Books like Deborah K Okon’s
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
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
Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #12)
Dav Pilkey, 2024
224 pages
Why to read
Engaging superhero-themed storyline sparks imagination.
Characters embody teamwork and perseverance.
Enhances reading skills through graphic novel format.
Encourages moral lessons and empathy development.

Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #12)
Dav Pilkey, 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
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Educates on historical events through narrative storytelling.
Addresses complex themes with age-appropriate language.
Encourages awareness and understanding of racial history.
Supports discussions on equality and human rights.

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2021
Award winning
We're the Same, We're Different and We All Belong: A Children's Diversity Book for Kids 3-5, 6-8 That Teaches Kindness, Acceptance & Empathy. Differences Are Only One Part of a Person's Unique Story
Kayjay Miller, 2023
31 pages
Why to read
Teaches kindness, acceptance, and empathy effectively.
Highlights diversity, showcasing unique personal stories.
Encourages inclusivity and understanding among children.
Appealing illustrations complementing the enriching narrative.

We're the Same, We're Different and We All Belong: A Children's Diversity Book for Kids 3-5, 6-8 That Teaches Kindness, Acceptance & Empathy. Differences Are Only One Part of a Person's Unique Story
Kayjay Miller, 2023
Award winning
The Wizard of Oz (100 Copy Collector's Edition)
L. Frank Baum, 2023
112 pages
Why to read
Classic tale sparks imagination and adventure.
Encourages bravery, friendship, and self-discovery.
Rich, vivid descriptions enhance visual thinking.
Ideal for family reading and discussion.

The Wizard of Oz (100 Copy Collector's Edition)
L. Frank Baum, 2023
Award winning
The Sea of Terror: Once Upon a Tim
Stuart Gibbs, 2025
161 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled tale enriches curiosity and imagination.
Characters showcase resilience and teamwork.
Enhances critical thinking through problem-solving scenarios.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.
