled Stables: Willa the wisp.

Written by Jonathan Auxier.

Illustrated by Olga Demidova.

Amulet Books, 2020.

First chapter book.

Adventure with magical and mythical characters. Some are real characters.

Possible read-alikes:

• Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo and Chris van Dusen.
• Heartwood hotel series by Kallie George and Stephanie Graegin.
• Friendship Fairies series by Lucy Kennedy and Phillip Cullen.
• Star friends series by Linda Chapman and Kim Barnes.
• The Mythics series by Lauren Magaziner and Mirelle Ortega.
• Sea Keepers series by Coral Ripley.
• Magic animal rescue series by E.D. Baker and Lisa Manuzak.

 

Diplo dinosaur wants a roarsome friend.

Written by Swapna Haddow.

Illustrated by Yiting Lee.

Magic Cat Publishing, 2026.

First chapter book.

Friendship, new classmates (scary T REX!!!!), and negotiating relationships.

Possible read-alikes:

• Mermicorns series by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Vivien Wu.
• Rex: dinosaur in disguise series by Elys Dolan.
• Mr Grizley’s class series by Bryan Patrick Avery and Arief Putra.
• Usborne dinosaur tales series by Russell Punter and Andy Elkerton.
• Diary of a Dinoghost series by Monica Arnaldo.
• Dino poet series by Tom Angleberger. 

Witchycakes: Sweet magic.

Written by Kara LaReau.

Illustrated by Ariane Moreira.

Random House, 2025.

First chapter book.

A very earnest book about community and helping.

Possible read-alikes:

• Cupcake diaries series by Coco Simon and Manuela López.
• Moonlight Magic Club series by Melody Lockhart and Luna Valentine.
• Dragon girls series by Maddy Mara and Thais Damião.
• Oona Bramblegoop's sideways magic series by Kate Korsh and Marta Altés.
• Frank the monster series by Mats Strandberg and Sofia Falkenhem; translated by Julia Marshall.