Early readers will love classic series and picture books

Popular series and charming stand-alone picture books are among great choices for early readers.

ARTHUR SERIES, by Marc Brown (ages 4-8)

Before they were part of a successful TV series on PBS, Arthur and his friends were having their adventures in this fantastic series of books.

BERENSTAIN BEARS SERIES, by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain (ages 4-8)

Join Brother, Sister, Mama and Papa as they learn valuable life skills.

"THE CURIOUS GARDEN," by Peter Brown (ages 4-8)

While out exploring one day, a little boy discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a lush, green world.

"JOSEPH HAD A LITTLE OVERCOAT," by Simms Taback (preschool)

An old overcoat is recycled numerous times into a variety of garments.

"LADYBUG GIRL," by Jacky Davis and David Soman (ages 4-8)

A not-so-little girl discovers how to make some fun that is just her size in this charming series.

"THE LION & THE MOUSE," by Jerry Pinkney (ages 3-8)

In this wordless retelling of an Aesop fable, an adventuresome mouse proves that even small creatures are capable of great deeds when he rescues the king of the jungle.

"THE LITTLE HOUSE," by Virginia Lee Burton (ages 3-7)

A little house in the country sees life change around her as her small town grows into a large city.

"MADELINE," by Ludwig Bemelmans (ages 4-8)

Set in picturesque Paris, a brave little girl makes a trip to the hospital.

"MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS," by Robert McCloskey (ages 4-8)

Tells the story of what happens when Mama duck takes her brood from the river to the public gardens.

"RAPUNZEL," by Paul O. Zelinsky (ages 4-8)

A beautifully illustrated retelling of the German folktale in which a girl with long, golden hair is kept imprisoned in a lonely tower by a sorceress.

"SAINT GEORGE AND THE DRAGON," by Margaret Hodges (ages 6-10)