Originally shared in 2013, this post brings back the spotlight on underrated children’s books – unexpected gems that became household favorites. While my kids are now all grown-up, each of these hidden gems is worth revisiting or discovering for the first time. Whether you’re building a home library, searching for meaningful gifts, or just looking for a great story to share with a young reader, these books stand the test of time.
So here’s an updated version of that original post, with minimal edits and a couple of new notes and books too. Hope you find something here to add to your reading list — or to gift a young reader in your life.
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Then: Timeless Treasures
The reviews in this section – Then – are unchanged from the original 2013 post(only formatted and edited for typos, plus added a brief book info/description for each book).
📖 Andi Unexpected

Andi Unexpected by Amanda Flower (Children’s Fiction | 9 – 12 years, and up | Published by Zonderkidz)
After losing their parents, 12-year-old science lover Andora “Andi” Boggs and her dramatic sister Bethany move to small-town Ohio to live with their quirky aunt. While exploring their old family home, Andi discovers a mysterious trunk revealing another Andora Boggs—one no one in town wants to talk about. With help from her new friend Colin, Andi sets out to uncover the truth about the first Andora’s disappearance—and who’s hiding it.
I never got around to completing this book, not because I did not enjoy it but because of lack of time. But my son, the intended audience for this book, did read it and he gave it a big thumbs up. In his own words , “A mystery book which kept me turning pages so I could know what happens next with enough humorous parts that made the book funny too. And lots of unexpected surprises!”
Rating: A
Reread Level: 4/5
Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.
🦖 Alphasaurs and Other Prehistoric Types
Alphasaurs and Other Prehistoric Types by Sharon Werner and Sarah Forss (Children’s Dinosaur Books | 6 – 12 years, and up)
Using letters in an artful assortment of type, the authors create a menagerie of dazzling dinosaurs and pack each page with captivating dino-facts. This sophisticated rendering of dinosaur-ologu will leap out from other dino-books to entrain, engage, and educate aspiring paleontologists.

Unique – that describes this book to a ‘T’. T for the typography which becomes art in this dino-themed ABC book. Each dinosaur is creatively illustrated using type, paired with fun facts, alliteration, and phonetics.
Bright, playful, and clever — it’s a perfect blend of innovative illustrations and information. Younger readers will be drawn in by the colorful visuals, and older kids (and grownups!) will appreciate the cool details and smart layout, as well as the die-cut pages.
Rating: B+
Reread Level: 4.5/5
Disclaimer: Thanks to Edelweiss for the review copy.
🧀 The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères

The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères by Marie LeTourneau (Children’s Fiction | 4 – 8 years, and up)
This charming tale follows Parisian mice competing to make France’s best cheese soup, sprinkled with French words, café culture, and whimsical art by Marie LeTourneau. Voilà—The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Frères!
I love the illustrations — quirky, whimsical, and completely adorable. This story is like a well-crafted dish: a perfect blend of sweet storytelling, valuable lessons (teamwork, courage, kindness), and a touch of French flair.
Even the smallest mouse can make a big difference, and this book delivers that message with heart and humor.
Rating: A (A+ for the illustrations!)
Reread Level: 4.5/5
Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.
🐹 Guinea Pigs Online
Guinea Pigs Online by Jennifer Gray, Amanda Swift, illustrated by Sarah Horne
Guinea pigs Fuzzy and Coco live happily with the Bliss family—until Fuzzy, a cooking enthusiast, sees an ad for “Guinea Pigs Wanted” by chef Scarlet Cleaver. Ignoring Coco’s warnings, he sneaks off, thinking it’s his big culinary break. But Coco discovers a darker truth and must race to save Fuzzy from becoming the main course in this hilarious adventure for ages 5 and up.

