Books like Easy Connections
Award winning
The Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink
Dean Hale, Shannon Hale, 2023
96 pages
Why to read
Combines adventure with gender role exploration.
Supports confidence through courageous characters.
Encourages diversity and inclusivity.
Strengthens reading skills in a fun way.

The Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink
Dean Hale, Shannon Hale, 2023
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
Witch Hazel
Molly Idle, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Captivating tale of friendship and magic.
Encourages emotional growth and resilience.
Stimulates creativity and imagination.
Ideal for parent-child shared reading moments.

Witch Hazel
Molly Idle, 2022
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 Christmas Pig
J.K. Rowling, Jim Field, 2021
288 pages
Why to read
Captivating adventure sparks imagination and joy.
Teaches values of friendship, loyalty, and hope.
Encourages empathy and emotional understanding in children.
Ideal for family shared reading and discussion.

The Christmas Pig
J.K. Rowling, Jim Field, 2021
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
The Artful Adventure
Minh Lê, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Stimulates creativity through vivid illustrations and story.
Encourages artistic expression and appreciation in young readers.
Supports developmental milestones in problem-solving skills.
Engaging narrative that fosters a love for reading.

The Artful Adventure
Minh Lê, 2022
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.

