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Bookshop's Favorite Books for Independent Readers

Our favorite books for independent readers are a great way for kids to gain experience while having fun. Don't miss out on the opportunity to help spread the joy of reading to a new generation!

Sherlock Bones & the Case of the Crown Jewels, Book 1 Written by Tim Collins

Someone has stolen the crown jewels from Buckingham Kennel! Thankfully, Sherlock Bones and his friend Dr. Jane Catson are on the case. While the game is afoot–or should we say apaw—they meet all sorts of characters such as the retired diva Poodle, a carrot vendor with a secret, and a restaurateur who only sells bug-based entrees. Packed with animal puns and challenging puzzles, this mystery is sure to delight any reader of Encyclopedia Brown and The Clubhouse Mysteries.
—Ivy

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Sherlock Bones and the Case of the Crown Jewels (Adventures of Sherlock Bones #1) By Tim Collins, John Bigwood (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Tim Collins, John Bigwood (Illustrator)
$9.99
ISBN: 9781780557502
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Buster Books - February 7th, 2023

Zara’s Rules for Record Breaking Fun by Hena Khan, Illustrated by Wastana Haikal

Dubbed the “Queen of the Neighborhood,” Zara always knows the best rules to make sure everyone is having fun, but when a new family moves in, the whole street’s dynamic changes. Zara’s struggle to assert some control over her life felt so familiar and the ultimate solution is as touching as it is realistic. Anyone who’s read Jasmine Green or looking for the next step up from Charlie and Mouse will love this one. -Ivy

 

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Zara's Rules for Record-Breaking Fun By Hena Khan, Wastana Haikal (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Hena Khan, Wastana Haikal (Illustrator)
$6.99
ISBN: 9781534497580
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for You - April 19th, 2022

Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party: Book 1 Written by Saadia Faruqi

Faruqi, author of Meet Yasmin!, is back with a new heroine ready to take on the world. Third-grader Marya Khan’s family, friendships, dreams, and jealousy are immediately recognizable, as is the trouble she gets herself into. Her escapades are not only entertaining but insightful for all involved. With Bushry's playful illustrations, this chapter book is terrific for kids with big dreams. 
—JOCELYN

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Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party (Marya Khan #1) By Saadia Faruqi, Ani Bushry (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Saadia Faruqi, Ani Bushry (Illustrator)
$14.99
ISBN: 9781419761164
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Harry N. Abrams - October 18th, 2022

Oh, Sal by Kevin Henkes

Not since Ramona Quimby have I fallen quite so in love with a book family. In this companion to his Billy Miller stories, Kevin Henkes lets us delight in each character while giving us a peek into just two very special days. With a new baby and a family visitor in the house, Sal feels somewhat overlooked, especially when she loses something very dear to her (favorite underwear!). Sal's personality comes bursting through these pages, and the warmth and humor of this kindhearted family makes this story ideal for a young reader or a family read-aloud.

—S.M.C.

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Oh, Sal By Kevin Henkes Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9780063244924
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Greenwillow Books - September 27th, 2022

Fish and Wave by Sergio Ruzzier

Sergio Ruzzier’s return to the colorful world of Fish with a new character, Wave, is just as fun and imaginative as its predecessor, Fish and Sun. This early graphic novel is perfect for beginning readers, with its use of repetition and phonetics. Combined with warm and playful watercolors, this makes for a great read for those new or returning to the series.  —Eli

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Fish and Wave (I Can Read Comics Level 1) By Sergio Ruzzier, Sergio Ruzzier (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Sergio Ruzzier, Sergio Ruzzier (Illustrator)
$4.99
ISBN: 9780063076662
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: HarperAlley - May 17th, 2022

Waffles and Pancake: Planetary-Yum by Drew Brockington

What a delight! Waffles and Pancake are two kittens looking to have a fun day with their Dad-cat, and boy does the planetarium deliver. From cool skeletons and exhibits to delicious tots at the cafeteria, this gem is sure to get any kid excited about a day at the museum. I really appreciated how they dealt with what to do if you get lost, and a small nod to the fact that the kitten’s parents live in separate households, normalizing it in a lovely way.—Jax

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Waffles and Pancake: Planetary-YUM By Drew Brockington Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9780316500425
Availability: Not On Our Shelves, But Available from Warehouse - Usually Delivers in 3-14 Days
Published: Little, Brown Ink - October 26th, 2021

Flubby Will Not Go to Sleep and Flubby Will Not Take a Bath by J. E. Morris

Flubby—of Flubby Is Not a Good Pet! fame—is back and once again hilariously unwilling to participate in our cat-ish expectations of him. Author-illustrator J. E. Morris seamlessly combines simple text with engaging illustrations, providing beginning readers with plenty of hints for new vocabulary. Each of these installments serves up a slew of laugh-out-loud images: watch for Flubby and Kami eye-to-eye in a bedtime showdown, or Flubby’s clever strategy for avoiding the bathwater. Can’t wait for the next exciting adventure!—Michelle

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Flubby Will Not Go to Sleep By J. E. Morris, J. E. Morris (Illustrator) Cover Image
By J. E. Morris, J. E. Morris (Illustrator)
$5.99
ISBN: 9780593382837
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Penguin Workshop - September 21st, 2021

Flubby Will Not Take a Bath By J. E. Morris, J. E. Morris (Illustrator) Cover Image
By J. E. Morris, J. E. Morris (Illustrator)
$4.99
ISBN: 9780593382868
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Penguin Workshop - September 21st, 2021

Penny and the Sled by Kevin Henkes

Newly independent readers will find Penny and Her Sled a great next step. Full of beautiful illustrations for context clues—with plenty of repeating words—young readers will feel successful and delighted by this book. Told in five short chapters, this is a story about patience, imagination, and how to share feelings when things don't go quite as expected. A beautiful addition to any child's bookshelf.—Jenny

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Penny and Her Sled (I Can Read Level 1) By Kevin Henkes, Kevin Henkes (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Kevin Henkes, Kevin Henkes (Illustrator)
$4.99
ISBN: 9780062934550
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Greenwillow Books - October 12th, 2021

See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat written by David Larochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

The cat is back—this time standing in for the dog, who's sick. Goofiness ensues as "the book" tries to direct the cat to do dog-like tasks, tasks the cat finds revolting! Not so easy for a cat to be a dog, after all. Early readers will appreciate the simple sentence structure and fun illustrations. Adults reading along with kids will surely enjoy the shared humor-filled experience, too.—Jenny

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See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat (See the Cat) By David LaRochelle, Mike Wohnoutka (Illustrator) Cover Image
By David LaRochelle, Mike Wohnoutka (Illustrator)
$8.99
ISBN: 9781536216295
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Candlewick - September 14th, 2021

Sona Sharma: Very Best Big Sister written by Chitra Sounder, illustrated by Jen Khatun

Chitra Soundar and Jen Khatun have created a perfect book for any soon-to-be big sibling. Sona’s jealous uncertainty and her ultimate love and determination to care for her little sister all ring true, while Soundar also demonstrates the care and empathy adults can take to make the transition easier. With beautiful details of family and traditions in India (brought to joyful life with Khatun’s illustrations), Sona’s story will be familiar to anyone who’s ever welcomed a new member of the family.—Jocelyn

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Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister? By Chitra Soundar, Jen Khatun (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Chitra Soundar, Jen Khatun (Illustrator)
$14.99
ISBN: 9781536214826
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Candlewick - September 14th, 2021

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