Books like Accidents Will Happen (Fantail)
Award winning
Cloaked Shadows
Melissa Hawkes, 2021
350 pages
Why to read
Engaging, mystic adventure stimulates young imaginations.
Characters face challenges, promoting resilience and resourcefulness.
Enhances vocabulary and comprehension through captivating narrative.
Encourages parent-child bonding over thrilling story discussions.

Cloaked Shadows
Melissa Hawkes, 2021
Award winning
Lightfall: The Girl & The Galdurian
Tim Probert, 2022
256 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled, sparks imagination and curiosity.
Characters model resilience and teamwork.
Enhances critical thinking through complex plots.
Ideal for shared reading, strengthens bonds.

Lightfall: The Girl & The Galdurian
Tim Probert, 2022
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
All the Way to Havana
Mike Curato, Margarita Engle, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Vibrant journey through the colorful streets of Havana.
Celebrates creativity and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.
Rich cultural immersion that fosters global awareness.
Engaging narrative that builds relatability and empathy.

All the Way to Havana
Mike Curato, Margarita Engle, 2023
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
Award winning
Things in the Basement
Ben Hatke, 2023
240 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity with engaging supernatural elements.
Encourages teamwork and bravery among characters.
Illustrations complement and enrich the storytelling.
Enhances vocabulary with age-appropriate language.

Things in the Basement
Ben Hatke, 2023
Award winning
The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh!
Aaron Hartzler, Aaron Blabey, 2022
192 pages
Why to read
Exciting adventure that captivates young readers' interests.
Introduces teamwork and friendship importance vividly.
Encourages empathy and moral decision-making.
Interactive elements boost reader engagement.

The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh!
Aaron Hartzler, Aaron Blabey, 2022
Award winning
Hide and Seek
Susan Lintonsmith, Shelly Wilhelm, 2021
114 pages
Why to read
Engaging hide-and-seek theme boosts attention and focus.
Encourages interactive play through reading.
Builds memory and recall abilities.
Illustrations enrich storytelling and imagination.

