Books like Sunrise Dance
Princess Minna: The Enchanted Forest
Kirsty Applebaum, 2025
96 pages
Why to read
Engaging fantasy adventure in a magical forest setting.
Strong female protagonist encourages empowerment and resilience.
Enhances creative thinking and imaginative play.
Ideal for family reading, fosters bonding and discussion.

Princess Minna: The Enchanted Forest
Kirsty Applebaum, 2025
Santarella
Suzy Senior, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Engaging narrative fosters imaginative thinking.
Characters exemplify resilience and teamwork.
Encourages empathy and emotional intelligence.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.

Santarella
Suzy Senior, 2023
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
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 Monkey Who Saved the Zoo: Chaos of the Grumpy Pirate Penguin
Adisan Books, 2022
38 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled story sparks children's imagination and curiosity.
Characters show resilience and teamwork, great for young minds.
Enhances vocabulary and cognitive skills through engaging narrative.
Addresses handling emotions and conflict resolution positively.

The Monkey Who Saved the Zoo: Chaos of the Grumpy Pirate Penguin
Adisan Books, 2022
The Midnight Panther
Poonam Mistry, 2024
48 pages
Why to read
Rich, vibrant illustrations stimulate children's visual senses.
Encourages cultural awareness and diversity appreciation.
Engages children in exploring themes of courage and friendship.
Supports language development and storytelling skills.

The Midnight Panther
Poonam Mistry, 2024
Award winning
Faraway Things
Dave Eggers, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of adventure and courageous explorations.
Encourages empathy and understanding through diverse characters.
Enhances curiosity and broadens world views.
Supports social and emotional development.

Faraway Things
Dave Eggers, 2021
Broom for Two
Jennifer Maruno, 2024
32 pages
Why to read
Encourages friendship and sharing among young readers.
Stimulates imagination with whimsical storytelling.
Enhances understanding of cooperation and teamwork.
Captures attention with colorful, engaging illustrations.

