Books like My Nana's Garden
Award winning
The Pickle Patch Bathtub
Fran Kennedy, Frances Kennedy, 2006
32 pages
Why to read
Inspires creativity through relatable, resourceful characters.
Encourages financial literacy and economic understanding.
Highlights importance of family and community support.
Engaging storyline encourages love for reading.

The Pickle Patch Bathtub
Fran Kennedy, Frances Kennedy, 2006
Classic Starts: The Secret Garden
Frances Hodgson Burnett, Martha Hailey DuBose, 2005
160 pages
Why to read
Revitalizes appreciation for nature and outdoors.
Encourages resilience and personal growth.
Supports emotional development through friendship.
Fosters curiosity and exploration in young minds.

Classic Starts: The Secret Garden
Frances Hodgson Burnett, Martha Hailey DuBose, 2005
Award winning
The Secret Garden: A Musical Drama for Children
Frances Hodgson Burnett, Joyce Peterson, Franz Schubert, 1999
38 pages
Why to read
Inspires creativity through interactive narrative and music.
Develops empathy with engaging, relatable characters.
Strengthens reading and cognitive skills.
Fosters emotional and social growth.

The Secret Garden: A Musical Drama for Children
Frances Hodgson Burnett, Joyce Peterson, Franz Schubert, 1999
Award winning
Johnny Appleseed: My Story (Step-Into-Reading, Step 3)
David L. Harrison, Mike Wohnoutka, 2001
48 pages
Why to read
Inspires kids with Johnny Appleseed’s nurturing, adventurous spirit.
Enhances vocabulary with accessible, engaging storytelling.
Nurtures empathy and environmental awareness.
Supports independent reading confidence in young readers.

Johnny Appleseed: My Story (Step-Into-Reading, Step 3)
David L. Harrison, Mike Wohnoutka, 2001
Award winning
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
368 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming tale promotes empathy and community spirit.
Engages young readers with charming, relatable characters.
Encourages resilience and creativity in problem-solving.
Fosters family connections and shared reading moments.

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
Award winning
Lightfall: The Girl & The Galdurian
Tim Probert, 2022
256 pages
Why to read
Adventure-filled, sparks imagination and curiosity.
Characters model resilience and teamwork.
Enhances critical thinking through complex plots.
Ideal for shared reading, strengthens bonds.

Lightfall: The Girl & The Galdurian
Tim Probert, 2022
Award winning
Watercress
Andrea Wang, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates cultural heritage and family bonds.
Enhances understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Encourages emotional growth through relatable storytelling.
Beautifully illustrated, captivating young readers.

Watercress
Andrea Wang, 2021
Award winning
The Crayons Go Back to School
Oliver Jeffers, Drew Daywalt, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Encourages creativity and imagination
Provides a humorous take on school life
Teaches the importance of teamwork and cooperation
Relatable for children starting or returning to school
