Books like First Time (Orca Soundings)
Award winning
Old Friends
Margaret Aitken, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming tale of lasting friendships. - Enhances understanding of loyalty and trust. - Encourages empathy and emotional intelligence in children. - Captivating illustrations enrich the storytelling experience.

Old Friends
Margaret Aitken, 2022
Award winning
North of Nowhere
Allison Brennan, 2023
357 pages
Why to read
Gripping mystery enhances problem-solving skills.
Strong, relatable protagonist boosts empathy.
Adventure-rich setting stimulates imagination.
Engages young readers with suspenseful, paced storytelling.

North of Nowhere
Allison Brennan, 2023
Award winning
Mia's Life: Best Friends for Never
Mia Fizz, 2022
144 pages
Why to read
Captures everyday challenges of growing friendships.
Enhances empathy and social skills through relatable scenarios.
Encourages resilience and communication among young readers.
Provides engaging, age-appropriate content for children.

Mia's Life: Best Friends for Never
Mia Fizz, 2022
Award winning
Swimming into Trouble (Julia on the Go! Book 1)
Angela Ahn, 2024
176 pages
Why to read
Adventure-themed story sparks curiosity and imagination.
Strong, relatable protagonist encourages resilience and bravery.
Enhances problem-solving skills through engaging narrative.
Ideal for shared reading, strengthening family bonds.

Swimming into Trouble (Julia on the Go! Book 1)
Angela Ahn, 2024
Award winning
The Drama Llama: A story about soothing anxiety
Rachel Morrisroe, 2024
40 pages
Why to read
Addresses anxiety with engaging, relatable storytelling.
Encourages emotional development and self-soothing techniques.
Supports early literacy with simple, rhythmic text.
Ideal for shared reading, fostering parent-child bonds.

The Drama Llama: A story about soothing anxiety
Rachel Morrisroe, 2024
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
The World Belonged to Us
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Captures joyful essence of childhood adventures.
Encourages teamwork and community building.
Enhances empathy and understanding through diverse characters.
Stimulates imagination through vibrant storytelling.

The World Belonged to Us
Jacqueline Woodson, 2022
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.

