Books like The Empty Stocking
Award winning
Odysseus Goes Through Hell
Tony Robinson, Richard Curtis, 1986
128 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled journey stimulates imagination and curiosity.
Characters demonstrate resilience and clever problem-solving.
Enhances understanding of Greek mythology and history.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.

Odysseus Goes Through Hell
Tony Robinson, Richard Curtis, 1986
Award winning
The Christmas Book
Emily Kilgore, 2022
34 pages
Why to read
Festive story ignites the magic of Christmas.
Encourages family bonding through shared reading times.
Boosts vocabulary with engaging holiday-themed words.
Supports understanding of cultural holiday traditions.

The Christmas Book
Emily Kilgore, 2022
A Kiss for Little Bear (I Can Read Level 1)
Else Holmelund Minarik, 2025
32 pages
Why to read
Promotes kindness and gratitude.
Perfect length for beginners.
Funny animal antics entertain.
Beautiful, timeless illustrations.

A Kiss for Little Bear (I Can Read Level 1)
Else Holmelund Minarik, 2025
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
Mo Willems, 2025
320 pages
Why to read
Boosts early reading skills with simple, repetitive text.
Delivers laugh-out-loud humor and expressive illustrations.
Models empathy, sharing, and problem-solving.
Perfect length for bedtime or classroom read-alouds.

An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 3 (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
Mo Willems, 2025
Narwhal's Sweet Tooth (A Narwhal and Jelly Book #9)
Ben Clanton, 2025
72 pages
Why to read
Funny visuals keep pages turning quickly.
Promotes balanced eating habits playfully.
Celebrates caring, supportive friendships.
Great starter graphic novel format.

Narwhal's Sweet Tooth (A Narwhal and Jelly Book #9)
Ben Clanton, 2025
Skunk and Badger (Skunk and Badger, 1)
Amy Timberlake, 2025
144 pages
Why to read
Funny animal roommates learn acceptance.
Encourages curiosity about geology.
Illustrations boost comprehension.
Great for empathy discussions.

Skunk and Badger (Skunk and Badger, 1)
Amy Timberlake, 2025
Award winning
Karen's Birthday
Ann M. Martin, 2023
160 pages
Why to read
Captivating storyline celebrating milestones and growth.
Characters exhibit realistic emotions and decisions.
Enhances understanding of friendship and sharing.
Supports social skills development through engaging narrative.

Karen's Birthday
Ann M. Martin, 2023
Award winning
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found (The Vanderbeekers, 4)
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
351 pages
Why to read
Engages with themes of community and teamwork.
Encourages empathy and understanding among young readers.
Explores complexities of friendship and family dynamics.
Offers heartwarming, adventurous narrative for young minds.

