Chapter books for younger children

[Horton]

I've been reading Gobbolino the Witch's Cat to my 3.6 year old for the past few nights and she is so enjoying it. I would love some ideas of similarly simple books that she might like. I've tried Milly Molly Mandy but she finds that a bit dull. Has anyone any ideas that are a bit magical and exciting like Gobbolino? Most of the chapter books I've picked up in shops seem to be a bit complicated for a three year old but she's enjoying Gobbolino so much more than our usual picture books that I'd love to find something else similar.

my 4 yr old daughter was recently given a boxed sat of Roald Dahl books and is loving them - Fabulous Mr Fox, Mathilda, BFG that sort of thing.

Oooh, My Naughty Little Sister is a fab idea. I had forgotten all about those.

I had thought Roald Dahl might be a bit complicated, though I admit I don't know BFG or Mathilda. Am I wrong?

My Naughty Little Sister
Naughty Amela Jane
Faraway Tree
Wishing Chair
The thinner Roald Dahl books: The Twits, Magic Finger, etc.

Ah, Faraway Tree. This is great, thank you. Keep them coming. I remember loving The Faraway Tree.

I only knew the more complex Roald Dahl books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which I think I read as a much older child, as a kid so hadn't thought of trying others.

I guess you've already got the Little Wooden Horse? Plus there is a sequel to both bringing them together called (funnily enough) The Further adventures of Gobbolino and the Little Wooden Horse

Not magical and exciting, admittedly, but Teddy Robinson is one of my favourites for small children.

Also Clever Polly and the Stupid Wolf maybe?

Ah, I haven't got The Little Wooden Horse and had forgotten all about it. Thank you. The idea of a sequel with both of them sounds fantastic, too. Will look up Teddy Robinson and Clever Polly as I don't know either of them. Thanks!

The owl that was afraid of the dark series

although TBH dd2 at that age liked chapter books with stories that didn't require them to be read in order...she liked blackberry farm and the cottage at one end corner (but those were my books and I am not sure you can get them any more).

Blackberry Farm is one we've had from nursery and she loved it (Mr Nibble Calls a Doctor or something) so am already planning to look out for more of those.

I don't know owl who was afraid of the dark so thanks for the tip.

dd loved mrs pepperpot at that age

Now you see, this is the real problem with having a baby late in life. I loved Mrs Pepperpot to bits and I'd forgotten about her as well.

Thanks for propping up my aging brain.

DD really enjoyed Olga Da Polga, also Paddington Bear.

Never heard of Olga da Polga! Adding her to the list. Paddington Bear has been a big hit as a picture book of one chapter from the first book (was vastly overpriced at about a fiver and only one chapter - swizz). Good idea. And thanks, again.

I really am grateful!

My DD's (3.7) faves at the moment are:

The Dudgeon is Coming - Lynley Dodd ( not chapter )
Cat in the Hat - ditto
The Enormous Crocodile - Roald Dahl

The Grauniad has a good pullout today on books for children, the ones I made a note of for my DC were:

Emily Gravett - The Odd Egg
Andy Stanton - Mr Gum and the Biscuit Billionaire

My 4 year old loved (as did I )The Hodgeheg by Dick King Smith and could never wait to go to bed for the next chapter

Olga Da Polga is by Michael Bond aswell, there are 4 or 5 books.

DD can't stand Emily Gravett, but thanks all for the other recommendations. We also love all Dr Seuss books. I have heard good things about Dick King Smith and any Michael Bond book is definitely on the list!

What about the Worst Witch, is that too old?

Olga Da Polga is about a guinea pig! Agree Dick King Smith is good - my younger sister used to love him when I was in my Roald Dahl stage.

Worst Witch might well be worth a try. She really loves witches and magic. I will have a look next time I am in a bookshop to see if she could manage it. Guinea pigs are bound to be popular. She longs for a pet! Unfortunately DH and I are violently allergic to anything furry so prob not a v good idea....

Another vote for Teddy Robinson - DS still loves to have this read to him when he's feeling particularly small or snuggly or in need of comfort and he's 7!

It's on the list. I need to get to a bookshop so I can leaf through some of these and see how grown up they are!

oliver moon books are great for a bit younger audience than wost witch...good stories, cliffhangers and characters with great names like hattie toadtrumper and billy bogeywart