Your child devoured Junie B. Jones. They powered through Ivy + Bean. They loved Clementine, Heidi Heckelbeck, and every other spunky heroine on the early chapter book shelf. Now they're looking at you with those eyes that say: what do I read next?
I know that feeling. As a mom of two girls and a children's book author (I've written for Disney and created my own series), finding the right "next book" is something I think about constantly. So I created one.
Meet Millie Magnus
Millie Magnus is an exuberant, fashion-forward, bigger-than-life third-grader at Curie Elementary School. She has a pet chicken named Extra Spicy, a closet full of hot pink rain boots, and the kind of personality that can't be contained by any classroom.
If Junie B. Jones and Ivy + Bean had a best friend, it would be Millie Magnus.
Why Junie B. Fans Love Millie
What makes Junie B. Jones so beloved? Her voice. That distinct, hilarious, completely authentic way she sees the world — slightly wrong about everything but absolutely right about what matters. Millie Magnus has that same quality. She's confident, she's funny, she's deeply herself, and she learns hard lessons without ever losing her spark.
But there's something Millie has that Junie B. didn't: she looks like a lot of kids who haven't always seen themselves in chapter books. As a Black author who grew up reimagining her favorite characters to look like her, creating Millie was deeply personal. She's inspired by my own daughters, Millie and Margaux, and she's written for every child who needs a hero that reflects who they are.
The Series So Far
Book 1: Millie Magnus Won't Be Bullied
Millie's can-do spirit faces its first real test when a new classmate starts teasing her. With heart, humor, and her trademark rain boots, Millie learns that standing up for yourself is the bravest thing you can do. Publishers Weekly called it "a charming series kickoff" and Booklist praised it as "an excellent addition to early chapter-book collections."
Book 2: Millie Magnus for Mayor
When the neighborhood playground faces demolition, Millie decides to run for mayor to save it. But she discovers that leadership is about more than enthusiasm — it takes listening, compromise, and the courage to admit when you're wrong. The Washington Post called it "personality-plus" and Kirkus praised its "well-paced narrative."
Book 3: Millie Magnus Is NOT Jealous (Coming September 2026)
Millie was born for the stage. So when the Overlook Little Theatre holds auditions, she's certain she'll be the star. But when her best friend Poppy Anne gets the lead and Millie gets cast as a tree, jealousy threatens everything. With Grandma Sookie's wisdom guiding the way, Millie faces her most relatable challenge yet. Pre-order now →
How Millie Compares to Other Favorites
If your child loved the sassy narration and school-day hijinks of Junie B. Jones, Millie delivers that same irresistible voice with an updated, inclusive lens. If they connected with the best-friend chemistry and girl-power energy of Ivy + Bean, Millie's friendships (especially with Poppy Anne) hit those same notes. If they enjoyed the brainy curiosity and quirky charm of Ada Twist, Scientist, Millie has that same inventive spirit. And if they loved the heartfelt growing-up moments in Clementine, Millie's emotional journey is just as satisfying.
The illustrations by Ebony Glenn are gorgeous too — energetic line and grayscale cartoons that Kirkus called "perky, sure-handed" and that bring Millie's world vividly to life.
Why These Series Work
What makes all these series special is they star imperfect, lovable kids figuring out the world. Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park is the gold standard — her dramatic reactions and made-up words have been making kids laugh since 1992. If your child quotes Junie B., they're ready for Millie's equally big personality.
Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows follows two opposite-personality neighbors who become inseparable best friends. The humor is dry and smart, and the friendship dynamics feel incredibly real. Millie and her best friend Poppy Anne have a similar magic.
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker is for the kid who can't sit still and whose good intentions always seem to land her in trouble. Like Millie, Clementine is wildly creative and genuinely kind underneath the chaos.
Heidi Heckelbeck by Wanda Coven adds a splash of magic — Heidi is a young witch navigating regular school. If your child loves the idea of a secret superpower, this series scratches that itch while keeping the stories grounded in real kid problems.
