Top-rated books by Pat Murphy
Tower of the Elf King
Age: 8-10
The Wild Girls
Age: 11-12
Books like Pat Murphy’s
Award winning
The Magical Yet
Angela Diterlizzi, 2020
40 pages
Why to read
Empowers resilience and persistence in young minds.
Encourages overcoming obstacles with a positive attitude.
Stimulates imagination through magical storytelling.
Promotes growth mindset, essential for early development.

The Magical Yet
Angela Diterlizzi, 2020
Award winning
Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
Dav Pilkey, 2023
240 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure, perfect for young readers.
Builds critical thinking through unique story arcs.
Enhances literacy with creative wordplay and language.
Supports moral development and teamwork values.

Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
Dav Pilkey, 2023
The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip: A Graphic Novel (The First Cat in Space, 3)
Mac Barnett, 2025
272 pages, Paperback
Why to read
Laugh-out-loud space hijinks.
Strong teamwork role models.
Easy-to-follow graphic panels.
Great springboard for STEM chats.

The First Cat in Space and the Wrath of the Paperclip: A Graphic Novel (The First Cat in Space, 3)
Mac Barnett, 2025
Award winning
Pete the Cat's Groovy Imagination
Kimberly Dean, 2021
24 pages
Why to read
Encourages creativity through Pete's imaginative adventures.
Enhances problem-solving skills with engaging storylines.
Characters are relatable, fostering emotional connection.
Ideal for shared reading, strengthening family bonds.

Pete the Cat's Groovy Imagination
Kimberly Dean, 2021
Award winning
Bo and the Merbaby: A Branches Book (Unicorn Diaries #5) (5)
Rebecca Elliott, 2021
80 pages
Why to read
Encourages creativity and imaginative thinking.
Builds empathy through character relations and development.
Supports early reading skills with engaging narrative.
Enhances problem-solving abilities in fun scenarios.

Bo and the Merbaby: A Branches Book (Unicorn Diaries #5) (5)
Rebecca Elliott, 2021
Award winning
Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories
Jeff Kinney, 2021
224 pages
Why to read
Sparks creativity with whimsically spooky narratives.
Strengthens reading skills, enriches vocabulary.
Encourages emotional intelligence through relatable fears.
Ideal for shared parent-child reading moments.

Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories
Jeff Kinney, 2021
Lenny Henry (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, 2024
32 pages
Why to read
Inspiring story of Lenny Henry's rise to fame
Encourages perseverance and chasing dreams
Highlights importance of diversity and inclusivity
Engaging and educational read for young children

Lenny Henry (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, 2024
Award winning
Willa the Silver Glitter Dragon
Maddy Mara, 2021
144 pages
Why to read
Captivating journey of friendship and adventure.
Boosts creativity and imagination in young readers.
Addresses dealing with differences and acceptance.
Engaging narrative that supports early reading skills.



