The Princess in Black is a staple for a reason. Shannon and Dean Hale managed to create a series that hits that rare 'early chapter book' niche without being mind-numbingly boring for the parents reading it aloud.
It’s colorful, fast-paced, and gives kids a sense of agency. If you have a kid who is just starting to read independently, this box set is basically a 'level up' button for their literacy confidence. It's not high literature, but it's high-quality fun that respects a child's intelligence and desire for adventure.