Top-rated books by Elena Whitaker
The Other Side of the Valley
Age: 4-7
Books like Elena Whitaker’s
Award winning
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
Kate Dicamillo, Timothy Basil Ering, 2023
272 pages
Why to read
Captivating tale of bravery and compassion.
Highlights the importance of forgiveness and hope.
Encourages empathy and understanding through diverse characters.
Stimulates young imagination with whimsical storytelling.

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
Kate Dicamillo, Timothy Basil Ering, 2023
Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian
Tim Probert, 2020
247 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled, captivating storyline.
Encourages creativity and resilience.
Strengthens reading skills and vocabulary.
Supports emotional and social development.

Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian
Tim Probert, 2020
Award winning
Beatrice Likes the Dark
April Genevieve Tucholke, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Empowers children to embrace their unique preferences.
Enhances understanding of sibling relationships and dynamics.
Encourages acceptance and appreciation of differences.
Stunning illustrations complement the engaging narrative.

Beatrice Likes the Dark
April Genevieve Tucholke, 2022
Award winning
Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #12)
Dav Pilkey, 2024
224 pages
Why to read
Engaging superhero-themed storyline sparks imagination.
Characters embody teamwork and perseverance.
Enhances reading skills through graphic novel format.
Encourages moral lessons and empathy development.

Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #12)
Dav Pilkey, 2024
Award winning
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Educates on historical events through narrative storytelling.
Addresses complex themes with age-appropriate language.
Encourages awareness and understanding of racial history.
Supports discussions on equality and human rights.

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2021
The Puppets of Spelhorst
Kate Dicamillo, 2023
149 pages
Why to read
Engages children with vivid, captivating puppet characters.
Stimulates creativity and imagination through interactive storytelling.
Encourages empathy and understanding between diverse characters.
Ideal for enhancing communication and social skills.

The Puppets of Spelhorst
Kate Dicamillo, 2023
Award winning
Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1)
Christi J. Whitney, Laura Dockrill, Lauren Child, 2024
256 pages
Why to read
Mystical adventure fosters creativity and curiosity.
Builds empathy through diverse, relatable characters.
Encourages resilience and perseverance in challenges.
Ideal for enhancing literacy and engagement.

Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1)
Christi J. Whitney, Laura Dockrill, Lauren Child, 2024
Story of Gumluck the Wizard
Emma Thompson, 2025
148 pages
Why to read
Captivates with magical adventures and whimsical spells.
Gumluck: a witty, clever character kids love.
Encourages creativity and magical thinking.
Ideal for enhancing young readers’ vocabulary.

