Books like Serenade: A Novel
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
The Horrible Chocolate
Jacob M. Ronsen, 2022
152 pages
Why to read
Engaging story sparks creativity and imagination. - Teaches valuable life lessons subtly. - Encourages empathy and emotional intelligence. - Perfect for family bonding over reading.

The Horrible Chocolate
Jacob M. Ronsen, 2022
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
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 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
Beatrice Likes the Dark
April Genevieve Tucholke, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Empowers children to embrace their unique preferences.
Enhances understanding of sibling relationships and dynamics.
Encourages acceptance and appreciation of differences.
Stunning illustrations complement the engaging narrative.

Beatrice Likes the Dark
April Genevieve Tucholke, 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 Apartment House on Poppy Hill: Book 1 (Apartment House on Poppy Hill, 1)
Nina Lacour, 2023
132 pages
Why to read
Engaging story fosters imagination and emotional understanding.
Characters exemplify resilience and teamwork.
Encourages empathy and practical problem-solving skills.
Ideal for shared reading, enhancing parent-child bond.

