Books like Whales in the City
Award winning
The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh!
Aaron Hartzler, Aaron Blabey, 2022
192 pages
Why to read
Exciting adventure that captivates young readers' interests.
Introduces teamwork and friendship importance vividly.
Encourages empathy and moral decision-making.
Interactive elements boost reader engagement.

The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh!
Aaron Hartzler, Aaron Blabey, 2022
Award winning
Things in the Basement
Ben Hatke, 2023
240 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity with engaging supernatural elements.
Encourages teamwork and bravery among characters.
Illustrations complement and enrich the storytelling.
Enhances vocabulary with age-appropriate language.

Things in the Basement
Ben Hatke, 2023
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.

The Bear With Long Hair: Bartholomew Bear in...
Lisette Starr, 2023
Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian
Tim Probert, 2020
247 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled, captivating storyline.
Encourages creativity and resilience.
Strengthens reading skills and vocabulary.
Supports emotional and social development.

Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian
Tim Probert, 2020
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
Big Tree
Brian Selznick, 2023
528 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled storyline sparks children’s curiosity and imagination. - Vibrant, relatable characters encourage empathy and emotional growth. - Enhances problem-solving skills through engaging narrative challenges. - Supports language development and literacy in early learners.

Big Tree
Brian Selznick, 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.

