Books like A Giant Crush
Award winning
The Crayons Go Back to School
Oliver Jeffers, Drew Daywalt, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Encourages creativity and imagination
Provides a humorous take on school life
Teaches the importance of teamwork and cooperation
Relatable for children starting or returning to school

The Crayons Go Back to School
Oliver Jeffers, Drew Daywalt, 2023
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
The Comet
Joe Todd-Stanton, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Inspires wonder through cosmic adventure and discovery.
Enhances understanding of friendship, bravery, and curiosity.
Stimulates interests in astronomy and space exploration.
Supports literacy skills with engaging storytelling techniques.

The Comet
Joe Todd-Stanton, 2022
Award winning
Cat Kid Comic Club
Dav Pilkey, 2022
224 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity through storytelling and drawing.
Builds confidence with relatable, problem-solving characters.
Encourages teamwork and collaborative play.
Supports linguistic and artistic development.

Cat Kid Comic Club
Dav Pilkey, 2022
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
Award winning
Iguana Boy Saves the World with a Triple Cheese Pizza
James Bishop, 2025
176 pages
Why to read
Inventive plot encourages creativity and unconventional thinking.
Characters display resilience and teamwork throughout the story.
Introduces children to friendship dynamics and collaboration.
Light-hearted humor supports engaged, joyful reading.

Iguana Boy Saves the World with a Triple Cheese Pizza
James Bishop, 2025
Award winning
Creepy Crayon! (Creepy Tales!)
Peter Brown, Reynolds Aaron, Aaron Hartzler, 2022
42 pages
Why to read
Engaging, suspenseful narrative captivates young readers' attention.
Encourages creativity and curiosity through whimsical storytelling.
Illustrates problem-solving skills in a fun, approachable way.
Strengthens reading comprehension and retention in young minds.

Creepy Crayon! (Creepy Tales!)
Peter Brown, Reynolds Aaron, Aaron Hartzler, 2022
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.

