1. “The Thief Lord” by Cornelia Funke
Two orphans, adrift in Venice, join forces with a gang of street kids and their enigmatic leader, the Thief Lord. As they dodge a bumbling detective and hunt for a powerful, time-bending treasure, their adventure takes them on a thrilling ride through the city's dark secrets.
2. “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans and John Bemelmans Marciano
"Madeline" is a charming children's book series that follows the adventures of a spirited young girl attending boarding school in Paris. Guided by her kind teacher, Miss Clavel, Madeline and her classmates experience countless delightful escapades in the City of Lights.
3. “Franklin the Turtle” by Paulette Bourgeois
The "Franklin the Turtle" series follows the adventures of a young turtle named Franklin and his friends. Created by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark, these charming books have been delighting young readers since 1986.
4. “Junie b Jones” by Barbara Park
The "Junie B. Jones" series follows the humorous adventures of a spunky kindergartener named Junie B. Jones. Written by Barbara Park and illustrated by Denise Brunkus, these books are a classic must-have for any young reader’s bookshelf.
5. “The Boxcar Children” by Gertrude Chandler Warner
“The Boxcar Children” series follows the adventures of four orphaned siblings who make a home in an abandoned boxcar. Originally written by Gertrude Chandler Warner, these classic stories are another classic that have captivated young readers for generations.
6. “Inkheart” by Cornealia Funke
“Inkheart” is a magical adventure by Cornelia Funke, and tells the story of Meggie, a girl who discovers the power of words. When a villainous character escapes from a book, Meggie must use her own storytelling abilities to defeat him. This captivating tale explores the boundaries between fiction and reality.
7. “Two Princesses of Bamarre” by Gail Carson Levine
Addie, a young girl with a big heart, must overcome her fears to save her sister, Meryl, from a deadly illness. Armed with magic items and the courage of a true hero, Addie embarks on a perilous quest filled with mythical creatures and unexpected challenges.
8. “The Name of this Book is Secret” by Pseudonymous Bosch
A mysterious book and a secret mission await Cass and Max-Ernest, two brave 11-year-old heroes. Armed with a magical box of vials, they embark on a thrilling adventure filled with danger and intrigue.
9. “A Series of Unfortunate Events” by Daniel Handler
“A Series of Unfortunate Events” follows the tragicomic adventures of the Baudelaire orphans, who face countless misfortunes orchestrated by the villainous Count Olaf. Written by Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler’s pen name), this classic series is filled with dark humor and suspense.
10. “Barefoot Book of Princesses” by Caitlin Matthews
This delightful collection of fairy tales from around the world features classic stories like "The Princess and the Pea" alongside lesser-known gems. Caitlin Matthews's engaging retellings and Olwyn Whelan's charming illustrations bring these timeless tales to life.