Books like The Castle
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
Award winning
Emerald and the Ocean Parade
Harriet Muncaster, 2024
160 pages
Why to read
Vibrant underwater adventure captivates young readers.
Encourages empathy through diverse sea creature characters.
Instills values of teamwork and cooperation.
Engaging illustrations enhance reading enjoyment.

Emerald and the Ocean Parade
Harriet Muncaster, 2024
Award winning
The Last Firefox
Lee Newbery, 2022
304 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure enhances problem-solving skills.
Promotes empathy through diverse, relatable characters.
Strengthens reading skills with compelling narrative.
Supports emotional growth, boosting self-confidence.

The Last Firefox
Lee Newbery, 2022
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
Super King Viking Land!: A Branches Book
Thomas Flintham, 2023
80 pages
Why to read
Vibrant illustrations captivate and engage young readers.
Adventure-filled storyline fosters imagination and creativity.
Introduces early reading skills through simple text structure.
Encourages independent reading in emerging readers.

Super King Viking Land!: A Branches Book
Thomas Flintham, 2023
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
Award winning
The Bear With Long Hair: Bartholomew Bear in...
Lisette Starr, 2023
36 pages
Why to read
Engaging story, fosters emotional growth.
Enhances vocabulary and language skills.
Strengthens family bonds through shared reading.
Addresses resilience, courage, and self-acceptance.

