Wonderful book recommendations for 7 year olds
Seven-year-olds are ready for books with deeper storytelling and exciting adventures. This selection, based on family votes, includes engaging chapter books, early graphic novels, and classic children’s literature. These books encourage a growing love for independent reading.
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(By Nick Bruel) Bad Kitty hates baths, and getting her into the tub turns into a chaotic, laugh-out-loud adventure in this hilarious, cartoon-style early chapter book.
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(By Judy Schachner) Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner follows an imaginative Siamese kitten who believes he is a daring Chihuahua adventurer named Skippito Friskito. Instead of napping like his mother insists, Skippyjon embarks on wild imaginary escapades with a group of Chihuahuas, engaging in swashbuckling adventures. The story is told with rhythmic, energetic language and a mix of Spanish words, making it an excellent read-aloud book. Children will enjoy the lively wordplay, humor, and vibrant illustrations, while also being introduced to themes of identity, imagination, and self-confidence.
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(By Dr. Seuss) A fun and playful book where the Cat in the Hat demonstrates the joys of reading, encouraging children to explore new words, ideas, and imagination.
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(By Beverly Cleary) Ramona is finally starting kindergarten, but her boundless energy and unique way of seeing the world lead to all sorts of funny and frustrating moments for her teachers and classmates.
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(By Ellie B. Morris) In this charming short story, a young dinosaur named Dippy makes a delightful discovery of crocuses. Through his adventure, Dippy learns about the usefulness of new things, offering young readers a gentle lesson on curiosity and the value of exploration.
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(By Astrid Lindgren) The bold and adventurous Pippi Longstocking travels to a tropical island, where she faces pirates, makes new friends, and enjoys wild escapades in her signature fearless style.
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(By Ruth Stiles Gannett) In the final book of the My Father's Dragon series, Boris the dragon returns to his homeland, but must find a way to free his family from captivity with the help of his human friend.
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(By Ruth Stiles Gannett) In this sequel to My Father’s Dragon, Elmer Elevator and his dragon companion, Boris, embark on a new adventure as they journey home. Along the way, they encounter a mysterious island, solve problems with cleverness, and strengthen their friendship in this charming and imaginative tale.
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(By Laura Ingalls Wilder) Based on the real-life experiences of the author, this book follows the Ingalls family as they move westward to build a new home on the Kansas prairie, facing hardships, adventures, and moments of joy along the way.
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(By Roald Dahl) The BFG tells the whimsical story of Sophie, an orphan who is whisked away by the Big Friendly Giant to a land of much larger, meaner giants. Unlike the others, the BFG refuses to eat humans, instead surviving on snozzcumbers and delivering dreams to children. Sophie and the BFG team up to stop the evil giants from terrorizing the world. Dahl’s tale is filled with imaginative language, humor, and heartwarming moments that showcase the power of friendship and kindness. With its unique storytelling and endearing characters, The BFG is a beloved classic that continues to enchant readers.
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(By Joanna Cole) Ms. Frizzle takes her class on a wild, out-of-this-world field trip to explore the solar system, learning about planets, asteroids, and space travel in this fun and educational adventure.
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(By Dr. Seuss) A whimsical and inspiring book that encourages readers to embrace life's adventures, face challenges with courage, and keep moving forward. Its uplifting message makes it a popular graduation gift.
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(By Beverly Cleary) When Ramona's father loses his job, she tries to find ways to help her family while navigating the ups and downs of childhood in this heartwarming and realistic story.
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(By Laura Ingalls Wilder) The first book in the Little House series introduces young Laura Ingalls as she grows up in a log cabin in the Wisconsin woods. Through daily routines, family traditions, and encounters with wildlife, readers get a glimpse of pioneer life in the 19th century.
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(By Ruth Stiles Gannett) Elmer Elevator embarks on a daring adventure to rescue a baby dragon held captive on a mysterious island. This classic tale is filled with creativity, problem-solving, and humor.
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(By Dr. Seuss) Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss is a story about Horton the elephant, who discovers a tiny world living on a speck of dust. Despite being ridiculed by others, Horton is determined to protect the Whos, proving that even the smallest voices matter. This classic Seuss tale delivers an important message about tolerance, empathy, and standing up for what is right. Its whimsical rhymes and vibrant illustrations make it an enduring favorite for children and adults alike.
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(By Else Holmelund Minarik) This sweet and humorous picture book follows Little Bear as he sends a drawing to his grandmother, only for a mischievous game of message-passing to unfold. With themes of love and kindness, this installment is a heartwarming read for early readers.
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(By A.A. Milne) The original collection of stories about Pooh Bear, Christopher Robin, and their friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, filled with gentle humor, wisdom, and heartwarming adventures.
