Branching Out Parent Letter
Family Literacy Guide • Early Chapter Books
Growing Independent Readers
Date: November 3, 2026
Grade 1–2 Reading Milestone
Dear First and Second Grade Families,
Your child is reaching an extraordinary literacy milestone: they are officially ready to take the leap from picture books and early readers into their very first independent chapter books! To make this transition exciting and frustration-free, our classroom is partnering with the Scholastic Branches book line.
Why Scholastic Branches Books Work
Art on Every Page
Rich illustrations support vocabulary and clarify tricky plot points.
Fast-Paced Plots
Short chapters and cliffhangers make turning pages effortless and fun.
Stamina Builders
Gives young readers the pride of holding and finishing a real chapter book.
Three Simple Ways to Support at Home
1
Try "Ping-Pong" Reading: Take turns reading! You read one page or speech bubble, and your child reads the next. This relieves fatigue while keeping momentum high.
2
Celebrate the Chapter Finish Line: Finishing a chapter is a massive achievement. Pause and ask: "What do you think is going to happen next?" before closing the bookmark.
3
Explore Different Series: Review the enclosed series menu together. Whether your child loves gaming, animals, magic, or mysteries, there is a perfect match waiting!
Thank you for nurturing a lifelong love of reading at home!
Warmly, The Grade 1 & 2 Teaching Team
Scholastic Branches Guide • Keep for Reference
Please Tear Off & Return to School
Reader Preference & Home Reading Slip Helps us select the right series for your child!
Student Name:
Parent / Guardian:
What topics get your child most excited to read? (Check all that apply):
Animal adventures Video games & tech Magic & fantasy Humor & funny pranks
Branches Reading Handout
Scholastic Branches Grades 1–3 • Ages 5–8
Parent Guide to Early Chapter Books
Building Reading Stamina
The Reading Journey: Where Branches Fits
The "Missing Link" in Literacy
1. Leveled Readers
10–30 words per page
Focuses on phonics patterns and decoding simple sight words.
You Are Here
2. Scholastic Branches
50% text / 50% art
Short chapters, visual cues, and accessible vocabulary that builds stamina.
3. Traditional Chapters
Dense text, few pictures
Longer paragraphs, complex plots, requiring sustained stamina (Grades 3+).
4 Reasons Branches Books Build Confident Readers
Full Illustration
Pictures on every page provide context clues so children never feel lost.
Short Chapters
Chapters are 4–8 pages long, giving frequent "checkpoints" of accomplishment.
Reader Font
Open typography, speech bubbles, and extra line spacing prevent visual fatigue.
Series Power
Kids fall in love with recurring characters and eagerly read book after book.
Series Matchmaker: What Does Your Child Love?
Pick based on their personal passion
Video Games & High Energy
Action
- Press Start! (Thomas Flintham) — Full-color 8-bit game world with Super Rabbit Boy!
- Kung Pow Chicken (Cyndi Marko) — Hilarious feathered superhero fighting wacky villains.
Animals, Diaries & Empathy
Gentle
- Owl Diaries (Rebecca Elliott) — Eva Wingdale's sweet, relatable school & forest life.
- Unicorn Diaries (Rebecca Elliott) — Magic school, woodland creatures, and teamwork.
Magic, Dragons & Quests
Adventure
- The Last Firehawk (Katrina Charman) — Brave animal friends on an epic fantasy quest.
- Dragon Masters (Tracey West) — Connecting with magical dragons to defend the kingdom.
Mystery, School & Laughs
Mystery
- Eerie Elementary (Jack Chabert) — A school that is alive and hall monitors who save the day!
- Haggis and Tank Unleashed (Jessica Young) — Two silly dog friends go on wild imaginary trips.
Pro Tip: Look for the green "Branches" branch logo on the top corner of book covers!
Turn over for At-Home Tips →
At-Home Toolkit Parent Strategies
Supporting Your Chapter Reader
15–20 Minutes Daily
Makes all the difference
The "Five-Finger Rule" for Choosing Books
Have your child open to any random page and read aloud
0–1 Word
Too Easy
Great for fast confidence & bedtime relaxation.
2–3 Words
Just Right! ★
The sweet spot where vocabulary grows without tears.
4 Words
Challenging
Read together with a buddy or parent.
5+ Words
Save for Later
Enjoy as a parent read-aloud instead!
Four Simple Ways to Keep Momentum High
1 Buddy "Ping-Pong" Reading
Read page 1, let your child read page 2. As stamina grows, trade entire chapters!
2 Read the Art & Bubbles
Illustrations in Branches contain humor and clues. Ask: "What does the character's face tell you?"
3 Embrace Series Binge-Reading
Familiar characters reduce cognitive load, so reading speed and comprehension soar with every sequel.
4 Leave Off on Cliffhangers
Stop reading right when something exciting happens! Your child will beg to open the book tomorrow.
Quick Questions to Ask at the Bookmark
Before Reading: "Looking at this cover and chapter title, what trouble do you think is brewing?"
Mid-Chapter: "Why do you think the main character made that choice? Would you do that?"
After Chapter: "Can you sum up this whole chapter in just three sentences?"
My Branches Reading Tracker
Color in a star for each book finished!
Book Title & Series Name
Date Finished
Star Rating
1
2
3
4
Branches® is a registered trademark of Scholastic Inc. Happy Reading! Keep this guide on your refrigerator or nightstand.
