Is it a long picture book or a short novel?

A few weeks ago one of my sisters asked for recommendations for longer books to read at bedtime to her almost 6-year-old. At about school age, I have found, that children have longer attention spans and can begin to really enjoy a longer book. Often they can handle lengthy chapter books being read to them, such as Roald Dahl books. Others aren’t quite ready for the jump to books that require so much of the imagination and so many nights to finish.

I’ve put together a list of books that are all long-form picture books, or really shorter-form novels. Some are divided into chapters or sections, others are not. Most have great illustrations on every page (or almost every page). Another characteristic is that most only have a handful of characters, which will generally make the storyline not too complex. Also, many of these books could be read aloud to a child in under an hour, some under half an hour, and can be a bedtime story over just one, two, or three nights. This means that you finish more books which gives children a sense of accomplishment and progression.

The other great thing about these books is that once children begin to read independently these are a great step up and into chapter books. Because they have already listened to the story, they may have greater confidence to tackle it themselves. I’ve also purposely selected books that come in series. Some children can resist change in the form of a new book. Series help you move through different stories using the same characters. They help parents know what to read next.

Dixie O’Day series by Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy

This series by mother-daughter team Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy is everything a long picture book/short chapter book should be. There are illustrations and action on every page. The storyline is not too complex (read: fairly predictable) and they can be read in about half an hour.

Dixie and his faithful sidekick/partner/friend Percy travel around getting into mischief. They have to deal with their arch-nemesis, Lou Ella, a haughty lady you’ll want to put on your posh voice for.

Mango and Bambang series, by Polly Faber and Clara Vullliamy

We first encountered Mango and Bambang several years ago and since then have re-read them. Mango is a young girl with the most unique pet, a tapir. (Our zoo actually has tapirs and when we go we remember Mango and Bambang. I can hear Odette chiming: “text-to-self connection”.)

As you would expect the pair encounter chaos and adventure, sometimes separately and sometimes together such as dealing with a young relative visiting the city for the first time. They also have to contend with apartment living, not an easy thing for a large animal.

Ghoulia series, by Barbara Cantini

Probably the quickest to read of any of the books on this list, these also have the most interesting illustrations in my opinion. Life is difficult for Ghoulia, as a zombie she has challenges that other children don’t worry about. Her limbs can detach, she has a spooky house and frightening relatives. But she is determined to overcome her problems and find friends.

We first found this series a couple of years ago, and since then Odette received the series for her birthday. We also used the guide in one of the books for Odette to dress up as Ghoulia for book week during lockdowns. It’s such a unique series that I’d highly recommend adding to your family library.

The Cat and the King and Nice Work for the Cat and the King, by Nick Sharratt

Jude had read these books, but we only recently read The Cat and the King as a family read-aloud. After an unfortunate incident, the King finds himself in the throes of a lifestyle change, with the Cat as his main source of support. He has to minimise his staff and home and find out how to live in more average circumstances. He gets to meet neighbours, whom he’s never had before, and hosts them at a dinner party where he gets to show off all he’s learned.

The Wild Life series, by Laura Bunting and Philip Bunting

We can’t wait to continue with this series.

Claude series, by Alex T. Smith

It’s actually been a while since we’ve had a Claude book from the library (so naturally I’ve just reserved a bunch). Claude is an adventurous dog who gets into all sorts of situations. Along with his trust pal, Bobbysock, he gets out into the world and had new and varied experiences. They meet interesting characters and do things others would only dream of. There are quite a few books in this series, which is great for readers who like to continue with something they are comfortable with.