Books like The Great (Food) Bank Heist
Where Magic Grows
Onjali Q. Raúf, 2023
193 pages
Why to read
Sparks imagination through magical and engaging storytelling.
Addresses themes of friendship, courage, and resilience.
Encourages empathy and understanding among young readers.
Supports language development and cognitive growth.

Where Magic Grows
Onjali Q. Raúf, 2023
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
Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #12)
Dav Pilkey, 2024
224 pages
Why to read
Engaging superhero-themed storyline sparks imagination.
Characters embody teamwork and perseverance.
Enhances reading skills through graphic novel format.
Encourages moral lessons and empathy development.

Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #12)
Dav Pilkey, 2024
Award winning
InvestiGators: All Tide Up (InvestiGators, 7)
John Green, 2023
208 pages
Why to read
Exciting adventure keeps young readers engaged.
Enhances critical thinking through mystery-solving elements.
Illustrations stimulate visual learning and creativity.
Encourages teamwork and cooperation among characters.

InvestiGators: All Tide Up (InvestiGators, 7)
John Green, 2023
Award winning
Iguana Boy Saves the World with a Triple Cheese Pizza
James Bishop, 2025
176 pages
Why to read
Inventive plot encourages creativity and unconventional thinking.
Characters display resilience and teamwork throughout the story.
Introduces children to friendship dynamics and collaboration.
Light-hearted humor supports engaged, joyful reading.

Iguana Boy Saves the World with a Triple Cheese Pizza
James Bishop, 2025
Award winning
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza
Mac Barnett, 2020
320 pages
Why to read
Captivating adventure promotes creativity and imagination.
Engaging characters teach resilience and teamwork.
Interstellar setting stimulates curiosity about space.
Ideal for fun, educational family reading time.

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza
Mac Barnett, 2020
The BFG (Unabridged edition)
Roald Dahl, 2019
224 pages
Why to read
Sparks imagination with giant adventures.
Encourages empathy through unique character connections.
Enhances vocabulary with whimsical language.
Supports problem-solving skills, critical thinking.

The BFG (Unabridged edition)
Roald Dahl, 2019
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.
