Books like Henry and Mudge: The First Book
Award winning
Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories
Jon-Erik Lappano, 2024
32 pages
Why to read
Engaging tales of friendship and adventure.
Encourages empathy and understanding among young readers.
Supports early development of problem-solving skills.
Ideal for cozy, shared reading sessions.

Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories
Jon-Erik Lappano, 2024
Award winning
Maya's Song
Renée Watson, Vicki B. Williamson, 2022
48 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and resilience.
Enhances emotional intelligence and empathy in children.
Vibrant illustrations complement the engaging narrative.
Supports language development and vocabulary expansion.

Maya's Song
Renée Watson, Vicki B. Williamson, 2022
Award winning
Only for a Little While
Gabriela Orozco Belt, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming tale about the value of time and change.
Encourages resilience and adaptability in young readers.
Enhances emotional intelligence and empathy.
Supports literacy skills through engaging narrative.

Only for a Little While
Gabriela Orozco Belt, 2023
Award winning
Fox and Rabbit
Beth Ferry, Laurel Heger, 2021
90 pages
Why to read
Engaging narrative fosters curiosity and imagination.
Characters exemplify teamwork and friendship.
Enhances problem-solving and emotional intelligence.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.

Fox and Rabbit
Beth Ferry, Laurel Heger, 2021
Award winning
The Last Firefox
Lee Newbery, 2022
304 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure enhances problem-solving skills.
Promotes empathy through diverse, relatable characters.
Strengthens reading skills with compelling narrative.
Supports emotional growth, boosting self-confidence.

The Last Firefox
Lee Newbery, 2022
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
We Will Rock Our Classmates: Penelope Rex
Ryan T. Higgins, 2020
48 pages
Why to read
Boosts confidence through relatable character Penelope Rex.
Encourages inclusivity and friendship in school settings.
Supports emotional development and self-expression.
Ideal for engaging young readers in group discussions.

We Will Rock Our Classmates: Penelope Rex
Ryan T. Higgins, 2020
Award winning
The Umbrella
Beth Ferry, 2023
48 pages
Why to read
Captivating story encourages creativity and exploration.
Characters teach valuable lessons in teamwork and resilience.
Enhances vocabulary and comprehension skills through engaging narrative.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.
