Books like Kiss of the Mermaid (Mercer Mayer's Critters of the Night / Step into Reading, Step 3)
Showdown at the Arcade (Lc and the Critter Kids)
Erica Farber, 1994
66 pages
Why to read
Engaging storyline sparks imagination and curiosity.
Characters teach valuable lessons in teamwork and friendship.
Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ideal for shared reading, enhances family bonding.

Showdown at the Arcade (Lc and the Critter Kids)
Erica Farber, 1994
Seagulls Don't Eat Pickles
Erica Farber, 2013
155 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure sparks creativity and curiosity.
Builds empathy through diverse, dynamic characters.
Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Balances entertainment with educational value.

Seagulls Don't Eat Pickles
Erica Farber, 2013
The Folk of the Faraway Tree
Enid Blyton, 2021
182 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity through enchanting adventures and settings.
Builds empathy with diverse, well-developed character interactions.
Encourages exploration of new ideas and worlds.
Strengthens reading skills with engaging narrative structure.

The Folk of the Faraway Tree
Enid Blyton, 2021
A Sky Full of Dragons
Tiffany McDaniel, 2024
32 pages
Why to read
Stimulates creativity with captivating dragon-filled adventures.
Strengthens reading skills with engaging narrative structure.
Encourages empathy through diverse character interactions.
Supports problem-solving with plot-driven challenges.

A Sky Full of Dragons
Tiffany McDaniel, 2024
The Puppets of Spelhorst
Kate Dicamillo, 2023
149 pages
Why to read
Engages children with vivid, captivating puppet characters.
Stimulates creativity and imagination through interactive storytelling.
Encourages empathy and understanding between diverse characters.
Ideal for enhancing communication and social skills.

The Puppets of Spelhorst
Kate Dicamillo, 2023
The Mermaid and the Pirate
Tracey Baptiste, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled tale sparks curiosity and creativity.
Encourages empathy through diverse, relatable characters.
Enhances critical thinking with problem-solving scenarios.
Supports literacy skills with engaging narrative.

The Mermaid and the Pirate
Tracey Baptiste, 2023
Story of Gumluck the Wizard
Emma Thompson, 2025
148 pages
Why to read
Captivates with magical adventures and whimsical spells.
Gumluck: a witty, clever character kids love.
Encourages creativity and magical thinking.
Ideal for enhancing young readers’ vocabulary.

Story of Gumluck the Wizard
Emma Thompson, 2025
Award winning
Benita and the Night Creatures
Mariana Llanos, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Explores creativity through magical realism.
Builds empathy through relatable character experiences.
Enhances problem-solving with engaging plot twists.
Stimulates language development and imagination.

