Recommendations based on "Charlie and Lola's Opposites"

A fast-paced and exciting read for middle grade fantasy, mystery, and animal buffs. Something strange is happening at the Clarksville City Zoo. Late at night, monkeys are scaling the walls and searching the neighborhood—but what are they looking for?Noah, his sister Megan, and their best friends, Richie and Ella, live next door to the zoo. Megan is the first to notice the puzzling behavior of some of the animals. One day Megan disappears, and her brother and their friends realize it's up to them to find her. Their only choice is to follow a series of clues and sneak into the zoo. But once inside, they discover there's much more to the Clarksville City Zoo than they could ever have guessed...The author originally had the idea for The Secret Zoo when he was nine and wondered what would happen if zoo exhibits had secret doors that allowed kids to go inside—and the animals to come outside. He brings that sense of adventure and excitement to this story, making it a favorite for home and classroom reading along with such middle grade fantasy favorites as The One and Only Ivan.

From the award-winning designer of the iconic Penguin Hardcover Classics comes a beautifully illustrated fable about loss, friendship, and courageThe Fox and the Star is the story of a friendship between a lonely Fox and the Star who guides him through the frightfully dark forest. Illuminated by Star’s rays, Fox forages for food, runs with the rabbits, and dances in the rain—until Star suddenly goes out and life changes, leaving Fox huddling for warmth in the unfamiliar dark. To find his missing Star, Fox must embark on a wondrous journey beyond the world he knows—a journey lit by courage, newfound friends, and just maybe, a star-filled new sky.Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the art of William Blake, The Fox and the Star is a heartwarming, hopeful tale which comes alive through Bickford-Smith’s beloved illustrations, guiding readers both young and grown to “look up beyond your ears.”

Smidge is used to Karlson, the funny little man with a propeller on his back, living on the roof. They are firm friends. Now, anytime Karlson pops in, Smidge knows that there's fun and adventure in store. In this collection of stories, they gobble cream buns, do their very best to frighten the new housekeeper and almost become television stars!

Beautifully restored and complete with gorgeous charcoal illustrations, this classic story will delight any pony-mad little girl When her family fall on hard times, Jean and her family (including their dog Shadow) must move to the country. Not to worry though, as it seems they're going to live in a lovely little cottage, and Jean is assured she can have chickens. And perhaps even a new puppy... Jean has never been to the country before, and is fairly sure she isn't going to like it. But she soon learns that the country is full of fun and adventures, and much more exciting than boring old London. Sadly her newly-discovered cousins are a bit haughty though, as well as pony-mad, and Jean wishes she could join in. But then a wonderful opportunity to do so arrives in the form of a pony named 'The Toastrack' (so-called due to his poor ribs sticking out so much) and Jean is told she can have him! The cousins are mean, and say a knacker's horse like that won't ever come to anything, but Jean and the quickly-renamed Cavalier know they can prove them wrong. Gymkhana glory is only a few jumps away!

The final book in the thrilling trilogy about a set of twins who journey back into the imaginary land they created as children. Perfect for readers who dream of exploring Narnia and Neverland, this heartwarming and gorgeously illustrated story with a classic feel takes readers on an adventure through a vivid and lush imaginary world. A bestseller in the UK! Arthur and Rose Trout are the heroes of Roar, a magical world they created together when they were little, where anything they imagine can become real. Roar is filled with incredible wonders from their own imaginations. Arthur and Rose are looking forward to exploring beyond the End of Roar, an as-yet unexplored part of the world. When they arrive, they're greeted by some long-forgotten fairies who are very excited to see them. Maybe too excited... Facing down a new nemesis, Arthur and Rose must team up with friends old and new to save both Roar and the real world beyond it from total destruction.

Little ones love dogs, and now they can read a Little Golden Book about them!This lighthearted yet informative book brings to life the wonderful world of dogs. Little ones will enjoy the colorful artwork and lively descriptions of all kinds of dogs, from the Great Dane to the tiny Chihuahua. They'll learn that wolves are the ancestors of the dogs we know and love today. A wide variety of dogs are shown, from working dogs such as golden retrievers, to mixed breeds. Little readers will learn interesting facts about puppies, what dogs need to be healthy, and even how to choose a dog that is right for them.

The third hilarious accidental diary from Billie Upton Green (don't call her BUG!)"Ideal for fans of Tom Gates, or Pamela Butchart's books . . . a wonderful new series" - The Week Junior"Fun, funny, inclusive and warm-hearted, these books are pure, cheery joy" - Sophie AndersonThere's an exciting addition to the Upton Green family (and it's not whatever Mr Paws has left on the living room carpet...). But getting a new little sister isn't nearly as straightforward as Billie expects. Why are there so many rules? It's been weeks and weeks, and she still hasn't been able to hold the baby up at Show & Tell. Luckily, the school musical is in full swing, giving Billie the perfect distraction. She just needs to watch out for Painy Janey, who has her eyes on the main part and doesn't care what gets in her way...

"Hilarious. Barbara Park makes reading fun." --Dav Pilkey, author of Dog Man Barbara Park's #1 New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, has been keeping kids laughing--and reading--for more than twenty-five years. Over 65 million copies sold! Wowie, wow, wow! It's Junie B. Jones's top-secret, personal beeswax! This hilarious companion to the best-selling series features Junie's own original writings along with drawings, stickers, and lots of blank pages with creative prompts designed to get kids drawing and writing about their own top-secret, personal beeswax. Kids will love getting to know Junie up close in this fun, interactive writing format. Perfect for holiday, birthday, back to school, kindergarten and first grade graduation gifts! USA Today "Junie B. is the darling of the young-reader set." Publishers Weekly "Park convinces beginning readers that Junie B.--and reading--are lots of fun." Kirkus Reviews "Junie's swarms of young fans will continue to delight in her unique take on the world. . . . A hilarious, first-rate read-aloud." Time "Junie B. Jones is a feisty six-year-old with an endearing penchant for honesty."

Meet the World's Funniest First Grader--Junie B. Jones!Gobble, gobble! With over 50 million books in print, Barbara Park's New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favorite and has been keeping kids laughing-and reading-for over 20 years! In the 28th Junie B. Jones book, Room One is getting ready for their very own Thanksgiving feast! There's even a contest to see which room can write the best thankful list. The winners will get a pumpkin pie! Only it turns out being thankful is harder than it looks. Because Junie B. is not actually thankful for Tattletale May. Or squash. Or scratchy pilgrim costumes. And pumpkin pie makes her vomit, anyway. Will Room One win the disgusting pie? Can May and Junie B. find common ground? Or will this Thanksgiving feast turn into a Turkey Day Disaster?USA TODAY:"Junie B. is the darling of the young-reader set."Publisher's Weekly:"Park convinces beginning readers that Junie B.-and reading-are lots of fun."Kirkus Reviews:"Junie's swarms of young fans will continue to delight in her unique take on the world....A hilarious, first-rate read-aloud."Time Magazine:"Junie B. Jones is a feisty six-year-old with an endearing penchant for honesty."

The O'Malleys are off to the beach! But it's a long, hot, boring drive. What can Eric, Bridget, and Nell do to keep busy? Play tally games, of course -- counting up all the gray cars or green T-shirts they see. Whoever has the most marks at the end wins the game. Eric wins the first game. Bridget wins the second. It seems like poor Nell will never win a game! But Nell has the luck of the Irish on her side, and a surprise in store for her big brother and sister.