Children’s Books for Back to School
By: Hidden Gems on October 4, 2022
Do you have a young reader in your life? With back to school in full swing, we have a list of books to add to your reading list! Our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the following titles, and we bet your young reader will, as well.
Gugulu, The Little Bear Dares by Srividhya Lakshmanan
Gugulu is recommended for readers 4-8 years old, although some reviewers noted that they would consider it more for the younger end of that age group. In this story, readers follow Gugulu, as he tries to walk himself to school, and discovers the dangers of running away from his parents on his walk to school.
Laura S. shares in her five star Amazon review, “…Gugulu The Little Bear Dares is an adorable book that teaches a lesson about listening to your parents while introducing readers to a group of unique animals that don’t usually appear in books. The sing-song rhyme of the text is catchy and energetic, and the illustrations are cute and colorful. I would recommend it to any reader who needs a reminder that parents impose rules to keep you safe and that it’s okay to have fun but to get your parents’ permission first.”
RobbyeFaye writes in her five star Amazon review, “…The author, Srividhya Lakshmanan, introduces readers to a wide range of different species endemic to the Western Ghats, popularly known as India’s Sahyadri Mountain region. At the end of the story, Lakshmanan identifies 16 of the animals, noting if they are endangered and/or indigenous to the region. A maze is also included at the end of the story to assist children in guiding Gugulu to school…”
Smells like Bath Time! by Papa Paws
Smells like Bath Time! is recommended for readers from birth to five years old, and is book five of seven in The Everyday Adventures of Papa & Paws series. The series follows a dog named Molly Paws and her family through everyday adventures; this story tells the tale of the joys of bath time for Molly Paws.
“This was a super cute and easy read,” Jessica H. writes in her five star Amazon review. “It’s meant more for beginner readers…Simple story with and easy storyline to follow, great illustrations and a good book for kids. Great book for young beginner readers…”
Melissa K. adds in her five star Amazon review, “It’s short, sweet and will keep the attention of young readers! An adorable way to get youngsters that dread the bath to reconsider!…”
Where Is My Little Unicorn? by Ingo Blum
Where Is My Little Unicorn is recommended for readers ages two to five years old. Readers will help find Lily, the missing unicorn, and along the way, they’ll learn some key Portuguese phrases through repetition and fun rhymes.
Additionally, as Melissa K. writes in her five star Amazon review, “Adorable story that will keep younger readers connected through print and the illustrations. Author has children respond to questions that are more open ended in this story encouraging them to respond using their imagination.”
“This was a wonderful story with lots of adventure for the little ones with an added bonus of learning some Portuguese,” Ayanna H. writes in her five star Amazon review.
Stolen Saddles by Tudor Robins
Stolen Saddles is recommended for older readers, for ages eight and up; this is the first story in the Mystery Stables series. Stolen Saddles follows Emmy as she investigates the theft of saddles at Mystery Stables, while getting used to a new school, new friends, and life in a small town.
“Horses, friends and a mystery!! What more could you ask for??!!” Jacquie raved in her five star Amazon review. “Awesome new series, Tudor always writes wonderful stories of barn life, and makes the reader want to ride there; can’t wait for the next book to come!!!”
Hanne B. concurs in her five star Amazon review, “I must admit that having read all Tudor Robins’ other books, several times over in fact, and loving them, I was a bit skeptical about the mystery genre from her. Even though it was horsey. But that trepidation was unfounded, and when I got stuck into the book, I was hooked. The characters are as lovely as in all her other books, the personal stories are delightful and lived up to my expectations to a book from her. I hope Tudor Robins turns this into a series, and look forward to more books like this.”
Escaping the Future by Adam Crozier
Escaping the Future is recommended for readers ages nine to 13, and is a time-traveling adventure that will have your reader turning the pages frantically to keep up with the story as it unfolds.
S.A. describes the story in their five star Amazon review, “Escaping the Future is a fast-paced, exciting sci-fi story. Four daring, gutsy kids set out on a thrilling time-travel adventure. This is a compelling story with enduring friendships and action-packed events. Escaping the Future has everything to keep you entertained: aliens, flying cars, jet packs, wormholes, transports, space ships, command ship. It is suitable for middle school readers and anyone else who is fascinated by the possibilities of time travel.”
“Nic, Tate, Sophia, and Zoe are a fun group of kids who get caught up in sci-fi adventure,” Shami S. adds in her five star Amazon review. “After accidentally jumping 50 years into the future, they have to find their way home, and the shenanigans that happen along the way make for a memorable tale. Perfect for middle grade readers (especially if they love sci-fi settings). Jet packs, flying cars, time travel – seriously, a ton of fun. You won’t be disappointed.”
Hidden Gems readers got to read these novels first, so if you want more stories to add to your kiddo’s reading list, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. Each morning we send out offers for books from any of the genres you’ve chosen to hear about and selected readers will be sent those eBooks to read and review on Amazon.
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