Books like Keeping the Beat
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
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 Alice in Wonderland Omnibus Including Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (with the Original John Tenniel Illustrations)
Lewis Carroll, 2021
258 pages
Why to read
Sparks imagination with whimsical, fantastical adventures.
Enhances critical thinking through puzzling scenarios, riddles.
Iconic illustrations by John Tenniel enrich storytelling.
Encourages exploration of identity and self-perception.

The Alice in Wonderland Omnibus Including Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (with the Original John Tenniel Illustrations)
Lewis Carroll, 2021
Award winning
The Jungle Book Stories
Rudyard Kipling, 2019
168 pages
Why to read
Timeless tales of adventure and moral lessons.
Cultivates empathy through diverse animal character perspectives.
Strengthens understanding of responsibility and respect.
Ideal for shared reading and family discussion.

The Jungle Book Stories
Rudyard Kipling, 2019
Award winning
North of Nowhere
Allison Brennan, 2023
357 pages
Why to read
Gripping mystery enhances problem-solving skills.
Strong, relatable protagonist boosts empathy.
Adventure-rich setting stimulates imagination.
Engages young readers with suspenseful, paced storytelling.

North of Nowhere
Allison Brennan, 2023
Award winning
The Little House Collection
Laura Ingalls Wilder, 2024
100 pages
Why to read
Captures pioneering spirit and historical American lifestyle.
Encourages resilience and adaptability through character development.
Supports understanding of familial and societal roles.
Engages young readers with vivid, descriptive storytelling.

The Little House Collection
Laura Ingalls Wilder, 2024
Award winning
The Apartment House on Poppy Hill: Book 1 (Apartment House on Poppy Hill, 1)
Nina Lacour, 2023
132 pages
Why to read
Engaging story fosters imagination and emotional understanding.
Characters exemplify resilience and teamwork.
Encourages empathy and practical problem-solving skills.
Ideal for shared reading, enhancing parent-child bond.

The Apartment House on Poppy Hill: Book 1 (Apartment House on Poppy Hill, 1)
Nina Lacour, 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.