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(By Scott O'Dell) Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell tells the story of Karana, a young girl stranded on a remote island off the coast of California. After her tribe is forced to leave, Karana must learn to survive alone, facing wild animals and harsh elements. This novel explores themes of isolation, self-reliance, and survival while portraying Karana’s deep connection with nature. It is an inspiring story of strength, resilience, and the ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
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(By Dr. Seuss) A rhyming, silly book filled with Seussian nonsense creatures, encouraging early readers to play with language and enjoy the fun of word sounds.
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(By L. Frank Baum) Dorothy and her friends—a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion—travel to the magical land of Oz to seek the help of the mysterious Wizard, encountering challenges and lessons along the way.
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(By Dr. Seuss) A powerful environmental fable by Dr. Seuss, The Lorax tells the story of the Once-ler, who destroys a lush forest to manufacture Thneeds, despite the warnings of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees. The book highlights the consequences of unchecked industrialization and serves as an early lesson in conservation and sustainability.
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(By Peggy Parish) Amelia Bedelia, a well-meaning but literal-minded housekeeper, follows instructions exactly as they are given—often with hilarious results. Whether "dressing a chicken" or "dusting the furniture" with dusting powder, her misunderstandings make for a delightful and humorous read.
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(By Beverly Cleary) Beezus Quimby struggles with her mischievous and unpredictable younger sister, Ramona, who constantly gets into trouble. This heartwarming and humorous story explores the ups and downs of sibling relationships.
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(By Harry Allard) When a sweet and patient teacher disappears, her unruly class is left with the terrifying substitute, Miss Viola Swamp. A clever and humorous story that teaches kids the importance of respect.
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(By Betty MacDonald) Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle continues to help parents with her whimsical, magical cures for common childhood misbehaviors, bringing humor and life lessons to young readers.
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(By Beverly Cleary) Henry Huggins and his dog Ribsy get into all sorts of trouble, from finding stray animals to getting involved in neighborhood antics, making this a charming story about childhood adventures.
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(By Frances Hodgson Burnett) This timeless classic follows Mary Lennox, a lonely and spoiled girl who moves to her uncle’s mansion in England. She discovers a hidden, neglected garden and, with the help of her sickly cousin and a kind local boy, works to bring it back to life. The novel beautifully explores themes of healing, transformation, and the power of nature.
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(By Ursula K. Le Guin) A group of cats is born with wings and embarks on a journey to find a safe home away from the dangers of the city. This enchanting tale is a perfect blend of fantasy and adventure.
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(By Beatrix Potter) The classic tale of Peter Rabbit’s misadventures in Mr. McGregor’s garden, written by Beatrix Potter, is filled with charming illustrations and timeless lessons about curiosity, mischief, and responsibility.
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(By Beverly Cleary) This heartwarming story follows Socks, a spoiled but lovable cat who enjoys a pampered life—until his owners have a baby. Suddenly, Socks finds himself getting less attention and must navigate the changes in his home. Through humor and empathy, Beverly Cleary captures the feelings of jealousy, adjustment, and love in this classic tale about a pet learning to share his family. Perfect for young readers who love animal stories.
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(By Stan Berenstain) In this classic Berenstain Bears story, Brother and Sister Bear learn an important lesson about cleanliness when their messy room becomes a problem. With the help of Mama and Papa Bear, they discover that keeping things tidy can actually be fun! A perfect book for teaching kids about organization, responsibility, and teamwork.
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(By Arnold Lobel) Frog and Toad share a series of heartwarming adventures that highlight the value of friendship, kindness, and understanding in this timeless early reader book.
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(By Ursula K. Le Guin) In this sequel to Catwings, the flying kittens return to the city in search of their mother, encountering new dangers and making heartwarming discoveries along the way.
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(By Roald Dahl) James, an orphan living with his cruel aunts, discovers a giant magical peach. As the peach grows enormous, he embarks on a fantastical adventure with a group of talking insect friends. They travel across the ocean, encountering danger and wonder. The novel is filled with Dahl’s signature whimsical storytelling and dark humor.
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(By C.S. Lewis) Four siblings step through a magical wardrobe into the land of Narnia, where they must help Aslan, the noble lion, defeat the evil White Witch. This enchanting tale blends adventure, morality, and fantasy in an unforgettable way.
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(By Deborah Howe) When a new pet rabbit joins a family, their cat suspects something sinister—especially since the bunny seems to drain vegetables of their color. A hilarious, spooky mystery perfect for young readers.
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(By Roald Dahl) Matilda is the story of a brilliant young girl with neglectful parents and a cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Despite her tough home life, Matilda is a voracious reader and discovers she has telekinetic powers. With the help of her kind teacher, Miss Honey, she learns to harness her abilities and stand up to the injustices around her. Dahl weaves humor and whimsy into this empowering tale of intelligence and resilience. The novel celebrates the power of books and knowledge, proving that even the smallest person can create change. Matilda remains a favorite for young readers, inspiring them to embrace their own intelligence and creativity.
