The Pizza Problem: Boxcar Children Early Reader

Gertrude Chandler Warner

Feb 2026 · Step into Reading Book 5 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Eileen Stevens

About this audiobook

The Alden children were searching for a home–and found a life of adventure! Embark on an exciting journey with the Boxcar Children in this Step 2 leveled reader as they investigate some suspicious happenings at their favorite pizza parlor! Perfect for early readers learning to read simple sentences.

While on a skiing vacation, the Aldens visit their favorite pizzeria. But they quickly realize that the pizza shop owners need their help, as suspicious things have been happening in the restaurant! Can the Boxcar Children solve the mystery before it's too late? Adapted from Gertrude Chandler Warner's The Pizza Mystery chapter book, this early reader allows children to start reading with a Boxcar Children classic.

Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

About the author

Gertrude Chandler Warner was born in Putnam, Connecticut, on April 16, 1890. From the age of five, she dreamed of becoming an author. She wrote stories for her grandfather, and each Christmas she gave him one of these stories as a gift. Today, Ms. Warner is best remembered as the author of The Boxcar Children Mysteries.

Liz Brizzi was born and raised in Paris before moving to California at the age of sixteen. Growing up in a family of storytellers, she quickly picked up a pencil as a little girl to draw her own comic books. She went on to graduate from Otis College of Art and Design in 2002 and started her career as an illustrator. Her passion for children's books ignited when her son was born, and she has been focusing on telling stories and bringing them to life with her pencils ever since. When she's not drawing, Liz loves to propagate succulents, cook Italian food, or read books without pictures.