Children's picture and chapter books: titles that bridge the gap

When picture books seem 'too babyish' these longer illustrated books can help children move up to the next level

Picture books well, good ones are a perennial delight: the alchemy of hypnotically rhythmic words and interwoven images creates extraordinary memories for the looking and listening child. And chapter books, particularly series, represent a thrilling milestone, however formulaic and tedious they may look to adult eyes. Frequently the first books an independent reader chooses for him or herself, at about age 7, they often prove the gateway to full-blown reading addiction.

Lately, there's been a crop of titles bridging the gap between picture and chapter books that I've found surprisingly appealing illustrated throughout, often divided into sections, but longer than the picture books that are gradually consigned to the "too babyish" category as a child's stamina and attention span grows.