6 best books for early readers.

see Jane run. See Spot sit. Bored already? So are we. Thank good-ness today's generation of new readers doesn't have to be

* Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise By Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. $12.99. In the Halloween installment of this favorite series, Mr. and Mrs. Watson transform Mercy into a princess so that she can go trick-or-treating. Grades 1-3.

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Wiggle and Waggle By Caroline Arnold, illustrated by Mary Peterson, $12.95. The artwork makes this new series stand out. Wormy friends Wiggle and Waggle like to dig tunnels, have picnics, and play in the mud. Newbie readers will want to come too. Grades 1-2.

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Little Rat Makes Music By Monika Bang-Campbell, illustrated by Molly Bang. $15. Little Rat wants to play music, but she hates to practice. She dawdles, chatting and painting her toenails. Can't every kid relate to that dilemma? Grades 1-2.

Maybelle in the Soup By Katie Speck, illustrated by Paul Ratz de Tagyos. $15.95. Maybelle is a cockroach. Ew! But kids will fall in love with the buggy heroine's sense of humor and taste for yummy food. Grades 1-3.

Upstairs Mouse, Downstairs Mole By Wong Herbert Yee. $15. Many chapter books try to be the next Frog and Toad, and this tale almost reaches its amphibian aspirations. Mouse and Mole are neighbors who learn to work--and play--together. Grades 1-3.

Soupy Saturdays With the Pain and the Great One By Judy Blume, illustrated by James Stevenson. $12.99. In her long-awaited follow up to The Pain and the Great One, Blume spins seven hilarious stories about siblings. Grades 1-3.