Books like Octopus Stew
Award winning
The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess
Dean Hale, Shannon Hale, 2022
96 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity with fantasy and adventure elements.
Encourages resilience and teamwork in young readers.
Supports language development and reading skills.
Builds empathy through diverse character interactions.

The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess
Dean Hale, Shannon Hale, 2022
Award winning
Wolf Story
William McCleery, 2021
39 pages
Why to read
Engaging tale of adventure and cleverness.
Encourages creativity and strategic thinking in children.
Strengthens parent-child bond through shared reading.
Addresses themes of resilience and problem-solving.

Wolf Story
William McCleery, 2021
Pieter Bruegel
Mike Venezia, Meg Moss, 1992
32 pages
Why to read
Explores life and works of painter Pieter Bruegel.
Combines art history with engaging storytelling.
Encourages visual literacy and appreciation for art.
Ideal for integrating arts into everyday learning.

Pieter Bruegel
Mike Venezia, Meg Moss, 1992
Award winning
The Queen in the Cave
Júlia Sardà, 2021
64 pages
Why to read
Enthralling tale sparks imagination and adventure.
Encourages bravery and self-discovery in young readers.
Beautiful, vivid illustrations enhance story engagement.
Supports emotional and cognitive development.

The Queen in the Cave
Júlia Sardà, 2021
Award winning
Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
Dav Pilkey, 2023
240 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure, perfect for young readers.
Builds critical thinking through unique story arcs.
Enhances literacy with creative wordplay and language.
Supports moral development and teamwork values.

Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
Dav Pilkey, 2023
Award winning
Garlic and the Vampire
Bree Paulsen, 2021
160 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure fosters bravery and self-confidence.
Illustrations enrich storytelling, enhance visual literacy.
Emphasizes teamwork, community importance.
Crafts relatable fears into empowering resolutions.

Garlic and the Vampire
Bree Paulsen, 2021
Award winning
The Green Piano
Tonya Bolden, Roberta Flack, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity through musical and colorful storytelling.
Encourages emotional growth and self-expression in children.
Supports developmental milestones with engaging narratives.
Ideal for family bonding over shared reading times.

The Green Piano
Tonya Bolden, Roberta Flack, 2023
Award winning
If I Built a School
Chris Van Dusen, 2019
32 pages
Why to read
Sparks creativity with innovative school design ideas.
Encourages ambition and out-of-the-box thinking.
Supports STEM education through engaging storytelling.
Colorful illustrations captivate and enhance comprehension.