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(By Arnold Lobel) Frog and Toad continue their delightful friendship through small yet meaningful adventures, from trying to be brave to learning about self-control in this classic early reader book.
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(By Gertrude Chandler Warner) Four orphaned siblings create a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar, demonstrating resourcefulness and resilience in this classic story of independence and family.
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(By Amanda Beth Connolly) A fun and engaging picture book about Jake, a little boy who struggles with waking up in the morning. With rhythmic text and bright illustrations, this story helps children understand the importance of morning routines and the joys of starting a new day. A great choice for bedtime or morning storytime with young readers.
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(By Betty MacDonald) Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is a magical old woman who helps children with bad habits by using her quirky and humorous remedies, making for an entertaining and moral-filled read.
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(By Else Holmelund Minarik) A simple and heartwarming collection of stories about Little Bear and his mother, capturing the warmth and love between parent and child in beautifully illustrated tales.
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(By Dr. Seuss) A collection of Dr. Seuss stories, including The Sneetches, which teaches a lesson about acceptance and prejudice. Other stories include The Zax, Too Many Daves, and What Was I Scared Of?, all with humorous yet meaningful messages.
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(By Shel Silverstein) A whimsical and imaginative collection of poetry and illustrations that captures the joys, fears, and adventures of childhood. With humorous rhymes, heartfelt verses, and a touch of the absurd, Silverstein encourages children to think outside the box and embrace creativity.
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(By Beverly Cleary) Ramona struggles with feeling left out as her mother balances work and home life. This relatable story explores family dynamics and growing up with Cleary’s signature warmth and humor.
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(By Arnold Lobel) This delightful collection of five short stories follows the adventures of Frog and Toad through the seasons. Whether celebrating winter sledding, spring surprises, summer ice cream, fall bravery, or holiday cheer, the two best friends show the true meaning of friendship. With charming illustrations and simple yet profound storytelling, this book is perfect for early readers.
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(By Astrid Lindgren) A delightful collection of stories about Pippi Longstocking, a fiercely independent and fun-loving girl with superhuman strength. Living alone in her colorful house, Villa Villekulla, with her horse and monkey, she embarks on whimsical adventures, outsmarts adults, and brings joy and chaos to everyone she meets.
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(By Dr. Seuss) How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss is a holiday classic that tells the story of the Grinch, a grouchy creature who tries to ruin Christmas for the people of Whoville. However, through the kindness and joy of the Whos, the Grinch learns the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with humor, colorful illustrations, and an uplifting message about generosity and kindness, this book is a heartwarming holiday favorite for all ages.
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(By Laura Ingalls Wilder) A harsh winter threatens the survival of the Ingalls family, forcing them to rely on their resourcefulness, strength, and unwavering spirit to endure the cold and food shortages.
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(By A.A. Milne) The beloved sequel to Winnie-the-Pooh, introducing Tigger, the energetic and bouncy friend of Pooh and his companions, as they continue their whimsical adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood.
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(By Roald Dahl) A young boy discovers a secret society of child-hating witches who disguise themselves as normal women. With the help of his grandmother, he must stop their evil plan before it's too late.
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(By Dr. Seuss) One of Dr. Seuss’s most beloved books, Green Eggs and Ham follows Sam-I-Am as he persistently tries to convince another character to try an unusual meal. Through humorous rhymes and repetition, the book encourages children to be open to new experiences. Its simple vocabulary and engaging rhythm make it an excellent choice for early readers.
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(By E.B. White) E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web is a touching story about friendship, love, and the cycle of life. It follows Wilbur, a runt pig who is saved from slaughter by a kind-hearted girl named Fern. However, Wilbur’s life remains at risk until he befriends Charlotte, a wise and compassionate spider who devises a plan to save him by spinning words like “Some Pig” into her web. As the story unfolds, Wilbur learns valuable lessons about friendship, kindness, and loss. The novel is deeply emotional, beautifully written, and filled with humor and wisdom. Themes of mortality and change are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it a classic that resonates with both children and adults.
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(By C.S. Lewis) The second book in The Chronicles of Narnia, this story follows the Pevensie siblings as they return to Narnia to help young Prince Caspian reclaim his rightful throne from his usurping uncle. Filled with adventure, talking animals, and themes of courage and faith, this classic fantasy novel continues the magical saga of Narnia.
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(By Beverly Cleary) A young boy named Keith befriends a talking mouse named Ralph, who dreams of adventure. With a toy motorcycle as his mode of transport, Ralph embarks on thrilling journeys full of excitement and discovery.
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(By Beverly Cleary) Ramona faces new challenges as she navigates first grade, deals with a new house, and tries to prove that she is brave—even when she feels scared inside.