Wacky, silly, and totally unexpected — this book stars a cast of tech-savvy guinea pigs who are brave, smart, and absolutely charming. Some parts were a little too over-the-top for me, but kids (and adults with a love for zany humor) will get a kick out of it.
Bonus: If you enjoy this one, the series continues!
Rating: B-
Reread Level: 2.5/5
Disclaimer: Thanks to Edelweiss for the review copy.
Note: For more guinea pig fun, check out [this link] (you can insert your guinea pig content or external link here)
🦋 Chasing Butterflies (Little Life Lessons)

Chasing Butterflies by Harry Toews
A gentle, nature-themed story that encourages mindfulness, finding beauty in everyday things, and seeing beyond appearances. I appreciated the sweet illustrations and the book’s message. That said, I felt the writing could have flowed better — but the heart is in the right place.
Rating: B-
Reread Level: 2.5/5
Disclaimer: Thanks to the author for the review copy.
Now: Fresh Finds
🦖 Dino Poet (A Graphic Novel)
Dino Poet by Tom Angleberger (Children’s Fiction | 5 – 9 years, and up)
Dino Poet is on a mission to write the first great poem ever—and his lunch, a snarky prehistoric frog, would rather not be eaten. Together, they chase poetry, dodge danger (including a hungry T-Rex), and discover the wild, hilarious world of verse in this laugh-out-loud graphic novel by Tom Angleberger.

I love graphic novels, dinosaurs, and poets! So of course this book checked off all my boxes easily. It is a hilarious romp through the ages, and a fun way to spark creativity. Great for dino-lovers, comic-book fans, and reluctant poets and readers too.
🖨️ The Typewriter

The Typewriter by Bill Thomson (Children’s Picture Books | 3 – 7 years, and up)
This book is a quiet masterpiece that celebrates the power of words—while hardly using any at all. Bill Thomson’s signature visuals bring this wordless story to life, making it a wonderful tool for inspiring storytelling, classroom discussions, and imaginative play.
I first discovered Bill Thomson’s Chalk earlier this year while creating lesson plans for a teaching class, and it immediately drew me in with its creativity and visual storytelling. That discovery led me to Typewriter, and I’m so glad it did. All of Thomson’s books are remarkable, but Typewriter feels like an unexpected treasure—imaginative, beautifully illustrated, and full of wordly-wonder (despite its-non-wordiness!). It definitely deserves more recognition than it gets.
🕊️ Fly
Fly! by Mark Teague (Children’s Picture Books | 4-8 years, and up)
It’s a big day in the tree—Mama bird thinks Baby bird is ready to fly and join the flock. But Baby bird has other ideas: maybe a car? A hot air balloon? This silly wordless picture book delivers laughs as Baby bird learns there’s only one way to migrate—by flapping those wings!

I came across this book quite by chance, and it turned out to be perfect timing! We have a nest on our porch, and the baby birds are now fully feathered (photo below) —just about ready to fly. I’m hoping to catch that moment through the window without disturbing the little family. In the meantime, Fly! was just as adorable as the cover and description promised. Sweet, simple, and charming—perfect for whenever you want watch nature up close.

🦋 The Blue Butterfly of Cochin

The Blue Butterfly of Cochin by Ariana Mizrahi and illustrated by Siona Benjamin (Children’s Picture Book | 5–10 years, and up)
Leah, a young Jewish girl from Cochin, India, watches as her family prepares to immigrate to the new state of Israel in the 1950s. Guided by a magical blue butterfly, she learns that even after leaving her homeland, the stories and traditions of Cochin can travel with her—integrating into her new life and helping her thrive in the desert landscape of Israel.
I hadn’t known about the Jewish community of Cochin, or their migration to Israel in the 1950s. This book changed that for me. The Blue Butterfly of Cochin takes us on that journey through the eyes of young Leah. Leah’s family is preparing to leave India for Israel as the story starts. I especially loved this page below and the words within for the way it portrays the power of stories.

It’s a moving, meaningful book rich with history and filled with hope for the future. The artwork is vibrant and beautiful. Overall, this one is truly an unexpected gem that is sure to invite both reflection and conversation.
The Wig in the Window
The Wig in the Window by Kristen Kittscher (Children’s Fiction | 8 – 12 years, and up)
Best friends Sophie and Grace think they’re spies. But when they start tailing a suspicious neighbor, their game becomes a real mystery. A bit wacky, a bit serious, and lots of fun.

Like I mentioned in an earlier post on my blog, this one is sure to be a hit with all age-groups. And if you want to read more of this sweet and smart spy duo – The Tiara on the Terrace.
And Now, the End of This Post
Dear reader, have you read any of these? Or do you have a favorite early-read or recent book that deserves more love? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
