Budding bibliophiles who have graduated from easy readers but are not quite ready for longer books will have a new line of books just for them next spring. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing is introducing Star Chapter Books, an assortment of illustrated fiction for ages five through nine, designed to support developing reading skills. Four titles in three series—Super Roomies, Sherlock Roach Big Detective, and Dog Meets Dog—will be published in May, with five additional books to launch next fall and a full roster of authors signed on for future releases.
According to Valerie Garfield, senior VP and publisher of Little Simon, Simon Spotlight, and Aladdin, Star Chapter Books serve as the sweet spot between the publisher’s Ready-to-Read and full-length chapter books. “We understand the challenges kids face when reading,” she said in a statement. “For the reader who feels stuck, embarrassed, or frustrated, we want to say, ‘We’ve got you,’ and offer a book that’s engaging, funny, and designed to help them succeed.”
Closing the Gap
When determining which books and author-illustrators would best suit the Star Chapter Books brand, the editorial team commissioned stories that were both humorous and fast-paced. “The creators on our list are all well-versed in the world of beginning readers and chapter books and are also extremely invested in reaching readers who need these books,” Siobhan Ciminera, VP and editorial director of Simon Spotlight, told PW.
Each of the Star Chapter Books’ 112-page titles will feature six to eight chapters and two-color illustrations. Dog Meets Dog: On the Loose in London! (May 5) and Dog Meets Dog: Framed in Paris! (June 2), written by Dan Yaccarino and illustrated by Ethan Long, follow the antics of brother-and-sister pooches on European adventures. Yaccarino believes that his main characters, Betsy and Bones, will appeal to young readers because “they essentially act like kids, but they’re adults. And they’re dogs,” he said.
Rounding out the first list are The Super Roomies: Lake of Slime by Jarrett Lerner (May 5), and Sherlock Roach and the Case of the Crunchy Crumb a posthumous release by Joe McGee, illustrated by Jannie Ho (May 5).
Advance reader copies will be available at trade, school, library, and consumer shows throughout spring 2026. Bookstores will also have access to merchandising kits that contain signage and giveaway items.
Simon & Schuster will follow up its 2026 Star Chapter Books list with 12–15 titles in 2027 and plans for more books in 2028 and beyond. Readers can expect new books from Anne Appert, Bill Canterbury, Diana Castillo, Joëlle Dreidemy, Lauren Glattly, Cyndi Marko, James Preller, A.J. Smith, Audrey Vernick, and Kaz Windness.
