Bookshop's Favorite Books for Independent Readers

Fox is such fun! In Corey R. Tabor’s latest Fox adventure for the My First I Can Read! series, our dear friend has a problem—a kite-in-tree problem—that escalates into a bigger problem with each attempted solution. What to do? With sweet and clean illustrations in warm fall colors, simple skill-building text, and plenty of mishap, humor, and heart, Fox Has a Problem is an ideal read-aloud for our emerging book lovers and problem solvers.—Melinda

Adam Rex brings us a funny and lovely illustrated fantasy chapter book about the adventures of Gumluck, a little, bumbling wizard whose greatest wish is to help everyone. With a fairy-tale setting recognizable at any age, and a skeptical, sarcastic narrator who tells it like it is, you will laugh and learn about truth and lies, trying your best and being yourself, and really believing in someone else.—Jocelyn

As she is running away through the snowy woods, Otilla meets her new best friend, a bodiless Skull that can somehow speak to her. The Skull shows Otilla his home, shares a pear snack, and generally makes her feel welcome. But what happens when the night creeps in? In this Tyrolean folktale retelling, you’ll encounter Jon Klassen’s signature blank stares full of humor and joy, combined with the perfect blend of spooky and weird. My new favorite!—Andrea

Skeleanor the Decomposer tells the story of a skeleton who wants nothing more than to play violin in a band. This graphic novel is so beautifully painted that the reader will wish they could live in Skeleanor’s world. Given Ettlinger’s obvious passion for music, this story is infectious with its characters’ love of creating something unique and joyful together, even with instruments that might be out of tune.—Isaac

A beautiful mash-up of science and fantasy! Zoey is a young girl who discovers she can see magical creatures (just like her mom), which turns out to be a useful skill because they are secretly running an urgent care in their backyard. Each book in this series features a different magical creature with a malady that needs attention (and some of these healed creatures make an appearance in later books so it's worth reading in sequence). Written by a science teacher, this series is a great introduction to the scientific method, with lots of magic thrown in for good measure. Really fun. — Michelle

What if you were a kid, but also secretly a spy for the Queen of England? Well, then you'd be our intrepid author! When the royal Coronation Spoon is stolen, Mac is called in to take on the case. What follows is a madcap adventure with KGB agents, corgis, and hilarious illustrations by Mike Lowry. If you've run out of Dog Man, I promise this will scratch that itch. 

— Ivy

Bellweather has a problem: he is a sheep in a forest of wolves. Tired of being afraid, he comes up with a solution: THE WOLF SUIT! Beautiful, offbeat illustrations depict the hijinks that inevitably ensue. I was hooked all the way through this delightful graphic novel about conformity, bravery, and strength among friends. — Yves

This new leveled reader is right on cue, with its magic-fueled adventure, rhyming text, and colorful illustrations. Maxie, a budding wizard, conjures up a baby dragon for a playmate. As the dragon grows bigger and bigger, hijinks ensue. Perfect for repeated readings by beginning readers, this early chapter book is lots of fun to decode.  —MICHELLE

Jeff the alien does not come in peace. He’s here to take over Planet Earth…but he has arrived way too soon and humans don’t exist yet! No matter, it should be easier to take over with just dinosaurs running the place, right? This vibrantly colorful and funny story is sure to please readers who are learning to love graphic novels and those who avidly devour Spaceman Spiff (of Calvin & Hobbes fame) stories. 

—Ivy

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 a paw —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