Recommendations based on "Island of the Aunts"

A New York Times Bestseller!A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!“Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful examination of how loneliness can be transformed, cracked open, with the slightest touch from another living thing.” -- Kevin Wilson, author of Nothing to See HereFor fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopusAfter Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

KNOW ANYONE WHO COULD DO WITH BEING MORE ZEN? THIS STORY OF A WISE CAT FROM BIG PANDA AND TINY DRAGON AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR JAMES MNORBURY IS THE PERFECT GIFT . . ."I've learnt that what we want is seldom what we need, and what we need is almost never what we want"This is the tale of a cat wise in the ways of zen, journeying to discover a fabled ancient pine, under which infinite wisdom may be found.Along the way he meets a vivid cast of animals: from an anxious monkey and a tortoise tired of life, to a tiger struggling with anger, a confused wolf cub and a covetous crow.But it's a surprise encounter with a playful kitten, that forces the cat to question everything . . .Told in a gentle, calming style, The Cat Who Taught Zen introduces a new cast of characters for readers of all ages to fall in love with, offering timeless wisdom wrapped up into a tale of beguiling beauty.__________

This is the story of a special friendship between a two lonely children, Jess and Leslie. Together they create an imaginary land called Terabithia, which they reach by swinging over a creek on a rope. In this wonderland they seek escape from the difficulties of the real world and also learn how to cope. Until one day, tragedy strikes and their imaginary world is seemingly torn apart forever.

Move over, Junie B. Jones and Ivy & Bean! Here comes a lovably energetic little sister with a BIG personality—and an imagination to match!As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But she’s too much of a baby for them, so she’s left to her own devices—including her wild imagination and untiring energy. Her siblings may roll their eyes at her childish games, but Dory has lots of things to do: outsmarting the monsters all over the house, escaping from prison (aka time-out), and exacting revenge on her sister’s favorite doll. And when they really need her, daring Dory will prove her bravery, and finally get exactly what she has been looking for.With plenty of pictures bursting with charm and character, this hilarious book about an irresistible rascal is the new must-read for the chapter book set.

The first in a series of books about the much-loved guinea-pig, Olga da Polga. Olga has a wild imagination, and from the minute she arrives at her new home, she begins entertaining all the other animals in the garden with her outrageous tales and stories - but she still has time to get up to all kinds of mischief and have lots of wonderful adventures too. * First in a series of books about Olga da Polga, being reissued to coincide with the publication of a brand new Olga da Polga book. * Best-selling author of 'Paddington Bear' books. * Illustrated throughout with enchanting black and white artwork. * Lively and humorous stories with a wonderful leading character.

An instant #1 New York Times bestseller!From beloved powerhouse author Katherine Applegate comes The One and Only Ruby, starring the adorable baby elephant from the Newbery Medal-winning modern classic The One and Only Ivan and its bestselling sequel, The One and Only Bob.Ruby’s story picks up a few months after the events of The One and Only Bob. Now living in a wildlife sanctuary, Ruby’s caretaker from the elephant orphanage in Africa where she grew up is visiting. Seeing him again brings back a flood of memories both happy and sad of her life before the circus, and she recounts the time she spent in the African savannah to Ivan and Bob.In the timeless way that only Katherine Applegate could craft, this highly anticipated novel in verse is the perfect mix of heartfelt and humorous, poignant and sweet. Artist Patricia Castelao returns to the world of Ivan and his friends with gorgeous black-and-white interior illustrations to complete the story.The One and Only Ruby features first-person narrative; author's use of literary devices (personification, imagery); and story elements (plot, character development, perspective).This middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 8, for independent reading, homeschooling, and sharing in the classroom.Don’t miss the film adaptation of The One and Only Ivan, now streaming on Disney+!

John, Susan, Titty and Roger return to the lake for another summer camping on their island with their old allies, Nancy and Peggy, otherwise known as the Amazon pirates. But immediately disaster strikes when the Swallows find themselves marooned ashore by the shipwreck of their boat. But if they can't have the island, there's always Swallowdale, the secret valley, hidden from the world and containing an extra secret concealed within it.

At first, Travis couldn't stand the sight of Old Yeller The stray dog was ugly, and a thieving rascal, too. But he sure was clever, and a smart dog could be a big help on the wild Texas frontier, especially with Papa away on a long cattle drive up to Abilene. Strong and courageous, Old Yeller proved that he could protect Travis's family from any sort of danger. But can Travis do the same for Old Yeller?

CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK • NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Adored by generations of readers, this gorgeously illustrated classic tells a tale of youth, curiosity, and delight as a little girl and her mother make unexpected friends while picking blueberries in the Maine countryside. “All the color and flavor of the sea and pine-covered Maine countryside.”—School Library Journal (starred review)Kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk! Sal and her mother are picking blueberries to can for the winter. But when Sal wanders to the other side of Blueberry Hill, she discovers a mama bear preparing for her own long winter. Meanwhile, Sal's mother is being followed by a small bear with a big appetite for berries! Will each mother go home with the right little one?With its expressive line drawings and gentle, humorous storytelling, Blueberries for Sal will have readers of all ages rooting for their adventurous protagonist to explore, reunite, and—of course—eat more blueberries!

The majestic mare Bella gathers her horse friends to help an imprisoned girl and her animal friends escape from Styginmoor castle. In this first book in the series, Bella comes to be a great leader in the magical world of North of North.