Books like The Polar Express
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
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
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 Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink
Dean Hale, Shannon Hale, 2023
96 pages
Why to read
Combines adventure with gender role exploration.
Supports confidence through courageous characters.
Encourages diversity and inclusivity.
Strengthens reading skills in a fun way.
The Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink
Dean Hale, Shannon Hale, 2023
Award winning
Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior Graphic Novel: Battle for the Dragon
Pirate Sourcil, Odone, 2023
96 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure encourages strategic thinking and creativity.
Vibrant illustrations captivate and stimulate visual learning.
Introduces children to teamwork and leadership skills.
Perfect for young gamers and tech enthusiasts.
Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior Graphic Novel: Battle for the Dragon
Pirate Sourcil, Odone, 2023
Award winning
Dave the Villager 49: An Unofficial Minecraft Series
Dave Villager, 2023
205 pages
Why to read
Engages creativity through adventure-packed, imaginative storytelling.
Strengthens problem-solving skills within a familiar game world.
Fosters a love for reading through relatable characters.
Encourages strategic thinking and decision-making.
Dave the Villager 49: An Unofficial Minecraft Series
Dave Villager, 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
Award winning
Iguana Boy Saves the World with a Triple Cheese Pizza
James Bishop, 2025
176 pages
Why to read
Inventive plot encourages creativity and unconventional thinking.
Characters display resilience and teamwork throughout the story.
Introduces children to friendship dynamics and collaboration.
Light-hearted humor supports engaged, joyful reading.
