Creaky Castle: Tom and the Siege

A parent might reach for this book when their child is dreading a new school, camp, or responsibility and is indulging in wild 'what if' scenarios to get out of it. The story follows Tom, a boy who desperately wants to avoid being sent to Squire School. His wish for a distraction comes true in the most absurd way when the bumbling villain Bad Bart lays siege to his family's castle. This fast-paced, funny chapter book uses slapstick humor to explore feelings of apprehension about new challenges. It’s a perfect, lighthearted read for ages 7 to 10 that normalizes anxiety about change while showing that even scary situations can be managed with a little creativity and teamwork.