Top-rated books by HardPress
Books like HardPress’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
They Call Me No Sam!
Drew Daywalt, 2024
40 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity and self-expression in young readers.
Engages children with vibrant illustrations and lively text.
Empowers children through themes of individuality and resilience.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.

They Call Me No Sam!
Drew Daywalt, 2024
Gus: (Red Squirrel Phonics Level 2)
Paul George, 2021
24 pages
Why to read
Enhances phonetic skills through engaging narratives.
Develops early reading abilities effectively.
Vivid illustrations enhance understanding and engagement.
Tailored for young readers at Level 2 proficiency.

Gus: (Red Squirrel Phonics Level 2)
Paul George, 2021
Wrath of the Rain God
Karla Arenas Valenti, Vanessa Morales, 2024
144 pages
Why to read
Vibrant storytelling captivates and sparks imagination.
Characters face challenges that teach resilience.
Encourages curiosity about nature and mythology.
Supportive of literacy and comprehension skills development.

Wrath of the Rain God
Karla Arenas Valenti, Vanessa Morales, 2024
Award winning
Garlic and the Vampire
Bree Paulsen, 2021
160 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure fosters bravery and self-confidence.
Illustrations enrich storytelling, enhance visual literacy.
Emphasizes teamwork, community importance.
Crafts relatable fears into empowering resolutions.

Garlic and the Vampire
Bree Paulsen, 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
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.

Story of Gumluck the Wizard
Emma Thompson, 2025
Solve Your Own Mystery: The Transylvanian Express
Gareth P. Jones, 2023
447 pages
Why to read
Interactive mystery enhances problem-solving skills.
Engages readers with a thrilling, suspenseful narrative.
Encourages critical thinking through clue gathering.
Supports literacy and focus improvement in young readers.


