Top-rated books by Chris Barton
The Day-Glo Brothers
Age: 7-10
Books like Chris Barton’s
Mr. Ferris and His Wheel
Kathryn Gibbs Davis, 2025
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates dreaming big and refusing to quit.
Introduces real engineering in kid-friendly language.
Colorful art holds attention and sparks questions.
Historical backdrop enriches classroom learning.

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel
Kathryn Gibbs Davis, 2025
Julián at the Wedding
Jessica Love, 2025
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diverse, loving families.
Inspires creativity and imagination.
Teaches resilience after mistakes.
Gorgeous art boosts visual literacy.

Julián at the Wedding
Jessica Love, 2025
The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Mac Barnett, 2024
272 pages
Why to read
Stimulates imagination with interstellar adventure.
Introduces resilience through quirky, relatable characters.
Encourages problem-solving in whimsical scenarios.
Provides a fun, engaging reading journey.

The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
Mac Barnett, 2024
Award winning
The 143-Story Treehouse
Andy Griffiths, 2021
304 pages
Why to read
Expands creativity with whimsical, adventurous storytelling.
Fosters resilience and resourcefulness through engaging challenges.
Strengthens reading skills with layered, dynamic narratives.
Encourages bonding over shared laughter and discovery.

The 143-Story Treehouse
Andy Griffiths, 2021
The Folk of the Faraway Tree
Enid Blyton, 2021
182 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity through enchanting adventures and settings.
Builds empathy with diverse, well-developed character interactions.
Encourages exploration of new ideas and worlds.
Strengthens reading skills with engaging narrative structure.

The Folk of the Faraway Tree
Enid Blyton, 2021
Award winning
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Charlie Mackesy, 2019
128 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming narrative teaches kindness and friendship values.
Artistic illustrations enhance visual and emotional engagement.
Simple yet profound dialogues support language development.
Encourages empathy and reflection in young readers.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Charlie Mackesy, 2019
Award winning
Big Tree
Brian Selznick, 2023
528 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled storyline sparks children’s curiosity and imagination. - Vibrant, relatable characters encourage empathy and emotional growth. - Enhances problem-solving skills through engaging narrative challenges. - Supports language development and literacy in early learners.

Big Tree
Brian Selznick, 2023
Award winning
Marsha Is Magnetic
Beth Ferry, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Inspires creativity and science interest in young readers.
Encourages resilience through trial and error learning.
Demonstrates the power of positivity and persistence.
Engaging narrative perfect for family reading time.

