Top-rated books by Joan Kalbacken
Badgers
Age: 8-9
Books like Joan Kalbacken’s
Award winning
Black Girls
Dominique Furukawa, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diversity and empowerment of black girls.
Encourages self-love and confidence in young readers.
Beautiful illustrations enhance storytelling and engagement.
Supports emotional development and understanding.

Black Girls
Dominique Furukawa, 2023
Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary
Joëlle Jolivet, Jean-Luc Fromental, 2024
64 pages
Why to read
Engaging mystery plot sparks curiosity and imagination.
Relatable cat detective character encourages identification.
Enhances problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
Fun, interactive reading fosters parent-child bonding.

Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary
Joëlle Jolivet, Jean-Luc Fromental, 2024
Award winning
Dog Man: Mothering Heights
Dav Pilkey, 2021
224 pages
Why to read
Humorous, engaging storyline captivates and delights young readers.
Encourages empathy and emotional intelligence through character interaction.
Enhances vocabulary and language skills in early learners.
Strengthens family bonds through shared reading moments.

Dog Man: Mothering Heights
Dav Pilkey, 2021
Award winning
Anzu the Great Listener
Benson Shum, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Cultivates active listening and empathy in young readers.
Vibrant illustrations captivate and stimulate visual learning.
Supports language development and comprehension skills.
Encourages meaningful conversations between parents and children.

Anzu the Great Listener
Benson Shum, 2023
Award winning
The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard
Ron Keres, 2022
44 pages
Why to read
Stimulates imagination through thrilling, mysterious narrative.
Characters showcase bravery, teamwork, and resilience.
Encourages children to confront and overcome fears.
Engages young readers with interactive plot elements.

The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard
Ron Keres, 2022
Award winning
Ten-Word Tiny Tales
Joseph Coelho, Alex T. Smith, 2023
56 pages
Why to read
Promotes creativity through concise, imaginative storytelling.
Enhances vocabulary with rich, carefully chosen language.
Encourages emotional intelligence and empathy development.
Ideal for quick, engaging read-aloud sessions.

Ten-Word Tiny Tales
Joseph Coelho, Alex T. Smith, 2023
Award winning
Small Places, Close to Home
Deborah Hopkinson, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Explores local adventures with captivating stories.
Features characters displaying resilience and creativity.
Encourages exploration and appreciation of surroundings.
Ideal for enhancing geographic and social awareness.

Small Places, Close to Home
Deborah Hopkinson, 2023
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.