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty celebrates curiosity and persistence. While it's a picture book (the chapter book series is Questioneers), Ada's fearless approach to asking "why?" resonates with the same kids who love Millie's fearless approach to everything.
Two More Series to Try
The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale is perfect for kids who want princess charm meets superhero action. Princess Magnolia has a secret monster-fighting alter ego, and the books are funny, fast-paced, and beautifully illustrated. With 11+ books in the series, it'll keep your reader busy for a while.
Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary is the original spunky-kid chapter book. Ramona has been a gateway to independent reading for generations, and she shares Millie's talent for turning ordinary days into extraordinary adventures. If your child hasn't met Ramona yet, start with Ramona the Pest.
From a Disney Author to Your Bookshelf
Before Millie Magnus, I wrote for some of Disney's most beloved princesses: Cinderella's 75th Anniversary Edition, The Little Mermaid: Adventures on Land, and Tiana and the Mardi Gras Parade. I love writing for Disney, but creating Millie Magnus was different — she's mine. She comes from my heart, my family, and my belief that every child deserves a hero who makes them feel seen.
If you're looking for your child's next favorite series — the one they'll reread until the covers fall off — I hope you'll give Millie a chance.
If your child is moving up from picture books rather than down from middle grade, you might also enjoy Brittany's reading path from Disney princesses to chapter books, which walks parents through every age stage from 3 to 8. And if your child loved Cinderella's heart, the bridge from Walt Disney's Cinderella: 75th Anniversary Edition (also by Brittany) directly to Millie Magnus is one of the most natural reading paths in children's lit right now.
Want Brittany to visit your child's school? Interactive author presentations are available nationwide for grades K–5. Book a visit →
Frequently Asked Questions
What chapter book is most like Junie B. Jones?+
Millie Magnus by Brittany Mazique is the closest modern equivalent — same big personality, same hilarious narration, same heart. Other strong picks include Ivy + Bean by Annie Barrows, Clementine by Sara Pennypacker, Heidi Heckelbeck by Wanda Coven, and Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary.
What age are chapter books like Junie B. Jones for?+
These early chapter books are designed for ages 5–8 — readers who have moved past picture books but aren't ready for middle-grade novels. The vocabulary is accessible, the chapters are short, and the illustrations remain plentiful.
Are there chapter books like Junie B. Jones with diverse main characters?+
Yes. The Millie Magnus series by Brittany Mazique features a Black third-grader as the protagonist — bringing the same humor and heart that made Junie B. Jones a classic to readers who haven't always seen themselves on the chapter book shelf. See more in our guide to diverse children's books.
What chapter book series should kids read after Disney princess picture books?+
The Millie Magnus series by Brittany Mazique is the natural next step — Brittany also wrote Walt Disney's Cinderella for the 75th Anniversary Edition, so the bridge from princess picture books to chapter books happens with the same author. See the full reading path from Disney princesses to chapter books.
How long are early chapter books like Millie Magnus?+
Millie Magnus chapter books run about 80–96 pages with grayscale illustrations throughout, designed to be readable in one or two sittings for ages 5–8. The format mirrors Junie B. Jones and Ivy + Bean — short chapters, accessible vocabulary, and visual support for emerging readers.
More Reading Guides from Brittany
If this guide helped, here are more curated reading recommendations from a Disney author and mom of two:
- Chapter Books for Disney Princess Fans — the reading path from picture books to chapter books.
- Best Disney Princess Books for Kids in 2026 — Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Tiana, and more.
- Best Anti-Bullying Books for Kids — stories that teach courage and standing up for yourself.
- Best Diverse Children's Books — picture and chapter books celebrating Black, brown, and marginalized kids.
About the Author
Brittany Mazique
Brittany Mazique is a children's book author who has written for Disney (Walt Disney's Cinderella: 75th Anniversary Edition, The Little Mermaid, Tiana, Snow White) and created the acclaimed Millie Magnus chapter book series. She lives outside Washington, D.C. with her husband and two daughters, Millie and Margaux — the inspiration behind Millie Magnus herself.