Books like Leigh Cook’s
Award winning
Garlic and the Vampire
Bree Paulsen, 2021
160 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure fosters bravery and self-confidence.
Illustrations enrich storytelling, enhance visual literacy.
Emphasizes teamwork, community importance.
Crafts relatable fears into empowering resolutions.

Garlic and the Vampire
Bree Paulsen, 2021
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
Award winning
Legend of the Star Dragon: A Branches Book (Dragon Masters #25)
Tracey West, 2023
96 pages
Why to read
Exciting dragon adventure sparks imagination and creativity.
Characters model teamwork, courage, and problem-solving.
Enhances reading skills with approachable text structure.
Supports cognitive and emotional development.

Legend of the Star Dragon: A Branches Book (Dragon Masters #25)
Tracey West, 2023
Award winning
The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand
Matthew Gray Gubler, 2023
224 pages
Why to read
Encourages empathy through creative, colorful storytelling.
Stimulates imagination with quirky, engaging plot.
Supports social skills development with relatable characters.
Ideal for interactive family reading sessions.

The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand
Matthew Gray Gubler, 2023
Award winning
Bea Wolf
Zach Weinersmith, 2023
208 pages
Why to read
Modern twist on a classic tale inspires creativity.
Emphasizes resilience and bravery through Bea's adventures.
Supports language development with engaging dialogue.
Ideal for family reading, strengthens bonds.

Bea Wolf
Zach Weinersmith, 2023
Award winning
The Cape of Wonders
Kevin Johnson, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Sparks imagination with a magical, captivating narrative.
Features relatable, diverse characters promoting inclusivity.
Enhances problem-solving through engaging plot twists.
Encourages family bonding through shared reading adventures.

The Cape of Wonders
Kevin Johnson, 2023
Award winning
Dogtown: Tales of Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Redemption
Gennifer Choldenko, Stefan Bechtel, Applegate Katherine, 2023
352 pages
Why to read
Inspires compassion through rescue animal stories.
Highlights importance of responsibility and care.
Encourages empathy and emotional development.
Engaging real-life tales boost reading interest.

Dogtown: Tales of Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Redemption
Gennifer Choldenko, Stefan Bechtel, Applegate Katherine, 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.
