Books like The Ape Star
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: Shadow of the Bird (Lightfall 2)
Tim Probert, 2022
249 pages
Why to read
Engaging fantasy adventure fosters creativity.
Builds resilience through character challenges.
Enhances problem-solving with intricate plot twists.
Strengthens reading skills in young readers.

Lightfall: Shadow of the Bird (Lightfall 2)
Tim Probert, 2022
Award winning
The Camper and The Counselor
Jackie Oshry, 2023
32 pages
Why to read
Fosters independence through camping adventure themes.
Enhances empathy with diverse, engaging characters.
Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.

The Camper and The Counselor
Jackie Oshry, 2023
Lottie Brooks's Totally Disastrous School-Trip
Katie Kirby, 2023
448 pages
Why to read
Engages kids with humorous, relatable school experiences.
Strengthens emotional intelligence and resilience.
Encourages creativity through lively storytelling.
Supports social skill development in young readers.

Lottie Brooks's Totally Disastrous School-Trip
Katie Kirby, 2023
Award winning
Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose
Dav Pilkey, 2022
224 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity through engaging, colorful illustrations.
Encourages teamwork and collaboration among characters.
Supports development of reading and interpretative skills.
Reassures young readers to pursue their creative passions.

Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose
Dav Pilkey, 2022
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
Mercy Watson Is Missing!: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Seven
Kate Dicamillo, 2023
176 pages
Why to read
Engaging narrative encourages creative thinking and imagination.
Features lovable, relatable characters fostering empathy and connection.
Stimulates problem-solving skills through plot-driven challenges.
Enhances language development and storytelling abilities.

Mercy Watson Is Missing!: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Seven
Kate Dicamillo, 2023
Award winning
Cat on the Run in Cat of Death!
Aaron Hartzler, Aaron Blabey, 2023
192 pages
Why to read
Engaging adventure stimulates imagination and creativity.
Characters display resilience and teamwork values.
Enhances problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
Supports language development and vocabulary expansion.
