Books like Catherine Banner’s
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
Fire Flight: A Wildfire Escape
Cedar Pruitt, 2024
32 pages
Why to read
Thrilling adventure through dynamic wildfire escape scenarios.
Features teamwork, courage, and resourcefulness in characters.
Fosters awareness about natural disasters and safety measures.
Encourages dialogues on environmental conservation and responsibility.

Fire Flight: A Wildfire Escape
Cedar Pruitt, 2024
Award winning
Beatrice Likes the Dark
April Genevieve Tucholke, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Empowers children to embrace their unique preferences.
Enhances understanding of sibling relationships and dynamics.
Encourages acceptance and appreciation of differences.
Stunning illustrations complement the engaging narrative.

Beatrice Likes the Dark
April Genevieve Tucholke, 2022
Award winning
The Cool Bean
Jory John, 2019
33 pages
Why to read
Showcases importance of kindness and self-confidence.
Encourages empathy and friendship among peers.
Humorous approach resonates with young readers.
Supports emotional development through engaging storytelling.

The Cool Bean
Jory John, 2019
Award winning
The Comet
Joe Todd-Stanton, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Inspires wonder through cosmic adventure and discovery.
Enhances understanding of friendship, bravery, and curiosity.
Stimulates interests in astronomy and space exploration.
Supports literacy skills with engaging storytelling techniques.

The Comet
Joe Todd-Stanton, 2022
Award winning
Meanwhile Back on Earth…
Oliver Jeffers, 2022
64 pages
Why to read
Engaging journey through space and contrasting human conflicts.
Enhances understanding of global perspectives and history.
Encourages empathy and peaceful conflict resolution.
Intricate illustrations complement rich storytelling.

Meanwhile Back on Earth…
Oliver Jeffers, 2022
Award winning
I Color Myself Different
Colin Kaepernick, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Empowers self-expression and identity exploration.
Fosters conversations on diversity and acceptance.
Encourages understanding of unique personal backgrounds.
Illustrations that captivate and engage young readers.
