Books like The Other Side of the Valley
Award winning
An Unexpected Thing
Ashling Lindsay, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Stimulates imagination with unique, engaging narrative.
Characters demonstrate resilience and growth.
Encourages empathy and understanding through storytelling.
Supports language development and comprehension skills.

An Unexpected Thing
Ashling Lindsay, 2023
Story of Gumluck the Wizard
Emma Thompson, 2025
148 pages
Why to read
Captivates with magical adventures and whimsical spells.
Gumluck: a witty, clever character kids love.
Encourages creativity and magical thinking.
Ideal for enhancing young readers’ vocabulary.

Story of Gumluck the Wizard
Emma Thompson, 2025
The Puppets of Spelhorst
Kate Dicamillo, 2023
149 pages
Why to read
Engages children with vivid, captivating puppet characters.
Stimulates creativity and imagination through interactive storytelling.
Encourages empathy and understanding between diverse characters.
Ideal for enhancing communication and social skills.

The Puppets of Spelhorst
Kate Dicamillo, 2023
Lightfall: Shadow of the Bird (Lightfall 2)
Tim Probert, 2022
249 pages
Why to read
Engaging fantasy adventure fosters creativity.
Builds resilience through character challenges.
Enhances problem-solving with intricate plot twists.
Strengthens reading skills in young readers.

Lightfall: Shadow of the Bird (Lightfall 2)
Tim Probert, 2022
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 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
Classics
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Illustrated): The 1900 Classic Edition with Original Illustrations
L. Frank Baum, Catherine Miles, 2023
180 pages
Why to read
Classic adventure enriches imagination and creativity.
Timeless characters foster emotional intelligence and empathy.
Encourages resilience and self-discovery through challenges.
Illustrations enhance visual stimulation and engagement.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Illustrated): The 1900 Classic Edition with Original Illustrations
L. Frank Baum, Catherine Miles, 2023
Award winning
The Adventures of Pinocchio: With Annotated
Carlo Collodi, 2021
192 pages
Why to read
Classic tale encourages honesty and integrity.
Enhances imagination with whimsical adventures.
Annotated version offers comprehensive understanding.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.

