Books like Rolo the Pet Earthling
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
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 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
Creepy Crayon! (Creepy Tales!)
Peter Brown, Reynolds Aaron, Aaron Hartzler, 2022
42 pages
Why to read
Engaging, suspenseful narrative captivates young readers' attention.
Encourages creativity and curiosity through whimsical storytelling.
Illustrates problem-solving skills in a fun, approachable way.
Strengthens reading comprehension and retention in young minds.

Creepy Crayon! (Creepy Tales!)
Peter Brown, Reynolds Aaron, Aaron Hartzler, 2022
Solve Your Own Mystery: The Transylvanian Express
Gareth P. Jones, 2023
447 pages
Why to read
Interactive mystery enhances problem-solving skills.
Engages readers with a thrilling, suspenseful narrative.
Encourages critical thinking through clue gathering.
Supports literacy and focus improvement in young readers.

Solve Your Own Mystery: The Transylvanian Express
Gareth P. Jones, 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
The Adventures of William and Thomas (I Told You So! Book 1)
Mark Gunning, Stephanie Sims, 2023
113 pages
Why to read
Engages young readers with thrilling adventures.
Enhances empathy through relatable sibling dynamics.
Fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.
Encourages shared reading with captivating storytelling.

The Adventures of William and Thomas (I Told You So! Book 1)
Mark Gunning, Stephanie Sims, 2023
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.

